Article: IN CONVERSATION WITH CHUPI
IN CONVERSATION WITH CHUPI
STORIES FOUNDER, TONYA KIDD-BEGGS, RECENTLY JOINED FELLOW FEMALE FOUNDER, CHUPI SWEETMAN, CREATOR OF CHUPI, FINE JEWELLERY TO TALK ALL THINGS BUSINESS LIFE, PERSONAL LIFE AND GOALS FOR THE FUTURE!
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
I am a serial entrepreneur. I was brought up in the countryside, home schooled and believe passionately in moving ever forward.
What was the initial inspiration behind starting a fine jewellery brand?
My husband proposed, I fell in love with how jewellery marks the biggest moments in our lives.
Can you tell us more about your journey to creating sustainable products? In particularly the process involved in working with recycled and lab grown diamonds?
It’s essential. The world needs us to change. Lab grown diamonds will be the same way we view real fur vs fair fur.
Where do you see Chupi in 10 years? (the business)
Established, flagship in London and growing.
How have you found the transition to becoming a mother alongside a successful business owner?
Such a joy. We had a long road and it was worth every minute.
What would you say is your greatest achievement, something you’re the most proud of - can be personal or professional, or both!
I think personally it’s our happy life? It’s chaotic, but filled with love and joy and people Professionally it’s Chupi. There have been so many challenges, but we are building a beautiful brand with an incredible community.
What would be your advice to aspiring female founders be?
Start. Start now.
Do you have a special scent memory? STORIES Parfums is based on the understanding that fragrance has the power to emerge us in an instant, and our sense of smell is the most powerful of all our senses, closely linked to memory and mood. Is there a special scent that connects you to a place or to a person?
Tomato leaves. Straight back to the greenhouse at home growing them with my Mum.
Who gives you inspiration in the world of business?
I adore so many of the Irish entrepreneur community, From Denise of Headplan to Rosie of 4th Arq and Aimee of Aimee Connolly. Fierce determination and an understanding of who they are serving.
You can shop the beautiful and precious pieces created by Chupi here!