Talk with Angie Ng

 Date: 1st August 2020

This article was first published in Personalities (Refinement Society)

'TIF Talk' with Personality, Angie Ng, Serial Entrepreneur, Jewellery Designer, Self-Care Coach, and Educator.

"Make your life a story worth telling, shape your stories, and shape yourself."

- The Image Factor Way

Welcome.

What if there is a way for you to cope more productively? To feel calmer. To regain control. To plan wisely through some clarity. Individuals of inspiration we worked and associated with have discovered that regaining control, and re-energizing through answering the basic questions, move them into action even during this period of social distancing in remote home spaces or workplaces.

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"We help women to redefine their personal storyline, rediscover their femininity, rethink and express their personality and lifestyle, and add value to their overall well-being. We are basically in the business of bringing happiness, joy, promoting self-love and well-being". 

- Angie Ng, Founder and Creative Director of Angie Jewel & Co

Image: By Refinement Society

Angie Ng wearing her own design Pearl blended with gemstones Choker

How did you get started in the industry?

Angie Ng founded Angie Jewel & Co (AJ) in 2012. Before that, after deciding to leave her banking job, Angie, during her pregnancy offered to help co-manage, as Creative Director, in her husband's family jewellery business (known as Kelvin Gem, a heritage brand established in 1970) for two (2) years. It was during this time that she wholeheartedly put her effort into understanding the whole concept of a jewellery business like her own. With her years of experience as a banker, Angie used her acquired skills in managing multiple operations and dealing with numerous responsibilities at the same time to help manage the family business.

'Since at young age, I was inspired by my mum, who was a business owner herself in the early days. I started my entrepreneur journey with the vision to provide happiness, bring joy to people, and the latest add-on passion, adding value through well-being." said Angie.

Jewellery is, and always has been, a staple in fashion. Simply supplementing your outfit with a few pieces can transform your look! Angie Jewel & Co, through its founder's renaissance qualities and passion to thrive in all market situations, cater jewels for all occasions which include the following, from Fine Jewellery, Vintage to Custom Made:

• Therapeutic

• Gifts

• Weddings

• Corporate

• Family

• Fashion

• Investment

In 2014, Angie decided to turn her passion for jewellery-making and designing talent into an academy known as Elegant Jewel Studio (EJS). It has since grown into leaps and bounds and to date, she has trained thousands of women (and men) on how to make and design their own pieces of jewellery. Many graduates today have successfully started their own jewellery e-commerce online jewellery business. Angie Jewel & Co. as a brand is not only a fine-jewellery player in the exclusive high-end segment, it is using the EJS platform not only to communicate, but also to engage by introducing new product lines at affordable prices to reach the younger or less affluent consumers, giving them an entry point into the brand, for enthusiasts giving them a platform to create and express their own unique spaces, and for those seeking to start an (online or hybrid) entrepreneurship business. It is one of Angie's pride to showcase the brand's multifaceted future.

Can jewellery be both fashionable and therapeutic?

Throughout history, purchases have been motivated by nobility, status, celebration, and love. In modern times, they are also purchased for self-indulgence and self-identity. Designers have long since, recognized the therapeutic good that certain pieces of jewellery can offer. Generally, the positive sentiments that come with jewellery provide hope and uplift one's mood. While maintaining her core in producing jewellery of beauty for her bespoke clients, Angie also produces therapeutic jewellery, whether it is a bracelet, ring, or necklace. Through years of servicing and up-close conversations with her long list of clients, Angie realizes that women (and some men)through seeking aesthetically pleasing jewellery, but many, they want jewellery that not only looks great but has a beneficial impact on their well-being, self-esteem/self-worth or healing effect too.

Branded Jewellery was historically worn by the affluent to project status, and wealth, inspire trust, a sense of upgraded lifestyle, and self-expression but one segment that is much overlooked is the inner connection to the mind and soul (a.k.a. the mental well-being).

Image: By Refinement Society
Angie meets her clients by appointment for their custom-made jewellery

                                                                                           

Jewellery for therapeutic good 

Image Credit: Pixabay by Starbright
Splar Quartz bracelet

Dissatisfaction in modern life is rampant. Whether it is your family, career, economic, marriage, or romantic relationship, there are many reasons nowadays why so many of us are feeling less than happy or depressed. Despite variations in culture, race, or religion, we all want the same things, happiness, health, family, love, and career success. These are the things that tend to get neglected in the fast-paced hectic world today, which in essence we are neglecting our inner well-being and self-worth.

This is one of the much-overlooked segments where Angie believes she can help to provide 'Therapeutic Jewellery' which, is also her passion in 'Connecting the love of Jewellery with her intuitive intelligence.

So, for a man, if you want a thoughtful gift, something that will show you care, buying a beautiful lady either a jewellery piece or a uniquely personalized set, will show them how attentive you are and that you truly care how they feel.

Photo courtesy: InStyle.com
Actress Margot Robbie wearing a sensational Oscar Necklace

Image Credit: Angie Jewel & Co
Felix Sterling Silver Earrings by Angie Jewel & Co

Jewellery as essential Fashion Wardrobe items

Image Credit: Pixabay 

         

Image Credit: Pixabay by Mdgrafiko

  

                                                                             

"Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself".

-Coco Chanel 

     

In terms of wearing jewellery as a fashion statement, Angie Jewel caters to both the high-end and affordable lower-end of the market. According to research, the jewellery industry is starting to see evidence of hybrid consumption where previously clear-cut boundaries between fine jewellery (characterized by the use of precious metals and stones) and fashion jewellery (typically made of plated alloys and crystal stones) are starting to blur. For example, fine jewellery used to be almost exclusively gift purchases, but today's consumers are buying high-end items for themselves. Some fine jewellery is available at affordable prices due to market saturation and stiff competition. Designers today are encouraging consumers to wear jewellery as one of the essential wardrobe items, to use it as layering to mix with both high and low-price points jewellery. This illustration is more among the new rich with the new money, where individuals aspire to project an image, as well as to express their personal style and brand.

Image Credit: Angie Ng
Angie models her own design to express one of her looks for personal style and brand 

Angie Jewel with its omnichannel distribution gives them the advantage and edge over competitors, where elite clients who wish to have a personalized bespoke custom-made piece, can schedule a private personal shopping unique experience with Angie. 

With its virtual online presence and physical in-store presence to cater to walk-in or elite clients, Angie Jewel & Co. is poised for wider global reach and has the potential to scale up. In collaboration with partners, its skilled trained certified graduates through the EJS platform, and along the whole value chain, from suppliers to designers to logistics providers, Angie has already a full eco-systems in place. With its adaptive business systems, Angie Jewel & Co. can react and adjust to trends quickly.

Jewellery for Celebration of Love, Relations, and Weddings

Image Credit: Pixabay by Marla66

Diamond is a symbol of eternal love and commitment, hence it is the most common stone for engagement rings.

Planning for a wedding or proposal? Angie Jewel provides customized wedding and proposal rings that are unique and romantic. Contact and have conversations with Angie Experts.

Jewellery as Investment

The affluent segment in the industry will buy more than just gold, such as diamonds, coloured gemstones, and pearls, they are actually not spending but converting their liquidity to a safer form of investment as assets. Jewellery is a safer investment, especially at times of economic crisis where there is a global pandemic and great uncertainties. Jewellery made of gold, silver, diamonds, and gemstones are assets that actually have value. If you own something rare, its value continues to increase while you wear it in the meantime. Jewellery is also one of the most common assets to be passed down the generations as an heirloom. If you have any heirloom that was passed on to you and you wish to reset, recycle or liquidate, Angie Jewel & Co. offers consultation on whether to hold on to the asset or otherwise.

Is Personal Branding as Important as Business Brand?

So you're a founder and you have created a brand for your company that you're proud of. But what about your personal brand? In the age of digital evolution, consumers are responding to founders who share their personal lives on social media, and it's translating into sales. According to a survey and various studies, it says that consumers today are more likely to trust a company if the CEO or spokesperson of a brand is active on social media, but many are media-shy and still prefer to have their personal identity behind their company.

     

Image Credit: Pixabay by Pinkigirin

What does it mean to you? 

Angie believes in being authentic to her ethos which is values. As a modest, Angie places high importance on authenticity in her Personal Branding

Your Brand Aspirations 

To be the role model for women, wives, mothers, or working professionals, seeking to be their own person of esteem and self-worth, while maintaining life balance, aiming for self-fulfilment, happiness, and emotional health.

Author up-and-close a day of conversation with Angie Ng 

    

What's your pitch, and what makes you different? 

Many may say that to be different, your brand needs to be widely visible and known, or that you need to be a renowned celebrity for your personal brand to work for you. While success can certainly be credited to heightening exposure, the element of 'TRUST' is key to compelling customers to choose your brand over others. In a saturated market, consumers' trust lies with brands that they know and follow. It means you need to build some type of platform that engages and speaks to your target audience. The best brands create experiences and stories through their content, conversations, or how you interact through your platform.

The Pitch

Angie has built a great presence and visibility among her global business network and social channels. Based on her ethos, the 'TRUST' that Angie's personal brand has invested in, the company Angie Jewel & Co has garnered and attracted various investors. The "Investor's Rule" states that as a principle, investors invest in people rather than ideas.

What makes Angie stand out is her passion she thoroughly loves what she does, and it basically shines through everything she does. What makes Angie stand out is her passion she thoroughly loves what she does, and it basically shines through everything she does

Image Matters! How relevant is this to you?

First impressions and images are important and they really matter. Angie, as a forward-thinking leader and entrepreneur, is always prepared ahead of situations. Moving in tandem with the current market change, "MOBILITY' is key to embracing the New Normal Image Identity, as well as adapting. CONSISTENCY in terms of the look and feel throughout the supply chain deliverables is a must to gain TRUST. This has to be maintained to achieve brand respect as well as to achieve impactful positive first and lasting impressions. Image Matters! In the modern fast-paced society, people make snap judgments of other people and questions that come up in that mere first few seconds are:

Can I TRUST this person, Can I RESPECT this person?

Angie on First Impression 

Image Credit: Angie Ng

                Angie loves wearing smart casual when meeting clients and at business events,, 

but at social events, she will turn it up a notch with stiletto and statement jewellery pieces to project 

her stylish elegant personality. 

What is Angie Jewel's typical customer?

Research conducted found that jewellery customers are primarily differentiated by ATTITUDE, rather than age or income. In other words, the most important factor in determining when and where a person will buy is his or her feelings about the jewellery, and what they want to express with the jewellery. Angie Jewel's customers know what the brand can deliver across the jewellery segments; from the fine jewellery-'Bespoke' to 'Celebrations', standard 'Gifting' products, and jewellery that is therapeutic for well-being and self-discovery.

How, as a leader do you ensure that your organization and its activities are aligned with its core values?

We articulate our Vision, Mission and Values through the guiding principles of 'Passion for Knowledge ad Dedication to HONESTY.

-Angie Ng 

 

What is the one quality that you believe every leader should possess?

Leadership is about ACCOUNTABILITY.

-said, Angie 

Leaders are constantly faced with many challenges - the unknown, uncertainties, unclear directions, and indecisiveness. This has a direct cause-and-effect relationship with organizations and their personal brands. Leadership is an attitude and a work ethic that empowers an individual in any role to lead from the top, middle, or bottom of an organization. The most common reason for being indecisive - is fear of failure. Indecisiveness is considered a symptom associated with anxiety, stress, depression, and mental anguish, and can severely affect one's ability to function socially.

Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and young leaders?

Be realistic, follow your passion, have a business plan from one to five years, constantly assess your business model, be prepared for challenges along the way, adapt to changes, and seek advice and mentoring if you can, for feedback and validation. It is about focusing, a positive mindset to motivate and position yourself towards your dream and goal to achieve greatness. Modern life seems to hinge on 'cold' technology when in reality, it seems to distract us more and more. Thus to maintain balance, you simply need to have clarity, knowledge, skills, and a right and positive mindset.

As a Role Model, what do you wish to advocate for?

A VOICE to support Gender Equality, Women of Esteem with Self-Identity and Self-Worth, - and that a woman can be her own boss, and with the right attitude and mindset, will strive to achieve the balance between family and work.

          

If you have a need to celebrate or gift or for self-indulgence...why not have a conversation with Angie?

To seek a gift, wedding, family, corporate, or personal self-discovery jewellery piece, Angie Jewel & Co offers standardized to bespoke customized fine pieces of jewellery with exceptional style and character to suit your taste and personality. Get yours now and remember you deserve to be happy, healthy, and emotionally fulfilled. Or if you wish to personally make a piece of jewellery for someone or start an online jewellery business, schedule a chat with Angie.

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Book: The Image Factor of Angie Ng.

Angie is also a special featured personality in a best-selling book 'The Image Factor' where she shared her views on Self-Image and Personal Branding. In the book 'The Image Factor, once you understand the influence of Personal Image and Impression Management on building your Personal Presence, you are empowered to establish a visible footprint in your field of work or industry. You achieve self-control in your space, and others will visualize your presence. You are seen as an expert or authority in your field, and are perceived as an influencer and a brand; we call this personality who embodies these 'distinct traits or talents' the modern 'renaissance individual'. Your passion's intended and deliberate practice sharpens your niche through your years of experience, which builds your authenticity in your branding journey.

Our pitch is Image through authentic branding is a business of 'TRUST'.

Angie Ng packages herself with 'authenticity' building TRUST and gaining RESPECT. She is aware of her 'Renaissance talents' which she articulates them in her ethos. Working on her passion with continued self-discovery, and self-growth places her on a unique distinct edge in her space. Angie continues to up-skill in her craft striving for greatness and she continues to aspire to become a Role Model and Advocate with a Voice.

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About the Book that inspires

The Image Factor 

 

"Brand Visibility and Awareness are the first steps toward acceptance by your customers, stakeholders, and general constituents."

-an Excerpt from The Image Factor   

The End.

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