(Minelle shown here with, "The Daisy")
Maison Minelle is a custom jewellery design and crafting house. It specializes in custom creations that are unique in every way. With a growing fan-base and even faster growing demand for their one-off products, Maison Minelle is definitely a brand to watch!
Owned and operated by Minelle Mir, it is a triumph of her passion, creativity, and perseverance. Minelle’s story is as inspirational as it is candid.
Although the business is still in its infancy, Maison Minelle already experiences high demand for their one-of-a-kind creations. In fact, her creations are so very popular, that people are constantly requesting previous designs, even though Minelle makes it clear that her creations are unique.
Maison Minelle’s products are primarily large Swarovski crystal creations. These are versatile and irresistible designs, some of which can be worn in many ways. Exclaims Minelle, “it is costume jewellery in all its fabulousness, pieces that can be mixed with real jewellery.”
Minelle is currently concentrating on the Canadian market, but in the initial stages of her business, she designed many custom pieces for women in East Africa, West Africa, Dubai, and London. These customers gave her insight into the diversity of design, and into how cultural environment influences jewellery designs. Minelle considers herself extremely blessed to have this kind of insight.
The Minelle Story
Minelle Mir has an extensive background in fashion design, merchandising, fashion styling, and make-up artistry. She has traveled all over the world, lived in Europe and Africa, worked on television, given seminars on make-up and current trends, and styled women on every continent.
When she is not producing her one-of-a-kind pieces, Minelle explores other artisitc mediums, such as working on her first novel, and painting inspiring art pieces using mediums like ink and oil on canvas.
Minelle came to her talents naturally, being a member of a family of movie producers, singers, actresses, models, and creative artists. She explains, “I think that’s why I naturally lean towards anything that has to do with self-expression and creativity.”
Minelle is true in her belief to start small and watch her business grow, as she currently works alone. She says, “I take pride in the fact that I started from nothing, and out of nothing a little seed sprouted and is beginning to flourish. Every piece of jewellery is created and completed by myself. Sometimes I remake a piece up to five or six times just to make sure it is perfect.”
(Minelle shown with her signature piece, "The Cleopatra")
Sit down and ask yourself what it is you want to do, as opposed to what you should be doing.
What inspired you to start creating and selling your own jewellery?
It’s interesting, because there was a point when I was in the midst of traveling somewhere on a plane looking down at the ocean, and thinking about jewellery I would like to wear and could not find. More specifically, the colour coordination and fun factor, which led me to spend countless hours on the internet purchasing supplies and tools. Once I had everything that I required, the creation process came very naturally to me, down to the intricate details and wiring.
Where did your seed capital come from?
My capital was my personal savings, and it’s an incredible feeling to be able to say that.
What makes your jewellery so unique?
All my pieces are made in the greatest detail and made with only the best materials. I literally design things that I would like to wear, and package them in the way that I would like to receive them. My biggest advantage is my travel background: I have had the opportunity to see so many stores, ideas, designs, and pieces of jewellery with the finest of stones, to know what expert craftsmanship looks like.
Every piece of jewellery comes with a positive affirmation: a little card with something inspirational written on it. This is paramount to me and reflective of the way I run my business. Without gratitude I would be nowhere, so I like to thank my clients with positive affirmations.
I also provide a guarantee that I will always repair/fix my product if it does happen to break.
It’s definitely quality versus quantity here, and many of the designs are produced in limited quantities. I find that my client feels better knowing that they have something unique, and not mass-produced to serve a trend of the moment.
("Carpe Diem", shown here with Signature house packaging.)
Each day that I create a piece and make a client truly happy is a milestone for me.
How did you brand Maison Minelle and market your jewellery?
I created a catalogue, printed my own business cards, had exhibitions, and slowly built clientele. I was very fortunate to not have to advertise—the business practically came to my doorstep. Now I utilize tools such as Facebook, Twitter, catalogues and my website.
Could you give a brief description of your biggest success so far?
Creating a new collection and having it completely sold out in two hours. It was definitely a milestone!
What other milestones have you reached?
Each day that I create a piece and make a client truly happy is a milestone for me. To know that I have come this far on my own is a huge personal achievement.
Do you have plans to expand?
Definitely, it’s just a question of correct timing.
What are your goals as an entrepreneur?
To reach all my expectations and build onwards. I’d like to be unstoppable.
What is your exit strategy?
I don’t believe in one. I love what I do.
Do you have any other ventures you are working on?
I am currently working on two books. The first is fiction and the second one is more motivational and inspirational. That’s all I can divulge at present.
(Minelle shown here with, the "Declaration")
I find that my client feels better knowing that they have something unique, and not mass-produced to serve an of-the-moment trend.
How do you define success?
Success, to me, is the measure of my own personal goals and ideals, and not what others have done now or in the past. It’s really salient to be inspired by other people, but ultimately only we have the personal tools to weave our way to the success we want to reach.
To what do you most attribute your success?
Gratitude and unwavering faith in my abilities.
What three pieces of advice would you give to others who want to become entrepreneurs?
- Sit down and ask yourself what it is you want to do, as opposed to what you should be doing.
- Believe that you are going to be able to achieve it.
- Act on it, even in some small way. Work towards it, put a deposit on equipment you need, create a website, use whatever tools you can, and write it all down. It’s so important to write your goals down.
What book would you recommend to a young entrepreneur?
I would recommend “The Secret of the Ages” by Robert Collier.
(Minelle at her design studio)
Exit Strategy? I don’t believe in one. I love what I do.
How has being an entrepreneur affected your life?
I feel like a success every day, and that I am surrounded by limitless possibilities and opportunities.
What is the best part of owning a business?
I have the privilege of managing my time in a manner that suits my schedule, and the freedom to make all my decisions.
I can also take as many coffee breaks as I desire!
If you had the chance to start over again, what would you do differently?
Absolutely nothing.
(Minelle shown here with, the "Garden Party")
I feel like a success every day.
Turning Passion Into Success
Minelle shows exquisitely clearly that it is possible to turn a passion into a successful business. Her love of jewellery has given her the impetus, but it was her perseverance that led her to the successes she enjoys today. Minelle is a true entrepreneur to the core.
For more information on Minelle and her creations, visit the Maison Minelle website!
