Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry and accessories but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nadine Deslauriers-Friesen, Owner of Madame Nadine Jewelry & Accessories, located in Cold Lake, AB, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Victorian-inspired jewelry designs made of top-quality material, locally sourced lace, and lead- & nickel-safe metals. All are backed by a 100% Satisfaction & Durability Guarantee. Custom orders are available! I am a renowned Canadian Jewelry Designer with my pieces worn by celebrities including Shay Mitchell (Pretty Little Liars, Dollface), Megan Tandy (Batwoman, Teen Wolf, E! News), and Chloe Bridges (Pretty Little Liars, Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam). My jewelry has been featured on the red carpet at the 2020 Oscars, in fashion magazines, on fashion week runways, and in gifting suites at Cannes, The Golden Globes, and The Emmys.

At Madame Nadine Jewellery and Accessories, my focus is on timeless fashion without the celebrity brand price tags. I make jewelry for women who live life fully, who embrace their true selves, who stand out and Dare to be Different.

Be comfortable, be empowered, and express your beautiful self with the fashion and unique, timeless designs from Madame Nadine Jewellery and Accessories.

Tell us about yourself

Madame Nadine simply started from the pure love of jewelry. In fact, you can call it an obsession. I have always surrounded myself with making jewelry. I used to gift my designs to my friends and my family. My fan base grew rapidly; eventually, my friends suggested that I should sell them and start a business. I did not quite buy into the hobby-business concept until my husband bought me a beautiful hanging pendant. I knew I could do better, so I went ahead and purchased material for creating my own. I haven't stopped since. My portfolio and styles grew quickly. A colleague needed some steampunk pieces to put in gift bags to promote her books. This was unknown territory for me, but, hey, I like a challenge!
As I continue to experiment with styles, I have since then developed a Victorian feel using lace. Something so different! It all began with a friend who makes handmade lace that later evolved into lace jewelry.

My designs are creative and unique, and quality and durability is my promise. My materials are solid and carry a lifetime guarantee. My customers are all jewelry fanatics. Every piece of jewelry says: "Be fearless, dare to be different because you are worth it." Today, my business is almost overtaking my day job. My daily pleasure is to dream up timeless pieces that can complement a variety of looks, from sensual and seductive casual to executive board. My plan for growth is to get into more outlets, increase my product lines and be all over the world.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

  • 2020: Recipient of the Lauriers de la PME – Alberta (Conseil de développement économique de l’Alberta) biggest accomplishment was to win the French business award of the year in 2020 in Alberta.
  • March 2020: To have my pieces on the red carpet at the Oscars.
  • March 2018: Recipient of the Business and Professional Award at the Women of Influence in Cold Lake, Alberta.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

I found that my biggest challenge was the steps to be considered a 'serious' or a 'real' business. I live in a rural region, so getting myself known locally was actually no problem. However, when it was time to establish myself past the geographical boundaries, I had to build a strong reputation for my business and myself. I had to make myself known as unique in my industry. I am still working on these challenging steps as I try to reach out to other countries.

Another important challenge is facing judgments. Because of a life-changing accident, I was disfigured. And since I operate in the fashion & beauty industry, there are, unfortunately, constant judgments about our appearances. However, I believe I was able to succeed despite the first looks.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Follow your dream. Anything is possible if you believe in yourself
Surround yourself with positive people, and don't be scared to ask for help; it takes time to make it. Great marketing strategies will help you grow.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Because I operate in the fashion and beauty industry, I found it important to share my personal story about self-esteem despite appearances. Indeed, as I was a road accident victim, I got highly disfigured. This experience transformed my whole personal life and professional goals. So, I committed to sharing my story in the form of conferences for youth and the general public. Among other things, I participated as a speaker at the following events:
• October 2019: TEDx Lakeland in Bonnyville and Cold Lake
• March 2019: Women of Influence in Cold Lake
• October 2018: Wisdom and Opportunities for Women (WOW) in Cold Lake

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.madamenadinedesigns.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JewelryByNadineF/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madamenadinejewel/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ndfjewel/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madamenadinebijou/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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