Lydia Gachery- Jewelry designer

How did you become a jewellery designer?

Designing jewelry started as a hobby in early 2000´s and later grew into a passion. I decided to dedicate time and effort into turning my hobby into a business. My first degree was in Multimedia Design and Communication with a specialty in e- commerce at North Sealands Business Academy in Denmark. I use the Multimedia Design aspect of my degree when managing my website which is an e-commerce platform. I also took a diploma course in fashion styling at Instituto Marangoni in Paris and combined it with my second degree in Fine Arts specialising in Metal smithing . Metal smithing has been instrumental in improving my skills and techniques in jewelry designing.

Where do you sell your products?

I have a few avenues. I host events, I set up pop up stores (a retail store that is opened temporarily to take advantage of a trend or a seasonal product) among others. I also attend fashion markets and sell some stuff via my website.

How do you decide what you want to create? What is your creative process?.

My creative process varies from time to time. It usually is inspired by my surroundings, people, colours etc. These things combined are components that help me come up with a theme which I later build up on to become a collection.

The thing that ties the collections together is mixed media. I try as much as possible to use different types of media.

What types of materials do you use?

I use different kinds of metals like silver, brass, copper and semi precious and precious stones. I also use leather, beads, wood and fabric.

What projects are you working on right now?

I´m working on beachwear and a new accessory line which I will launch this year.

What were some of the biggest lessons that has impacted the way you work?

I've learnt that planning and time management is important. Working towards a deadline and goal makes things easier. Making a mock-up or sample helps in problem solving along the way, which minimises time wastage. Changing my environment has also been important in helping get the creative juices flowing and has helped preventing getting stuck in a rut.

What other plans do you have?

I hope to take part in more fashion shows worldwide, launching new collections of my jewelry, accessories and beachwear and expanding my distribution to have collections in several stores. I also hope to have a production line side by side with my line of one-of-a kind pieces, solely for wholesale purposes. My ultimate goal is to bring the African craftsmen/women, entrepreneurs, photographers etc. currently host pop up events that are geared towards promoting upcoming artists, designers and small businesses.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Kuyoh Photography

CONTACTS

WEBSITE: www.cheche-couture.com

INSTAGRAM:Checheccouture

FACEBOOK:Chéché Couture