A rising interest among young people for quality and beautifully designed jewellery at an affordable price has been the key to early success for Mt Maunganui designer Justine Baker whose company, Beau & River is winning consumer plaudits.
Using only the best genuine stones and materials, all designs are manufactured in New Zealand by her talented father-in-law Michael Baker, who has already established a strong production reputation in Fiji, Tahiti and Rarotonga in recent years.
"Our business is still very new but we're sure the team will grow with the keen interest being shown in our designs," said Justine. "I'd love to see our own Beau & River store one day although currently we are online only (beauandriver.com). The idea of moving into retail as we develop is exciting."
Justine has had a passion for the fashion industry since she was young and as well as being an experienced make-up artist, spent four years in the Trelise Cooper workroom learning the business from the ground up. Her grounding in the fashion industry has been key to fitting her jewellery designs into current clothing trends.
Justine's jewellery presently has a strong mermaid and bohemian vibe and draws inspiration from the beach and surroundings in the Bay of Plenty. She says there is an incredible laid back culture in Mt Maunganui and for her, it's not hard to get inspired when you almost live on the beach.
