Michael Elliott, along with wife Carolyn, have purchased a 25 per cent interest in Melbourne-based Ichu Jewellery, which specialises in sterling silver jewellery handmade in Mexico.
Elliott has held several positions within the industry over the past decade, including general manager of Najo and most recently general manager of sales and marketing at Pastiche. He has been credited with playing a major role in developing both businesses into well-known brands within the local market.
Carolyn, who has been involved in the jewellery industry for about 20 years, is also a former employee of Najo and Pastiche, as well as Swatch.
Elliott told Jeweller that the pair had been approached by a number of suppliers seeking to work with them following his departure from Pastiche in November 2014. However, he said they had been particularly attracted to Ichu due to factors like the Mexican influences behind the designs.
“We see that the business has lots of potential,” he commented. “[Creative director Geneva Caldwell] is very talented, having studied business and fashion design.”
Backed by experience
Caldwell said it was fantastic to have the Elliotts join the Ichu team as both co-owners and sales agents of the business.
“Our fabulous product is now backed by Michael’s marketing expertise and Carolyn’s success in sales and customer service,” she stated. “Together we plan to increase Ichu’s brand awareness, with a particular focus on product placement.”
As directors of Ichu, Elliott explained he and Carolyn would have daily input on the business’ strategy, in addition to selling ‘on the road’.
Carolyn will assist Caldwell with product design, sales and marketing, while Elliott’s focus for the next six to eight months will be on building a brand identity for the supplier at a retail level and improving brand integrity and customer service.
“We are focused on helping to find the right stockists, sales reps and have also made recommendations regarding the consolidation of product mix,” Elliott explained.
He added that he eventually hoped to establish a presence in markets outside of Australasia.
“Essentially, the focus going forward is in developing the foundation for a great brand. It’s not going to happen overnight but it’s a long-term plan.”
Caldwell and her parents, Ron and Helen, founded Ichu in 2009.
The jewellery range includes rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings, as well as men’s and bridal pieces. Although Caldwell designs the jewellery in Melbourne, each piece is handmade in Taxco, Mexico, using sterling silver native to the region.
There are currently more than 70 Ichu retail stockists across Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia.