Black Coco takes on the market
Originally a graphic designer by trade, Denise Cameron abandoned her first calling to follow her dream of being a full time jeweller and is now bracing herself for the task of driving BlackCoco's niche offer to retailers.
"At this stage we are looking to supply small to medium retail shops and to custom design and develop ranges with the larger boutique outlets," she said, before adding BlackCoco had no long term plans to enter the retail game itself.
Targeted at females in the 30 to 50 demographic, the brand uses precious stones in custom made jewellery, often designed to suit specific fashion collections. Average price points are $20 to $45 wholesale for earrings, $25 to $60 for bracelets and $55 to $135 for necklaces.
"Our signature stones are turquoise, red coral, pink opal and jasper and we also use a mixture of crystal and glass in some designs. All our jewellery is made with sterling silver or antique silver. We are reasonably priced, and as we exclusively produce the pieces we can make adjustments to suit clients' budgets. We work with our fashion houses to give them the overall package to complement their designs."
Cameron runs the business single handedly, with the exception of business advice from her husband and back up on large orders from another jewellery designer. Yet despite the hard work entailed, the choice of giving up a steady salary as a graphic designer to battle with the uncertainties of the fashion business was a no-brainer.
"I love the creative side of making jewellery. I wanted to continue making jewellery, so I had to start selling my jewellery in order to keep making it."
She admitted the game was not short on perks.
"I get a huge kick out of being able to make a piece of jewellery that perfectly suits my vision, rather than someone else's."