01. How I Built a Jewelry Brand From My Livingroom To A Global Empire - Cathy Pope

In this episode, I chat with the amazing Cathy Pope, a jewelry designer who has built her business from the ground up with creativity and passion. Cathy shares how her journey from TV stylist to entrepreneur has been a slow and steady process, filled with meaningful milestones—like the time Jacinda Ardern wore her jewelry while meeting the Queen. We talk about her love for natural gemstones and how she celebrates their imperfections, making each piece unique. Cathy’s designs reflect her belief in individuality, encouraging women to mix her pieces with their own heirlooms for a personal, timeless style. About our guest: Cathy Pope is a New Zealand-based jewellery designer who combines her background as a stylist and dressmaker with a passion for bold, distinctive designs. She launched Cathy Pope Jewellery in 2011 as a response to a market flooded with overpriced or mass-produced pieces, creating her first signature design—a chunky choker necklace with a bold stone on a gold chain. Inspired by annual trips to Jaipur, India, Cathy sources gemstones and collaborates directly with artisans to craft unique, ethically made collections. Each piece reflects her love for individuality, celebrating the beauty of imperfections and personal expression. Cathy’s jewellery empowers women to embrace timeless style over fleeting trends while maintaining affordability and authenticity. Follow Our Guest: Website: https://cathypope.co.nz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathypopejewellery/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cathypopejewellery/ Follow Us On: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/ Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Episode Trailer 05:13 - The Slow Build-Up of Success 06:06 - Taking risks doesn’t have to be dramatic 08:55 - Creativity vs. Business Structure 10:54 - The Importance of Self-Care 14:12 - Finding Inspiration in India 18:51 - The Perfection of Imperfection 20:34 - Authenticity in Personal Branding 22:31 - Rebelling Against Trends 25:57 - Staying authentic without pressure to conform 29:11 - Building Confidence in Your Craft 31:35 - Learning happens by doing 35:32 - Not everything has to be perfect