Long coming and finally here is the Soulful Jewels Journal, a blog by Bea Jareno Jewellery. Very excited to start this venture with you on such a fantastic project in which I was selected to be one of the 14 creatives in the London Made Me pilot project, supported by the Mayor of London.
Bea Jareno , founder of Bea Jareno Jewellery, next to her stand at London Made Me Project 2022
Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, Justine Simons OBE, said: “It is fantastic to be able to open our first London Made Me pop-up shop in one of the most famous high streets in our capital. This is an opportunity to celebrate the talent of 14 vibrant artists who have been supported through the Mayor of London’s Creative Enterprise Zones and also a chance for Londoners and visitors to our capital to buy some unique gifts.
“The cost of living crisis combined with the ongoing effects of the pandemic have hit the arts and creative industries hard, and it is vital that we continue to do everything we can to support them. By helping to nurture talent and drive innovation, we are building a better London for everyone.”
Bea Jareno Jewellery introducing her sustainable brand to Justine Simons OBE
London Made Me Project Director and Founder, We Built This City, Alice Mayor said: “With so much accelerated change on our high streets, there’s never been a better time to support and empower creative entrepreneurs to bring fresh, exciting and meaningful ideas into our empty shop spaces.
“The London Made Me programme is the first of its kind in offering both educational training on how to secure, design and run commercial shop spaces, as well as the practical hands-on experience of building and trading the physical shop itself.
“I have no doubt that the legacy of this programme will be far-reaching for all the creative businesses involved and offer a huge step forwards in the rebuilding of London’s high streets post pandemic.”
Founder and CEO, Hypha Studios, Camilla Cole, said: “We are excited to be working alongside such brilliant partners on this project and furthering our mission of supporting the artistic economy at this difficult time whilst simultaneously regenerating our high streets through culture.”
About the London Made Me Pop-Up Shop and Creative Enterprise Zones:
The London Made Me Pop-Up Shop is a boutique store featuring unique gifts all made by 14 talented artists and makers from the Mayor of London’s Creative Enterprise Zones.
The pop-up shop has been created in partnership with Alice Mayor, founder of Carnaby Street based pop-up shop and brand We Built This City, Hypha Studios and The Crown Estate. With thanks to the City of Westminster and the Business and IP Centre.
As well as selling unique work, the shop also includes an intensive retail training programme designed to equip the artists with the knowledge and skills to run their own pop-ups in their local communities
The London Made Me Pop-Up Shop is part of the Creative Enterprise Zone programme, a Mayor of London flagship initiative to help protect and preserve the future of the creative sector in the city, providing affordable workspaces, jobs and new opportunities for young and emerging talent
The Mayor launched his Creative Enterprise Zone programme in 2018 and has invested more than £5m to help areas across the capital to support artists and creative businesses. The ground-breaking initiative has already established nearly 1,000 creative training and work placements across London, and by 2025 will have increased new, permanent, affordable workspace by more than 65,000sqm. Explore Creative Enterprise Zones
Bea Jareno Jewellery founder, Bea Jareno, at London Made Me 2022
The London Made Me Pop-Up Shop (59-61 Regent Street) opened 11 November till 20 December 2022. I was delighted to represent the Hammersmith & Fulham Creative Enterprise Zone.
In the heartwarming journey of the London Made Me project, supported wholeheartedly by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, my experience was nothing short of magic. From the moment I was selected for this extraordinary opportunity to showcase my work on the iconic Regents Street, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and excitement.
Bea Jareno Jewellery with the Mayor of London during London Made Me Pop-Up
As I stepped into this remarkable project, I was greeted by a diverse and welcoming community of fellow artist and entrepreneurs. Meeting new customers who resonate with my sustainable and ethical jewellery brand was an enriching experience. it was inspiring to witness how the values I hold were embraced by like-minded individuals, forging connections that felt genuinely meaningful.
Moreover, being able to invite my existing customers to this extraordinary exhibit was a chance to deepen those relationships and share my passion directly with them. Their encouragement and support further fuelled my belief in the positive impact of conscious consumer choices.
Bea Jareno , founder , introducing the Mayor of London to her work
A highlight that will forever be etched in my heart was the visit of Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to the London Made Me Pop- Up Shop. The honour of introducing him to my creations, crafted with love and care for both people and the planet, filled me with intense pride. His warm appreciation for my brand's ethos and dedication to sustainability was truly validating and served as a powerful reminder of the importance of forging a greener future for our world. This experience has not only opened doors to new opportunities but has also reinforced my belief in the power of art, commerce, and conscious values coming together in harmony.
Bea Jareno Jewellery had the incredible opportunity to meet the talented singer Joy Crookes, opening the doors to a truly remarkable collaboration. This opportunity came from the London Made Me Pop-Up shop. Joy Crookes, known for her soulful voice and captivating style, expressed her admiration for the exquisite craftsmanship and timeless designs of Bea Jareno Jewellery. Joy wore two exquisite rings from the Indian Summer Collection and the Plethora Collection to the prestigious British Fashion Awards in London 2022.
As I reflect on this beautiful chapter, I am deeply grateful to the Mayor of London, the London Made Me project, and every person who has supported and believed in my artistic vision. This journey has not only enriched my artistic career but has also inspired hope that collective efforts towards sustainability and ethical values can indeed create a brighter and more promising future for us all.
For any enquiries, press, or simply just to ask a question contact us, we always love to hear from you!
Photo credit: Eleanor Bentall & Bea Jareno Jewellery
Video credit: Sun Xue Yang Lim