MICALLEF JEWELLERS
KENTWOMENINBUSINESS
KENT WOMEN IN BUSINESS :
SACHA MICALLEF
MICALLEF JEWELLERS
Sacha Micallef is the joint owner of Micallef Jewellers , a family run local business started by her parents in 1982 . The business has three shops , in Tonbridge , Sevenoaks and Rainham .
What are the most enjoyable and satisfying aspects of your work ? As a natural problem-solver , I love dealing with customers and finding a solution to their jewellery requests and enquiries , whether that involves a specific purchase , repairs or the creation of commissioned items . To hear customers ’ delight , with responses like ‘ That ’ s wonderful !’ or ‘ That was easier than I anticipated !’ gives me real satisfaction at the joyous outcome we ’ ve made happen .
How do you view your role as an independent business owner in the community ? As traditional local tradespeople , jewellers are privileged to get to know individuals and families in a special way . Jewellery has a personal aspect , often related to the story of people ’ s lives , and we become part of that through our conversations and work with them . As a local business , the community is both our home and our workplace . Our survival relies on the community around us and we try to repay this through gift contributions to fundraising events at local schools and charities , as well as providing the community with a high-quality , trustworthy service .
What has been the greatest support to the success of your business ? Our loyal customer base is our strongest support . Repeated custom and personal recommendations , more influential than any advertising , are very important . They build our reputation as an approachable and friendly business ; happy to serve the smallest enquiries to the largest sales .
How has the environment for your local businesses changed over the years ? Like other retailers , jewellers in the past could predict upcoming demands and see trends – this is much more difficult now as the market place has widened hugely with social media and online shopping . The biggest change is having to keep alert to what ’ s current in a more fast-paced , fluid and sizeable business environment . Our local business needs to keep a shopbased presence , as jewellery repairs and commissions need to be handled and discussed in person , and it can be hard to do this alongside online retailers .
What have been the most challenging aspects of your role ? A modern businesswoman has so many roles in life . For a business owner , home life and work life is merged in a particularly intense way . It ’ s a challenge to ensure business thrives but not to the detriment of other aspects of life .
What advice would you give an aspiring local businesswoman ? Having a good memory helps ! And the energy to keep on the ball ! You have to really love your product and genuinely believe in what you do . Your excitement about your product will be contagious and drive your business .
micallefjewellers . com
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