From a Boutique Bench to Ja'dew: My Journey of Crafting Dreams in Jade
The Journey from a Little Bench in Johor Bahru to Ja'dew Fine Jewellery
My love affair with jewelry and accessories? Blame it on my mom! Growing up in Johor Bahru, my after-school routine often involved tagging along with her on shopping trips. While she meticulously picked out her clothes and matching jewelry, I was the kid sitting on a boutique bench, watching it all unfold. No Chanel or Gucci boutiques in our little town, so when she wanted something special, she’d bring the latest designs (with me in tow, of course) to the best goldsmith in town. Voilà—a Chanel bangle in gold, crafted just for her. And that, my friends, was my first exposure to the intricate world of craftsmanship.
Fast forward to when I was 13, and my first ‘official’ project took off—making clover leaf ornaments out of metal wire and green beads for the family Christmas tree. I even texted everyone on Christmas Eve, telling them to hunt down their personalized gift hanging on the tree! (Side note: I tried to get a photo of those ancient ornaments from my family, but the responses were, let’s say, less than helpful. My brother even said, “I have no memory of this thing.” Thanks, bro.)
Melbourne Days: From Student to Accidental Entrepreneur
My passion for jewelry only grew stronger when I moved to Melbourne for my studies at Trinity College and then the University of Melbourne. Whenever I managed to save up some pocket money, Bizzarr Beads on Swanston Street was my little slice of heaven. Sure, Lincraft and Spotlight had supplies, but Bizzarr Beads? That was where the magic happened. I made nearly all my earrings and necklaces and felt a surge of pride whenever I wore my creations to class or parties.
Now, I never really considered turning this passion into a business—at least not until I had to leave Australia after graduation. My baggage was seriously overweight, so I decided to sell my accessories. I printed pictures on A4 paper, tore off strips with my name and contact number, and pasted them on all the popular bulletin boards around campus. To my surprise, they all sold! I kept one pair of earrings though, my absolute favorite: The Pink Butterfly earrings (see photo below).
Finding My Path: From Stocks to Sourcing Jade
After graduation, I dived into the world of stock trading and then business consulting. But the 9-to-5 grind? Definitely not my thing. I moved on to open my own café business, expanded to three outlets, and then… Covid hit. During the lockdown, I had my first child, and suddenly, my thoughts returned to jewelry and accessories. I needed a business that I could run online while taking care of my baby, and that’s how Ja'dew was born.
The Birth of Ja'dew: A Dream Turned Reality
Running Ja'dew has been the most fulfilling journey. Sourcing authentic, all-natural jadeite, and ensuring each piece comes with a certificate from a GIA-certified lab has been a labor of love. But the real reward? Seeing how customers appreciate these pieces, knowing they’re treasured, and sometimes even becoming friends with those who check on me when I go quiet—like during my second pregnancy.
A Place Where Passion Meets Purpose: The Ja'dew Showroom
As Ja'dew continues to grow, so does our commitment to creating a space that reflects the beauty and elegance of our handcrafted pieces. Here’s a glimpse of our current showroom, where every piece of jadeite jewelry is thoughtfully displayed, ready to be cherished by its new owner. Whether you're visiting in person or shopping online, we hope this space embodies the warmth and care we put into every detail of your Ja'dew experience.
