We're still collecting donations
On the 8th December 2020 we'd raised £5,170 with 51 supporters in 59 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
Julie is reaching out to you to help save what she's worked so hard to build. Help Jules & Gems make the changes needed to survive Covid 19.
by Julie Ashton in London, England, United Kingdom
On the 8th December 2020 we'd raised £5,170 with 51 supporters in 59 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
Hi, I am Julie, the creator of Jules & Gems - a boutique Jewellery & Accessories brand providing handmade Jewellery made by myself and other up and coming independent designers.
Over the last two years I’ve worked tirelessly to build my business, increase footfall and my client base and overcome many adversities, but like so many people around the world I have been severely affected by Covid 19.
In this incredibly challenging year, it has become increasingly difficult for me to maintain a tenable business. I have been through recessions before and survived, but this time it is MUCH harder and I am determined and motivated to do everything to ensure I continue to run my business; as the last thing I want to do is give up everything I have worked so hard to build.
There is a solution: because footfall is non-existent during Covid 19 it is crucial that I transition to having a strong online presence to survive this crisis. My joy is designing and making jewellery - I am not a digital marketing expert and do not have the expertise or the time to learn a new trade and ride this wave of uncertainty. This is where I need your help!
Building for the Future!
By taking part in the Pay It Forward scheme I am looking to raise the funds needed to cover the costs of developing a stronger online presence, to pay for computer equipment, software and materials needed to digitise my business and to make my studio Covid safe for two of us to work in, so that I can employ a Digital Marketing Apprentice through the GOV.UK scheme.
With your help it would be amazing to be able to give a job to someone who lives locally to Wood Green especially during these uncertain times, I'll be gaining the help needed to digitise my business properly providing job security for the both of us.
My promise to you is that I will continue to bring something unique, sustainable, and bespoke to the North London community and extend my reach and impact with an online presence. I’m extremely grateful to be part of the innovative Blue House Yard creatives and have never been happier: meeting the locals, making many new friends and building a loyal clientele who are constantly satisfied with the bespoke pieces that I meticulously design, make and source to their unique requests.
Those who know me know I am passionate about my gemstones, and having my studio above the shop gives my customers the rare advantage of being able to pop in and hand-pick the gemstones themselves and be actively involved in the design process. Not only do I sell my own work, but I also stock other independent designers’ work. It has been my passion for years to support the best designers in the industry and stock quirky and individual pieces that you won’t find elsewhere, offering my customers the opportunity to buy artisan pieces of jewellery and accessories at affordable prices.
My new limited-edition range is almost ready to launch, based on an idea that was born in lockdown and it is vital to showcase these new designs online.
In the current climate I know Jewellery and Accessories may not be at the top of your list, but self-care and wellbeing is a priority - which is why I’ve devised a reward scheme so people can treat themselves or take part in something creative.
For every donation that you give, I would like to give you something back in return. Even a £10 donation will get you a 10% discount on a single sale either online or in the shop. You could have lessons in design and beading with me in the evenings or at weekends for a larger donation, or we can make a bespoke piece of jewellery together worth £300. Please look at the rewards, and see how you could gain from helping me. I will honour every donation and you will also have the added peace of mind in knowing that your pledge will be match funded by the government, no matter how small: it WILL make a difference!
I would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who reads this message and for supporting me. I will look forward to giving back to you, sharing my designs and hopefully getting creative with you!
This project offered rewards