An interview with Airdrie Makim from Joolz
Q. What is your Company trading name?
A. Joolz by Airdrie
Q. Where is your main location?
A. Melbourne
Q. How many people do you employ?
A. Usually just myself, unless things are really busy, when I have some helpers! And of course people like my wonderful photographer, Lucia, who very handily only lives one suburb away and is a GODDESS! And models and makeup artists, when we’re doing a shoot for Joolz. You can see Lucia in action, (in fact a whole bunch of us) busy on this shoot which was filmed recently – it’s now up on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20vgbexjbn0
Q. Are all the products/services you provide 100% Australian?
A. Everything from Joolz is made and designed right here in Melbourne. I source locally for as many of the materials as possible used in constructing my designs– like the recycled native Australian timber beads I use in the Murindi necklace and Hunter Gatherer bracelet.
I love using unusual Australian stones too, like beautiful brown and black banded Tiger Iron and turquoise green Varascite from WA, Pink Opal from NSW, and my favourite, green Rhyolite from outside Rockhampton in Qld.
We have such beautiful natural materials right here in Australia – of course I’m going to use them! And all the other recycled materials I use are sourced locally too – they come from antique stores, second hand shops, collectors, all sorts of places.
Q. Why should people use your products/services in lieu of other alternatives?
A. I design classically beautiful statement jewellery for people who like to both accessorise well and support eco-friendly alternatives. The fact that it’s all-Australian is an added bonus!
Q. What is your website address?
Q. Do you have any additional comments and information?
A. I design a lot of commissioned pieces – brides in particular like to have something created that’s ‘just for them’ and I always think it’s such a wonderful privilege to be designing for weddings.
People also get things made for special gifts, like 21st presents and anniversaries and so forth. Doing an individual design for someone is both the most challenging, and the most fun! I have a special group of subscribers who always get to see the new designs before anyone else, and they also get special offers, competitions and sales that no one else has access to.
And finally, I believe it’s very important to give back to society, which is why I support a number of local charities and non-profit organisations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the CWA, the Starlight Foundation, and other local organisations. Last year I sponsored the two Victorian entrants in the Miss Earth Australia competition – we organised a fashion show fundraiser together – which both raised funds for the World Wildlife Fund, and promoted local eco-friendly designers. I really like to promote other local designers who I think are doing a great job.
Q. Would you be prepared to offer any discounts or special offers to people who mention that they saw your business promoted on “madedownunder”?
A. Yes, most definitely. For the next month, a special 20% discount is offered to all purchases made when someone mentions that they saw Joolz promoted on “madedownunder”. This discount applies to all items except those on the Sale Page (those items are already very heavily reduced – up to 80% off).
JOOLZ - The home of award winning handmade Australian jewellery
