— Kanchan Tooray contributed with this article
As important as work experience may be it can leave you out of pocket and struggling to meet assignment deadlines, but student Puja Ram says she’s found a job which is flexible, challenging and opening doors into the fashion industry which she’d never thought possible.
Ram, 20 is a stylist for luxury jewellery business Stella and Dot which after huge success in the USA was launched in the UK one month ago. The celebrity endorsed jewellery range has been worn by celebrities such as Nicole Sherzinger, Penelope Cruz and Kim Kardashian.
As a stylist, Ram sets up trunk shows in people’s homes and sells the jewellery through her own website; the exclusive range differs in price meaning it’s affordable for everyone.
“Stella and Dot is a social business which sells boutique style jewellery through independent stylists online and at in-home trunk shows. The whole idea is that somebody has a party of approximately eight-ten people and they arrange for me to come over with my range of jewellery for them and their guests to try on and experiment with” explains Ram.
There is absolutely no obligation to buy and parties are very informal and sociable, “its ideal for people who just want to have a catch up with their friends and a bit of girly time. Your trained stylist is equivalent to a personal shopper and will know what looks will work best for you” she says.
After hearing about the business, Ram was attracted to the opportunity because of its glamour and uniqueness, “the jewellery is worn by A list celebs, and I knew that I could sell it given that the prices are so affordable and that the jewellery is so different and beautiful.”
Ram was also attracted by the businesses flexibility, “I also strongly appreciated how Stella and Dot is a flexible home based business; you can choose when and how much you work. At the moment I am currently still a student studying at Kingston University so the fact that I can chose my own hours is ideal.”
Being a stylist has opened up many other doors for Ram and given her the chance to meet many different people. “As a stylist, I can set up a stall at exhibitions, hair salons, fashion shows and anywhere that I believe is suitable.”
A typical day of work consists of a trunk show lasting two hours where there are between eight to 10 guests. An average amount of sales is around £1,000 which makes a profit of £300.
However making money is not the most important aspect of the business, “The most fundamental aspect of this business is that people are aware of the affordable jewellery range and leave with a smile on their face… Stella and Dot are very much about being sociable with one another and having a good time.”
Whilst it can be hard, Ram is extremely enthusiastic about the business and the support she receives, “It’s obviously not easy starting your own business, but I have so much support from my sponsor and also from Stella & Dot.”
Although Ram was never intentionally pursuing a career in fashion, she intends on making the most out of the experience, “I would say that it’s important to venture out of your comfort zone and make the most of an opportunity… Be enthusiastic, and believe in yourself in order for others to believe in you.”
Stella and Dot is the perfect example of a business which can offer you an income, valuable work experience and a foot in the fashion door, “I recently went to an amazing training event with the CEO Jessica Herrin, and in January we are all invited to the Hoopla fashion show in London” says Ram.
The jewellery range is available to view at www.stelladot.com. Anyone wanting to arrange a trunk show or for more information can contact Puja Ram at www.stelladot.co.uk/sites/pujaram or email at pujaram@hotmail.co.uk.