Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Vo Bombet.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Natalie. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
Bijou Indochine [Bee-Zhoo In-Doe-Sheen] was created from my love for jewelry and gemstones. I love the beauty and positive energy of natural stones and have always wanted to create my own jewelry line. I started making my own jewelry while working for an amazing jewelry company that empowered women because I wanted to wear pieces that fit my personality and background.
While wearing one of my bracelets to lunch one day, one of my best friends loved it and decided to put the piece on one of her contestants on a major TV show. That day jumpstarted my desire to create and build something for myself, and I’m forever grateful for the circle of friends that have supported me from that day on.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a slow process because I wanted to grow my business at a pace that allowed me to juggle motherhood and business. I run my business by myself, so it can be challenging without a proper team behind me.
I’ve been able to outsource various tasks such as graphic design and sales at events and, but for the most part, I handle it all. My business has grown to a point where I will be needing to bring on more help. The challenge is to learn how to delegate and to let go of certain aspects of running my business so that I can focus on the bigger picture.
Please tell us about Bijou Indochine Jewelry.
My jewelry line stands apart from most other lines because I like to focus on the meaning of each gemstone and symbol I work with. With my Buddhist/Asian background, my specialty is jewelry with Zen influences. Many of my pendants were handcrafted in either Tibet or Nepal, and I choose pieces that are meaningful such as Sitting Buddhas, Quan Yin (Buddha of Compassion), Evil Eye, Lotus, etc.
I’m most proud of the fact that I love to work with and support other women. I go out of my way to collaborate with other women artists when it comes to producing some of my one-of-a-kind pieces, and I often work with other women-owned businesses for pop-ups and events.
One of my favorite things to do is to host trunk shows. Hosting trunk shows has allowed many of my co-hosts to either earn 20% of the proceeds for themselves or their favorite charity.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood was when I met my Mom. My Dad and I had immigrated from Vietnam, and when we moved to the US, he couldn’t afford many things.
I ended up living with various friends and family for many years and didn’t have a solid home life. My mom was my middle school counselor, and she ended up taking me in, giving me a permanent home and eventually became the Mom I never had. My mom, Cathy, is an incredible human being.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bijouindochine.com
- Email: shop@bijouindochine.com
- Instagram: @bijouindochine
- Facebook: @bijouindochine
Image Credit:
Bil Burri, Mathew Tucciarone, Juan Carlos Ariano
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