Listen to this articleBelow is our recent interview with Emblem team:
Q: What is Emblem?
A: Emblem is universal jewelry for urban alchemists. As a burgeoning solopreneurial venture, it introduces a visionary narrative to the domain of contemporary stainless steel jewelry, offering a collection crafted from premium surgical-grade materials for a discerning clientele of stylish urbanites. Emblem takes inspiration from medieval alchemical emblems, leveraging their deep symbolism to weave a unique tapestry of mystical wisdom within street fashion.
Our brand ethos is rooted in the fusion of the mystical and the modern, with a commitment to empowering individuals on their journey of self-actualization and spiritual growth. Emblem transcends the conventional boundaries of jewelry by becoming a conduit for meaning, seamlessly integrated into our philosophy, messaging, and designs.
Each Emblem piece serves as a wearable symbol imbued with specific signification. Our jewelry is not merely an accessory but a transformative statement, allowing the wearer to embody the energies or powers they seek to manifest in their day-to-day lives.
Emblem is where ancient alchemical symbols and wisdom influence and permeate the evolving fabric of the future of urban culture.
Q: What is your founder’s story?
A: In the late summer of 2023, Mayumi Taylor, the visionary and designer behind Emblem, launched the brand shaped by her resilience, personal evolution, and profound entrepreneurial and spiritual calling. Born in the Philippines, Mayumi was then raised in Geneva, Switzerland, where she was formally trained as a goldsmith and designer of high-end jewelry and timepieces. Her talents earned her prestigious awards from industry giants Piaget, the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation of Rolex, and an esteemed internship designing watches with Cartier.
Despite the enticing prospects of a design career in Switzerland or any other global luxury hub, she remained steadfast in her lifelong aspiration to live on the West Coast of Canada. In 2011, with diplomas in hand, she relocated to Vancouver, British Columbia, where the absence of major luxury brand headquarters didn’t diminish her resolve to find employment as a jewellery designer and set roots for herself in this new location. She started at the grassroots, accepting a minimum-wage position in a local fine jewelry manufacturer’s workshop. The financial constraints and limited career prospects ignited Mayumi’s entrepreneurial spirit when faced with few other prospects to use her skills to their full potential.
It was around this time in 2012, that Mayumi incidentally chose the name “Emblem” and started sketching the logo. After many different attempts, she eventually was inspired to use a triangular-shaped E, now synonymous with the Emblem brand, purely for its visual appeal. However, the realities of life in Vancouver compelled her to set this vision aside as she changed companies and found herself in a highly demanding and rewarding new position for a Vancouver-based jewelry retailer. It wasn’t until 2016, that Mayumi found the time to revisit and refine her concept for Emblem, prompted by her deep-seated desire to one day work for herself and freely express her creativity.
In a serendipitous turn of events in 2018, a tarot card introduced Mayumi to a symbol identical to the triangular ‘E’ in the Emblem logo, recognized as the alchemical symbol for earth. Intrigued, she delved into alchemical symbolism, discovering the world of medieval alchemical emblems. The realization struck her — she had unintentionally conceptualized a brand called Emblem, incorporating an alchemical symbol into the logo.
At that moment, Mayu experienced a distinct and somewhat eerie sensation, as if a greater force was guiding her creation. the symbol reignited a deep connection to the brand
Although Mayumi wasn’t ready to fully immerse herself into launching Emblem at that moment, the link to the symbol deeply connected her with the meaning she wished to instill in her designs. She continued to take small steps, during a turbulent stage in her personal life, explore the essence of alchemy and create a strong concept behind the brand. Finally, in 2023, after overcoming tragic events that served as a catalyst, Mayumi’s vision came to fruition, and Emblem was launched—a testament to her perseverance, creative spirit, and the profound intersection of her personal growth journey and the symbolic message of alchemy.
Q: Can you tell us about your pricing?
A: Positioning itself as a premium brand, Emblem’s products are crafted to a high level of quality of execution and of materials, within the fashion jewelry segment. Our curated selection of products is priced between $80 and $120. These price points are carefully calibrated to ensure not only accessibility for our valued customers but also to sustain fair and healthy profit margins so that the brand can grow. Each piece within our collection is an original design, meticulously designed in-house by our founder. This pricing strategy reflects our dedication to providing exceptional value and quality, making Emblem’s unique creations an attractive proposition for those seeking premium, contemporary jewelry with an urban flare. The packaging has also been stylishly and creatively designed for an enhanced interaction with the Emblem brand and an elevated experience for our customers.
Q: What can we expect from Emblem in the next 12 months? What are your plans?
A: In the forthcoming year, Emblem is poised for dynamic growth as we strategically expand our market presence. Our products will soon be accessible to a broader audience as we forge partnerships with key retailers, extending our brick-and-mortar reach within North America. In terms of our online presence, Emblem will continue its expansion in Europe through digital initiatives.
Supporting our expansion, we are set to elevate our brand visibility through collaborations with content creators and other influential partners, connecting with their diverse audiences.
Recognizing the paramount importance of our digital presence, we are committed to enhancing user experience on our website. Expect a progressive upgrade that aligns with the discerning tastes and needs of our clientele, offering a more immersive and user-friendly platform.
Furthermore, our dedication to original in-house designs remains our priority, and we will be excited to unveil new pieces and collections in both spring and fall.
In essence, the next 12 months mark a pivotal phase for Emblem, characterized by strategic partnerships, heightened sophistication, and a continuous infusion of novelty and creativity into our product offerings.
Q: What is the best thing about Emblem that people might not know about?
A: The essence of Emblem goes beyond the aesthetic appeal of our products; it resides in the profound layers of intention and messaging woven into every design. What sets us apart is the meticulous study and imbued philosophical or spiritual meaning behind each symbol. It’s a depth that transcends the ordinary, transforming our pieces into wearable narratives of profound significance.
Our necklaces, drawing inspiration from medieval alchemical emblems, combine skilled craftsmanship and design with elegant poetic Latin inscriptions. Coined by Mayumi herself, these inscriptions add a touch of historical mystique, connecting our designs to the rich tapestry of alchemical symbolism and reflecting Mayumi’s passion for infusing her creations with heart and soul.
Beyond the jewelry itself, our packaging stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, our packaging has surprised and delighted customers with its beautiful execution. Both the products and the packaging extend beyond aesthetics in the mindful choices we made for sustainability in our choices of materials.
Our packaging, including boxes and mailing materials, is 100% paper-based and curbside recyclable. Moreover, our choice of surgical-grade stainless steel as the primary metal for jewelry production is deliberate. Not only does it offer hypoallergenic and anti-tarnishing qualities to our products, but it also aligns with our commitment to a minimal environmental footprint. Stainless steel is nearly infinitely recyclable, mitigating the risk of our products contributing to landfills.
Beyond the surface aesthetics, Emblem is defined by the richness of meaning and ethos that infuses each design. We invite you to discover the layers that make Emblem more than a brand; it’s a mindful journey into wearable artistry with a purpose.
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