Anne Poon’s jewellery presents the concept for how to integrate the new and old materials with a refreshing & simplistic design approach. It is not just about making new beautiful things with new materials, it is more about going back to the wild vintage stores, old bead stores and reviving these forgettable, discontinued but treasurable gems. Simply because for one reason: they arouse imaginations. They deserve better, and she wants to bring these inspirations back to life.

Here, she tells us more…

When did you launch the brand and what was the reason behind it?
I don’t remember exactly when- I just started making jewellery back in 2005 as an outlet to unleash my creativity- at some point I designed so much that I just decided to launch a website to share my passion. And then the response was good and that encouraged me to keep going.

Whats your background?
My background is in Architecture and I am still practicing as an architectural designer. My past experiences have involved different building types, from high rise tower, hotel, villa to now single family custom home. Somehow it seems very different from jewellery design but indeed it shares some similarities, like understanding human scale, proportions, texture and aesthetics. It strikes a very good balance to me.

How many people are involved in the company and what are their roles?
There is no one else- I play every role from design, sourcing, making, styling, photographing, marketing and the packaging. I learn a great deal from every single aspect and I strongly believe this is very important for a designer to understand this entire process. But of course I really hope someday I don’t have to do them all!

If you could start over with the business, would you do anything differently?
I would have started my business without a full time job. Though I am still treating my business like a hobby, I have no regrets on that and intend to keep that vibe going. Or else I won’t be able to stay true to myself.

What is the hardest challenge you have faced since you started the company?
A few…I suck at marketing; this is the biggest challenge to me, I just have a super thin skin. I constantly have to remind myself from switching a designer position to a business woman position.

Tell us one fact about you that people wouldn’t know?
can’t wear my earrings cos I don’t have my ears pierced anymore. They were pierced when I was a kid and found they were super annoying from not getting infected. From time to time, people always have the same reaction when they discover I don’t have my ears pierced.

To date, what has been the highlight since launching?
The highlight has been invited to a jewellery exhibition show in Milan this February and also being interviewed by House of Coco Magazine! The Milan show was a three days exhibition with other 120 designers from everywhere in the world. It was very touching when you see your works being seriously treated like an art work in the gallery. That moment I dropped a tear and thought ‘wow, look at what you did.’

Which city do you feel most at home in, London, Paris or New York?
I don’t think I have spent enough time in the above cities to make that call, though I always crave to go back to know better. A homey feeling is another story. Besides my origin, Hong Kong, I would say San Francisco (currently my residence) feels mostly my home.

Three beauty products you can’t leave the house without?
Powder Blush, eyebrow brush and eye cream.

Style means….?
Style means just being yourself, I also feel to stay true and be able to understand yourself is very important.

Best thing about London to you?
The art & the history, AND Alexander McQueen.

Statement shoe or statement bag?
Neither, I care more a jewellery piece than bags or shoes. Sometimes I feel like I am a dude who just wants to walk out the house with an iphone and a credit card.

If you had to, what piece of clothing from your wardrobe would you wear everyday?
Jumpsuit, that’s a no brainer.

Favourite love song?
Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi. It is not really a love song, but I switch my favourite love song all the time.

Best place for a coffee?
The best coffee will take place at my good friend’s place or just home-made by my hubby.

Most memorable piece of advice given to you?
Don’t listen to people’s advices; all you need to listen is your heart.

Guilty pleasure?
Spend an afternoon on a stack of art/fashion/design magazines, complement with a giant bag of the Japanese Calbee BBQ potato chips, just lie on my couch and do nothing else.

In future, how do you plan on expanding the company?
Since I suck so much in marketing & business development, I need to either find a business partner or beat myself up to work on it.

Find out more…

Website: www.annepoon.com

Instagram: @capoon

Author

Northern girl Laura is the epitome of a true entrepreneur. Laura’s spirit for adventure and passion for people blaze through House of Coco. She founded House of Coco in 2014 and has grown it in to an internationally recognised brand whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Travel is in her DNA and she is a true visionary and a global citizen.

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