Exclusive interview with Shareen Wong

If  you haven’t yet heard of the successful Shareen Wong, here is your chance. Avid traveller, entrepreneur and accessories guru, Shareen Wong started off her career working as a radio presenter for a whopping 14 years. After a bad breakup in 2007, Shareen decided to travel the world before opening her first retail store, Kai Life – a lifestyle store that featured stunning home accessories.

6 years later, Wong has now opened her first jewellery boutique, Embrace Jewellery in Orchard Gateway, and we have to say – we are fans!

In an exclusive interview, we asked the successful entrepreneur about her inspirations, jewellery essentials, and advice. Here’s what she had to say…

MFA: What was your idea behind opening Embrace Jewellery? Why focus on accessories?

Shareen Wong: The idea of Embrace Jewellery came about when I found some jewellery designers who design great looking pieces that I haven’t seen in Singapore/Asia during my travels. As such, I created Embrace Jewellery to introduce interesting designers from around the world to Singapore/Asia while offering affordable, stylish and contemporary pieces.

MFA: How can we easily add summer accessories to our outfits?

Shareen Wong: Summer is all about colour while accessories are a great way to jazz up any outfit (even if you love your basics). As such, our L.A range from Oia Jules features the colourful Mai Tai and Mini Mai Tai necklaces. Colourful agate stones set on a gold chain make for a statement piece! Featured in InStyle Magazine US, customers have also been going crazy for these colourful Luxe Candy Agate rings from the same collection that are dipped in silver or gold. They give a great splash of colour to your outfit!

MFA: What are your sourcing methods? Do you have to travel abroad?

Shareen Wong: Yes! I am a self-confessed travelholic! That’s how it all started and I usually travel every 3 months to visit different designers or source out new ones. I am always on the look-out for things that catch my eye whether online or in magazines.

MFA: What do you look for when you are selecting an independent designer?

Shareen Wong: I tend to pick jewellery designers whose styles differ from each other to offer a good variety of unique and interesting pieces. I also appreciate and value the stories behind the designers and the inspirations behind their collections.

MFA: What are your thoughts on how Singaporean women style their outfits with accessories?

Shareen Wong: I think Singaporean women are definitely getting more adventurous with their accessories! In the past, accessorising meant wearing a simple pair of earrings. Currently, I’ve noticed more women realising that accessories can really make or break an outfit and put in more effort to choosing the right accessories to match their outfits.

MFA: What is your one tip on choosing the perfect piece of jewellery for an outfit?

Shareen Wong: Keep it simple. Don’t overdo it or over clutter. Some people don’t know when to stop laying it on!

MFA: Pick one piece of essential jewellery for a date night, beach party and brunch with friends.

Shareen Wong: With any (hot) date, you always want him to be looking into your face. Catch his attention with a pair of stunning Lavender & Light Blue Quartz Gold Aurelie Earrings by L.A Designer Janna Conner.

For a beach party, you want to rock a laid back vibe, and these fun and playful charm bracelets from Dutch Designer Joy Jewellery are perfect for a day out! Stacked according to themes love, peace, travel and even fertility! The bracelets are made of 925 Sterling Silver.

Brunch with the girls is the perfect time to layer up! Layered necklaces are on trend at the moment and you can easily start with Canadian Designer, Leah Alexandra’s 2 in 1 Arrow Aquamarine necklace or add a touch of simple elegance with the Joany Necklace.

MFA: What piece of advice would you give to women who are aspiring entrepreneurs?

Shareen Wong: Be prepared for REAL hard work. This usually means doing the job which takes 10 people to do as well as all the dirty work. If you are ready for that, it can be incredibly rewarding!

MFA: Lastly, what is your favourite piece of jewellery/collection in your boutique?

Shareen Wong: This is the TOUGHEST question to answer as I love all the pieces I select for Embrace Jewellery. If I had chose, it has to be jewellery from our Spanish designer – Daniel Vior. His pieces are like works of art and are so beautifully made. I really haven’t seen anything like them anywhere else. One of my favourites is the Opuntia set which depicts a family of cacti seeking for light and air. Visually, it is bright, happy and fascinating to look at while the workmanship is amazing.

So, next time your wondering aimlessly around Orchard road, drop in to Embrace Jewellery at Orchard Gateway to see the stunning pieces for jewellery for yourself!

Shannon Gallagher