Designing couple turn on the charm

BY RACHEL YOUNG

From building and teaching to jewellery design may not seem like a logical move but for Tim and Louise Laing it's proving a rewarding career change.

The couple, originally from Taupo, were on their honeymoon in Asia when they noticed there was a lot of nice jewellery for sale which was different from anything back in New Zealand.

Mrs Laing, a self-confessed jewellery fanatic, decided to buy a whole lot of it and see if they could sell it in New Zealand.

Arriving back, they momentarily panicked, wondering whether they had spent all their money on fake jewellery but a jeweller assured them it was real.

For family reasons, the teacher and her builder husband set up home in Marlborough but they were quickly on the road showcasing the jewellery to stores throughout New Zealand under the brand name "LINKeuro".

Mr Laing said they were $5000 in debt when they set out on the trip and were just hopeful it would be successful.

Thankfully it was, he said.

During their travels they noticed the popularity of European charm bracelets. They saw an opportunity to design New Zealand-inspired charms that would be compatible with other charm bracelets.

Mrs Laing said, "We got together a collection of products and iconic things that are special to New Zealand and worked with our manufacturers to create what is now called Evolve New Zealand."

In 2008, they launched their new business with New Zealand-themed charms based on sheep, maps and ferns.

Mrs Laing said it was a challenge designing, getting the right manufacturer and then selling the first charms.

Mr Laing said the charms were a great way for tourists to remember their trips or for New Zealanders to celebrate their own country or remember a special moment.

They also create earrings and charms which can be used on necklaces.

Mr Laing said the change from builder to jewellery businessman has been a "learning curve" but both industries used his creative talent.

He said his building background also meant he understood more about the manufacturing side of things while his wife had creative ideas and an eye for detail. He said neither of them would have imagined that an idea sparked on their honeymoon would have meant such a life change for them.

"We started this thing and then it snowballed."

As their business has grown, it has moved from their cottage bedroom to an office in central Blenheim.

Their charm bracelets are now stocked in more than 50 stores throughout the country.

DESIGN CHALLENGE

Blenheim-based business Evolve New Zealand is challenging designers to create a Kiwi-inspired charm as part of a competition.

The inaugural competition aims to find a design inspired by New Zealand's culture, landscape or lifestyle which could be suitable to be included in the business's next line of jewellery.

Co-owner Tim Laing said the competition was about exposing new talent.

He said it was often hard for new designers to commercialise their work so this provided people interested in jewellery with a chance to do that.

First prize wins $1000, second prize is $500 and there is an additional $200 for any designs that are manufactured and sold.

For more details go to evolvenz.co.nz

- The Marlborough Express