“There are little gems around us that can hold glimmer of inspiration” – Richelle Mead. Such gem is the work of Mina Stones. We knew little about Mina Stones or the gemstone business before our interview and we were literally in awe. Her craftsmanship in designing and producing gemstone jewelleries is astonishing. Before we digress, here’s our interview:
Please tell us about yourself and your business?
My name is Lotanna Amina Egwuatu. I am a gemstone professional/jewellery designer and I manufacture handmade gemstone jewellery.
How did you start? What inspired you to get into the wedding industry?
I’ve always had a passion for gemstones, so that inspired me to use gemstones to make jewelleries. Jewellery for me is like an outlet for the gemstones.
Would you start Mina Stones if you were to do it over again? What would you do differently?
Definitely I would start it all over again, I am not sure I would do anything differently. I think maybe I would just believe in it more. Asides that I think I would do it the way I have.
What has been your greatest motivation?
Passion for gemstones and divine inspiration.
What do you think of the Nigerian/Ghanaian wedding industry? Has it changed over the years and how?
Yeah, I think it has. I think now it has more recognition. People are trying to import our traditions and culture in weddings. Social media has helped to put our culture and traditions out there and people are seeing how beautiful it is. So the wedding industry is at the forefront now and it is growing daily. Definitely has changed over the years, and social media has played a very big role in that.
What do you like about Mina Stones and working in the wedding industry?
I like the fact that I use Nigerian gemstones and precious metals. Most of my raw materials are sourced here and all my jewellery is made in Nigeria. I like the fact that it is different. The jewellery is handmade from scratch. The gemstones are picked from Nigeria, cut and polished, processed in Nigeria and every piece of jewellery is unique to the client. It has that originality since raw materials are sourced here and it is custom made to fit the clients specifications.
What differentiates Mina Stones from others in your line of business and location? What are your greatest strengths?
I know a couple of people who make handmade jewellery, but I don’t know too many people that are involved in the whole process/value chain. From sourcing the rough to cutting and polishing the gemstones and then setting them in metal. I also believe that the creativity in the designs are unique. Mina Stones has gained some recognition both locally and internationally.
What do you expect from your clients (brides and grooms)? What don’t you expect?
I expect them to know what they are getting. I figured out that lots of people don’t know what they are getting especially here in Nigeria. They don’t know the difference between gemstones and glass or simulants. So I have to lecture people and let them know that these are not diamonds, these are cubic zirconia or moissanite. Or this is not silver, this is stainless steel. etc. At least have an idea of what you are getting because you are going to spend a lot of money. You want to pay for what you get.
What is (are) the most rewarding aspect(s) of providing your service? What are the most frustrating aspect(s)?
Rewarding is when a client likes what I have produced. I guess always having to explain that not all shiny looking glass like objects are gemstones. It is kind of new to people
here. Not everybody knows the difference. I am not really frustrated by that to be honest, I’m happy to explain these things.
What advice do you have for future brides and grooms regarding your type of business i.e. venues if you are a venue, photographers if you are a photographer, etc.?
I advice that they buy. If they find someone like me, they should hold me dearly and be thankful to God that they met me, because they’ll likely get a far better deal than they will get anywhere else. I get all my stuff locally so it cuts a lot of cost and I make them to their taste. Can I get an amen?
What advice do you have for up-and-coming businesses in your line of business?
Be persistent and consistent.
What award(s), if any, have you received?
I actually haven’t received any. Maybe I should give myself one. LOL!
What else would you like to share with our readers?
You can actually have faith in some Nigerian products. Don’t be too scared to buy made in Nigeria products. Don’t forget to smile. (say cheeeeeeese!)
VISIT Mina Stones page on Iludio.
