I had the opportunity to sit down with Australian jewelry designer, Fabienne Costa and here's what she had to say. 

1). Please tell our readers about your background. 

I am 24-year-old Italo-Australian jewelry designer currently living in QLD, Australia. Before starting YCL three and half years ago, I was a nurse in Aged Care & Dementia for six years. The week I started YCL, I quit my secure job as a nurse, as well as my Bachelor of Nursing Degree - three subjects out from finishing. I started a business with no business experience, no savings, and no clue what I was doing!

2). Why did you start your business? 

I had been making and designing jewelry since I was 13 years old; it was something that brought me so much enjoyment and really uplifted me as a teenager. I felt creatively stifled as a nurse, and always felt drawn to designing. I loved the idea of working for myself and being my own boss, even though owning a business was never something I thought about.

We now work out of a quaint studio on the Gold Coast, QLD and ship to over 60 different countries. We’ve had our designs worn by the likes of Lorde and Lena Perminova. 

3). What market does your business serve? 

The modern and mystic woman, the woman who loves to adorn herself in fine jewelry. She is a mindful and conscious consumer. 

4). What's the largest challenge you've encountered as a business owner? 

Letting go of the need to control everything. As a business owner and creating a start-up brings a lot of unknown and challenges.  You need to be resilient and pick yourself up every time you fall.

The first two years of starting the brand, I lived off noodles and did not leave my house. Our rescued greyhound Atlas ate better than we did. It was a dark time for me. And yet it was also the most transformative, as in that pivotal moment many people would give up.  However, I kept my vision and believed in myself to continue moving forward.

5). What's your best piece of business advice? 

Authenticity breeds abundance. 

6). How do you like to relax? 

I love to read, forage in my herb garden, spend time in the forest and at the beach, as well as drawing and designing. When I relax, I try to spend a lot of my time practicing mindfulness. 

Connect with Fabienne on:

Instagram: @YCLJewels / https://www.instagram.com/ycljewels/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YCLJewels/ 

www.ycljewels.com