THELMA WEST
1. HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE JEWELRY INDUSTRY?
Family misfortune meant that I got kicked out of mechanical engineering. My father stopped paying my fees due to separating from my mother and I had to find the cheapest possible degree alternative. Enter diamonds! Yes, luxury can be cheap…haha.
2. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT JEWELRY?
I’m a diamond expert, ex diamond wholesaler, tools designer (yes I also have a patent) and jewelry designer. You can very well say that I love it ALL!
3. WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO START YOUR COMPANY?
The passion to do what I love - create and curate for friends. The need to give back by creating a space for women to learn and drive change in my own little way.
4. WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
London, the land of endless opportunities. And Puglia, the land of soothing regeneration.
5. WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Nigeria. Born and bred in Lagos. A colorful and vibrant place were people love to celebrate anything and everything. Print or lace fabrics, extravagant headscarfs, shoes and bags on point, bold jewelry, it’s a vibe!
6. ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR JEWELRY.
Gems first.
7. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE STONE?
Botswana Diamonds.
8. WHAT’S THE FIRST PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU FELL IN LOVE WITH?
Everything in my mum’s jewelry box. It’s a weird one as, in the end, she sold off most of these pieces to pay for my diamond education when I was 18.
9. WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL?
Angry birds - they release stress and takes away worries. Trust me!
10. WHO IS YOUR JEWELRY ICON?
Lizzy the queen of the silver screen. And Lizzy the queen of the land of the rose, my second home.
11. DO YOU HAVE A PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY YOU WEAR EVERY DAY AND IF SO, WHY?
Castro’s Voodoo Doll pendant, because I can’t take it off just yet. A rose gold Embrace cuff, because it was the first one I made. SugarHoops because I always need some sweetness.
12. ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE.
Eclectic.
13. LAST PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU BOUGHT AND LOVED?
I make my own jewelry.
14. THE BEST GIFT YOU’VE RECEIVED RECENTLY?
An us-to-us gift in the making; a few creations by Peppino Campanella. His work is AMAZING! A close second would be Lemuela, my assistant, gifting me a few years supply of the nail polish I wear. Yes, I’m weird like that. I have been wearing the same color for many years and I had some mild anxiety about it being discontinued.
15. THE THING YOU ARE COVETING NEXT?
A fabulous jewelry event overlooking the sea from the terrace of our restored farmhouse in Puglia.
16. FAVORITE FOOD?
Plantain, because what’s life without plantain?!
17. LEAST FAVORITE FOOD?
Raw anything…fruit and veggies are okay.
18. WINE OR CHEESE?
Both.
19. COFFEE OR TEA?
Coffee. I’m with a Neapolitan dude so I’ve recently learned to appreciate that dark stuff.
20. YOGA OR BOXING?
Boxing.
21. FAVORITE SEASON?
Spring. I love to watch Mother Nature show off her bling.
22. FAVORITE CITY?
Right now, Putignano!
23. SUPERPOWER OF CHOICE?
Enhanced hair braiding and indestructible nail polish.
24. SECRET SKILL?
Modesty. LOL
25. WHEN DO YOU FEEL HAPPIEST?
When I deliver a finished piece of jewelry to a collector.
26. WHEN DO YOU FEEL STRONGEST?
When Nala, my two-year old daughter, calls out for me at 4am in the morning. It’s a summon!
27. YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Tottenham finishing above Arsenal in the league.
28. HOW DO YOU PICK YOURSELF UP FROM A LOW DAY?
Taking a walk in the park with Stefano.
29. WHAT PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY MAKES YOU FEEL HAPPIEST?
The pieces that I get to finish and deliver to my wonderful collectors who become friends.
30. WHAT PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY MAKES YOU FEEL STRONGEST?
My diamond body chain.
31. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Anything is possible. Always have vast ideas.
32. WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?
I’m a surfer.
33. WHAT DOES ‘JOY’ MEAN TO YOU?
Embracing my three daughters and the beautiful chaos they bring.