Based out of New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, DM Jewellery Designs was established as a result of a life-long enchantment of manifesting visions of radiant jewellery including custom bridal designs. Individualistic creations that can be customised to accommodate any persona or special event. Our mission is to create exquisite pieces of jewellery that celebrates every aspect of a woman. It gives me great joy to create alluring pieces of jewellery that not only embodies a woman’s individuality, but also exemplifies all of a woman’s finest qualities: beauty, strength, intelligence, passion, excitement.

Debora Ann Malouf, owner and creative designer of DM Jewellery Designs, has always had an artistic aspect of her persona despite the professional pursuit of taxation and fraud examination. Born and raised in a suburb outside of Boston, Massachusetts, Debora has always been drawn to designing with high quality precious and semi-precious gemstones and pearls as well as other natural stones. She graduated Bentley College with a BS in Accounting and soon after became a Certified Fraud Examiner. She continued her education to graduate with a Masters in Taxation from Northeastern University.

Here, she tells us more…

When did you launch the brand and what was the reason behind it?
I officially launched the brand at the beginning of 2017. It took a number of swift kicks to my tush from an entrepreneurial figure for me to actually embark on this jewellery designing journey. I originally wanted to go to Rhode Island School of Design as I was naturally drawn to fashion design, however, I was deterred by a few friends who were double degree art majors where both of them ended up as tattoo artists since they couldn’t find jobs in their fields of passion. So, I ended up going the other path to become a corporate income tax accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner. All through that time, I stayed being creative because it’s truly what makes my heart sing. Eventually I created custom jewellery for friends and others through word-of-mouth. This entrepreneur saw some of my pieces and kept encouraging me to make the jump as she thought my designs were unique. It’s been a slow process, but as of roughly a year ago – I finally jumped in with both feet!

Whats your background?
I know there will be a few people trying to make a connection with this answer! I have a Bachelors in Accountancy, a Masters in Taxation and am a Certified Fraud Examiner. Even I can’t make the connection! For me, it’s about being in touch with your heart and soul and knowing what truly makes them dance and float on air when it comes to doing something. If you asked me 20 years ago I would be designing jewellery today, I would be a bit surprised because 20 years ago I was more drawn to designing clothes. I know designing jewellery is exactly what I’m meant to do!

How many people are involved in the company and what are their roles?
Right now I am the sole commander of this ship! I believe in the quote, “Quality over Quantity” and as result of being able to handle every aspect of a design…from the creation of design through to the packaging of the product….. it allows me to put a personal touch in every step.

If you could start over with the business, would you do anything differently?
Hind sight is always 20/20 isn’t it?!?!? If I could start over with my business, what I would do differently is conduct better due diligence on some of the services I retained. However, I have learned some very valuable lessons with those initial decisions and those tend to be the most valuable experiences. These aspects are ones I never learned in my undergraduate and masters program with school. In addition, if I didn’t make those initial mistakes, then I would never have come across the fabulous people who help me now such as my web developer is awesome and whose advise is fully trust!

What is the hardest challenge you have faced since you started the company?
Right now my greatest challenge is finding a balance between working the day job of income taxes, designing jewellery and working out since having a healthy body feeds a healthy mind to design with.

Tell us one fact about you that people wouldn’t know?
Hmmmmm.. One fact about me people wouldn’t know.. This is a tough one to answer because only my circle of friends know I am/have been a Harley Davidson owner / competitive archer, but no one else outside that close circle knows that about me! Oops… I think I just gave two facts!

2018 is almost here, where do you plan on taking the brand?
My plan is to continue the course with my brand so that my dream of creating unique jewellery full-time is realised!

To date, what has been the highlight since launching?
These past 8 months have been so incredible that I can’t find the right words to express my gratitude/appreciation for what has transpired! Not only was I presented with this great opportunity with House of Coco, but to also appear in Vogue, GQ, Avenue 15 and Fashion Studio Magazine where I’m also humbled with the up-coming collaborations with Vanity Fair and Life Magazines that are distributed to various areas of North London.

Which city do you feel most at home in, London, Paris or New York?
At the moment I will have to answer with New York. I grew up in the Boston area where New York is the closets to that city.. However, the battle continues over which city has the worst drivers! I think it’s a tie!

Three beauty products you can’t leave the house without?
With it being winter, I have a hard time keeping my skin hydrated. Recently I came across a lip balm called Moroccan Magic made with natural and organic ingredients. It is by far the best in keeping my lips from getting chapped. I also won’t leave my house without Aquaphor to keep my hands from cracking. I keep a tube of it everywhere! Lastly, my rollerball pen of Coach perfume!

Style means….?
Style to me means personal expression and empowerment!

Best thing about London to you?
This question is one I plan on being able to answer! Due to a scheduling conflict I had to decline an invitation to a networking event at London Fashion Week. I just grateful this invitation is open to me to another fashion event. My goal is to head out this Fall and hopefully get to meet some of the incredible people who are making this journey really special to me!

Statement shoe or statement bag?
Statement bag – Burberry!

If you had to, what piece of clothing from your wardrobe would you wear everyday?
Black slacks! They are a great staple to every wardrobe where they can be dressed up or down depending upon the blouse/blazer/sweater worn! To me it is like that statement necklace that can be worn at the office and at night to dress up any outfit worn out on the town.

Favourite love song?
Patti Labelle – “If You Asked Me to”

Best place for a coffee?
Home! I can make coffee as strong as I like….which is usually the strength of “Jet Fuel”! Plus I can make it wearing my slippers!

Most memorable piece of advice given to you?
I’ll never forget this…The best piece of advice I received occurred on business trip I went on with my Father where I ended up having a nice conversation with one of his colleagues who I found to be so down-to-earth despite his success. It was a time where I started to embark on journey into the outer world and he said, “Never forget where you came from.” I took that advice to heart and I still keep it close. There isn’t a day that goes by that I won’t thank the lady who empties my trash every night at the office… or to the ladies who clean the bathroom every day.. or to the gentlemen who shover/plow out the complex I live in and this list continues! Where ever we go there are people who makes our lives cleaner, easier, more pleasant. Yes – it may be their job… But I’m grateful for what they all do and how they impact myself and others. I’m finding the words, “Thank You” have a huge impact on people and it’s spoken so little.

Guilty pleasure?
Pizza…..french fries… Wait… I think I’m supposed to pick just one here which is a tough choice.. I’ll go with Pizza French fries! (now I’m craving them!!)

If you could spent 24 hours in anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Maldives! It’s been over 10 years since taking a vacation… Some sand, sun and water would do this soul some good!

In future, how do you plan on expanding the company?
Right now the plan to expand the company is through continued promotions/marketing efforts for increased visibility!

Find out more…

There is a bit more about me on my web site which is: https://www.dmjewelrydesigns.com. I can also be found on the following social media platforms:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmjewelrydesigns (A lot current designs in the works are posted here)

Twitter: https://twitter.com/damjewelry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DMJewelryDesigns

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DMJewelryDesign/dm-jewelry-designs-the-creations

However, if there is anything specific people would like to know about me or if they are interested in a draft design that I can custom finish for them, my e-mail is Debora@DMJewelryDesigns.com. I’d love to hear from you! And thank you very much for reading about me here on House of Coco!

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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