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In our first-ever ‘5 Minutes With’ post… we chatted to our very own Erica to find out a little more about her ‘behind-the-brand’…
What inspires you?
My work, family and friends.
What was your first-ever job?
My first job was working for a lady called Karen Lindley, Karen is a gemologist opal and jewellery designer, Karen was my mentor before I started my business, we were business partners for the first five years of Ikecho.
How did Ikecho begin?
Ikecho was launched in July 1999 when I was 19, through the help of Karen Lindley and my father Erik (well-known opal exporter). I have grown up in a jewellery family, my childhood memories were being in opal mines in Lightning Ridge. I have always loved pearls and since it was my birthstone thought what a better gemstone to work with.
Ikecho was the first pearl company to import natural pink pearls to Australia. As time moved on we have established very close relationships with pearl farms around the world, enabling them to supply Australia and N.Z with the most extensive range of quality South Sea, Tahitian, Akoya, Mabe and Chinese Freshwater Pearls.
How did the name come about?
The name Ikecho (pronounced i-ket-cho) was chosen as it is believed it was the first freshwater mussel used to cultivate pearls in Japan, I wanted my company to be thought of as the home of freshwater pearls in Australia.
Explain your usual day?
My usual day would be, going for an early walk with my blue staffy Max, cranking the tunes, then coming home and to wake up my 4-year-old daughter Charlize, get her ready for the day. Then off to the office with my awesome team.
What ‘makes your day’?
Coming home to a successful day in the office to my husband and daughter.
What are three different things in your life you can’t live without?
My husband, my daughter and my phone.
Fave place to escape to?
My place in Port Macquarie, its located right on the river, is away from the city hustle and bustle, I can escape to the water’s edge and just watch the world go by.
The best piece of life advice you’ve received?
Be challenged in life inevitable, being defeated is optional.
What’s the career advice you ever been given?
Be a doer and follow your dreams, never give up.
Follow Erica on instagram @erica_miller80 and @ikechoaustralia for their latest updates + stay tuned for more of our favourite people and what makes them tick.