Company/Designer Name: Jocus Joyas/ Juliana Otálora
Designer Background Summary:
How did you get started?
I started taking jewelry classes 7 years ago, first making jewelry for myself and little by little I fell in love with jewelry making, with the art of transforming metals into jewels, being able to create objects, to materialize my ideas, and to become skilled working with my hands. That made me realize that I wanted to turn my passion into a life project.
Why did you join Noblivity®?
I think is a great idea to help new designers to open up new markets. There´s a lot of talent, but it is not always easy to have the resources to be able to get into international markets, this is a good way to do it.
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
My design style is very feminine, Jocus aims to connect with women´s taste for jewels, making them feel beautiful and unique. That´s why I try to innovate through different lines and designs. My target customers are women for whom jewels are part of their style, women who search for exclusivity , that’s why the production of each Jocus piece is limited. I design for women that appreciate the fact that someone dedicates time and energy designing and making the jewels that they are going to wear.
What inspires you?
Nature, as a way to connect with the world around us, and use earth´s beautiful natural resources in a sustainable way
What obstacles did you have to overcome?
More than obstacles I see them as opportunities, I’ve had to learn about how to create a company. I´m still learning about the business side, as I´m more used to design and production. Marketing is new to me, that´s why systems like Noblivity are so important.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
Learning from each one of them, analyzing why they happen and what changes I need to make to overcome them.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
When I see people really enjoying wearing my jewelry, is a great moment every day. A specific example was going to one of the most important fashion fairs in Latin America, Colombiamoda 2011, and seeing the stand with my jewelry. The most recent was seeing models wearing my jewelry on the runway at the fashion show of an important Colombian designer.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
I have started to work with new materials that I hadn’t worked with before. I respond to my customers preferences, I have to be open- minded and able to make changes and try new things.
What’s next for your brand?
To consolidate my position in the Colombian market, and to open new opportunities in international markets.
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?
I would like to participate in fairs around the world, and to open a store in Bogotá.
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?
The best is watching customers when they like my designs and are excited about trying them on, especially when they are faithful clients who are looking forward to seeing my new designs. The worst is finding new markets which requires a lot of patience.
Describe your typical day?
Each day is different, there are some days in which I work in the workshop, others where I visit clients and try to look for new customers, and others where I keep my administration up to date. Its critical to maintain a balance.
What is your philosophy of life?
Try to be happy and to help other people. One of my main goals is to generate work, to be able to help other people in their professional development as well as in their personal development. Just as I discovered that jewelry is my passion and what moves me every day, I try to help others to discover the same passion and joy and love for their work.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would have started much earlier, I would love to be further down the road right now.
When will you know you have made it?
When my brand is recognized throughout the Colombian national market, when I have international clients who appreciate my work and the quality of my jewelry. When I have too many orders, then I´ll know that I have made it.
