“I bought fluffy stilettos from Sophia Webster, because I was being overly optimistic that I would get to wear them soon…” Debbie, co-founder alongside Amy, of MATCHBOX Jewellery on a strange purchase she’s made during lockdown
Strike a match and light up your inner celestial bride, because MATCHBOX Jewellery, the newest venture from lifelong friends, Amy and Debbie recently launched. A beautifully curated destination crafted solely for earrings, MATCHBOX will become your ultimate pit-stop for all things glittering studs, huggies and ear chains. Basically, it’s the perfect digital place to dress your ears for the aisle…what more could you want? I caught up with the co-founders to get the lowdown on their lockdown 3.0…
#1 We’ve just gone into Lockdown 3. In three words, describe how you are currently feeling…
Debbie: “Positive, grateful and mindful.”
Amy: “Motivated, optimistic and hopeful…”
#2 Talk to us about your usual daily routine for your business and how this will change in lockdown…
Debbie: “My role within MATCHBOX is to keep the brand in front of our customer, so I start the day prepping the social media, any offers we want to launch and making sure we have enough content to post on our social channels. We also work with a digital marketing girl, so I check in with her to see how our digital campaigns are doing. Due to lockdown I cannot meet influencers and journalists etc., but hopefully this will change once lockdown eases.”
Amy: “A normal working day at MATCHBOX for me involves processing all of the orders, packing and delivering them to our local post office. I’m also responsible for buying so am always on the look out for the latest and hottest ear candy!”
#3 How will/does lockdown impact your business, and how can people (brides/the wedding industry) support you throughout?
Debbie: “Fortunately for us, online shopping is becoming the norm, so we offer a great selection of studs and huggies for brides and the bridal party, and most of our earrings have our jewellery on models so they can get a good idea of how it will look. We also offer a Personal Shopping experience if people reach out to us.”
#4 Name three small businesses on Instagram you are supporting or would like to support more…
No.1“@wiredpinkproductions – who do the most amazing balloon displays.”
No.2 “@tanyaleeboutique – a gorgeous accessories boutique that specialises in all the sparkles!”
No.3 “@domeafavourgiftsltd – the best selection of personalised gifts for any occasion.”
#5 Favourite lockdown snack?
Debbie: “This is a tough one, but I have discovered the Starbucks Skinny Latte you keep in the fridge, so have been having that each morning with a biscotti. I cannot start my lockdown day without it.”
Amy: “I’ve rediscovered my love for Frazzles… my only gripe is there’s not enough in the bag!”
#6 What’s your most recommended lockdown pick-me-up when you’re feeling down during lockdown?
Debbie: “Always mind over matter, and to remember what really matters most… and that is health (both physically and mentally). Everything else will come again soon, and to remember this is just a temporary situation which will pass.”
Amy: “There is always a light at the end of the tunnel and if you can’t see it, you’re looking the wrong way.”
#7 What’s the item you can now NEVER find in the supermarket (and consequently dreamt continuously about) during lockdown?
Debbie: “Not sure about this one, as my local supermarket has been pretty well stocked up, which I am grateful for. However I am dreaming of holidays but that is another matter ha.”
Amy: “I’ve also been lucky enough to get all my shopping at my local supermarket but I’m a big fan of Amazon Fresh/Prime if I haven’t got time to go to the shops.”
#8 Name a dinner/meal or beverage choice you feel might bring someone joy to their lockdown life…
Debbie: “Funnily enough, before lockdown someone made me a Pina Colada with a paper umbrella straw and flamingo stick. This just made me so happy, as not only was it delicious, it gave me a glimpse of being on holiday.”
Amy: “My latest fave has to be Tanqueray Sevilla gin and tonic. It’s definitely brightening up my lockdown!”
#9 Talk us through what’s new at your brand…
“Our whole brand is new, and brides and their party can Mix&Match their favourite earrings. We also have beautiful pieces for ‘Something New’, along with classic earrings featuring pearls and kisses.”
#10 What’s your lockdown outfit most days? Have you, say, developed an unhealthy attachment to the elasticated waists of your leggings like myself?
Debbie: “As I have to fit in home-schooling around my working day, I tend to choose to get dressed into leggings and a smart jumper, or often I will put on jeans too. I find if you dress for the working day, you will carry a better mindset.”
Amy: “You would normally find me wearing gym clothes (even when not exercising) as this requires minimal effort and maximum comfort.”
#11 What series have you now completed on Netflix/Amazon Prime etc.? Any recommendations?
Debbie: “Absolutely loved The Serpent. I had to re-watch the first episode twice, but I was hooked the second it all started to un-fold. I wish it had more than just eight episodes.”
Amy: “I binge watched Bridgerton and absolutely loved it. I can’t wait for the series to return.”
#12 The person(s) you will hug first when social distancing is no longer in place?
Amy: “Definitely my parents. It’s been really hard not seeing them for months.”
#13 An act of kindness towards you that you’ve really appreciated during lockdown?
Debbie: “It is something so simple, but we all had Covid in our-house, and I was trying to launch MATCHBOX whilst also running my day job, mixed with home-schooling, and a good friend sent me a brownie delivery. It was just so unexpected and thoughtful.”
#14 For a little Instagram-escapism and positivity, what account would you recommend?
Debbie: “I have followed @wearetwinset since they first started, and I just love their honest approach to life (whilst still keeping it classy), their style and how real they are to juggle parenthood and their careers.”
Amy: “@russell_kane for a guaranteed laugh – he is hilarious!”
#15 Name three things the lockdown has made you grateful for:
Debbie:
No.1 “Stability.”
No.2 “Health.”
No.3 “Family.’
Amy: “Ditto!”
#16 Which restaurant will you dine at first once restrictions are lifted again?
Debbie: “This is a hard one. For a guilty pleasure I love The Stag Pub in Hampstead for a cosy evening, but for a night out, I would love to check out the brand new Nobu!”
Amy: “I think I’ll be happy to go out for a meal anywhere! It will be amazing not to have to cook/clear up for a change.”
#17 What would be your five film recommendations to watch during lockdown…
Debbie: “Will leave this question to Amy as I don’t rate many films, but I did enjoy White Tiger which just came out on Netflix.”
Amy: “No Mercy, The Gentlemen, Bad Education, A Star is Born and Soul (for a bit of Disney feel good).”
#18 What book would be top of your lockdown book list?
Debbie: “The Secret by Rhonda Byrne is an absolute must, and if you have already read it, read it again! The energy in that book is contagious.”
Amy: “I love a good autobiography… Too many to choose from!”
#19 Name an odd purchase you’ve made during lockdown…
Debbie: “I bought fluffy stilettos from Sophia Webster, because I was being overly optimistic that I would get to wear them soon…”
Amy: “In lockdown #1, a friend of mine convinced me to buy some exfoliating socks. Was a very odd experience but they really did work.”
#20 The best gift you received this festive period?
Debbie: “My labradoodle puppy called Ace! I know dogs aren’t just for Christmas, but he just happened to arrive in December.”
Amy: “I got a gorgeous new coat and can’t wait to wear it!”
#21 Name a brand you would love to collaborate with…
Debbie: “I would love for someone like Millie Mackintosh to design her very own MATCHBOX where we could give a percentage of sales to charity.”
#22 What’s your advice to lockdown brides?
Debbie: “Either sit tight and wait for when your big day can happen, or appreciate the now and have a small wedding. Your nearest are dearest are all that matters, so if they can join, you have everything you need right there!”
Amy: “I have worked with brides for many years (as a former wedding planner) and I understand how difficult it may be for those that are waiting for their big day. My best advice would be to use this time as an opportunity to get ahead and be as organised as possible.”
#23 Your favourite beverage?
Debbie: “This changes like the weather! Sometimes a tequila/soda/lime, sometimes a gin/tonic, sometimes a red wine, sometimes a mint tea! Right now I am having a coffee…”
Amy: “I love an oat milk cappuccino and have one every morning…there’s nothing like a hot cup of coffee to start the day off right.”
#24 Name your favourite magazine to curl up with.
Debbie: “Grazia as it is just so easy to read! It covers everything from fashion to politics and has a healthy mix of designer and high-street. Their editors have just got the content spot on.”
Amy: “Hello! Magazine is my go-to for the latest fashion trends and celeb news!”
Discover more from MATCHBOX JEWELLERY by visiting their website STAT.
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