REGINA, May 3 / CNW Telbec / – Working from Regina, outside the major fashion centers, Rachel Mielke has propelled his brand of jewellery making that bear claw Hillberg & Berk, under the spotlight. With high-profile marketing initiatives – in particular, the Academy Awards in 2008 and the issuance Dragons’ Den by CBC TV – Rachel has created a national brand jewelry highly prized by international stars.
His growing success has earned Rachel Mielke, 30, won the Young Entrepreneur Award 2011 from the Development Bank of Canada (BDC) for Saskatchewan. She will be rewarded tonight with a gala to be held in Saskatoon. “I’m sure you can really succeed if you have a great product, a good understanding of marketing and current knowledge of the latest online trends,” she said.
Although she recognizes that being away from the vital center of the Canadian fashion industry – in Toronto – poses difficulties, Rachel is firmly rooted in Saskatchewan. “The conditions here are fantastic. Our economy is strong. The province is experiencing a demographic boom. Our infrastructure is well developed. It happens a lot of things new and exciting. ”
Creative Beginnings
Rachel started her business in 2007, transforming the manufacture of jewelry, a hobby which was engaged during his high school in a lucrative business that commands attention. Hillberg & Berk is known for its distinctive multifunctional jewelry, handmade from sterling silver, vermeil, semi precious stones and Swarovski crystals.
After his studies in business administration ended, Friends of Rachel encouraged her to earn a living by selling his creations. “My first steps were immediately shown that the product had enough potential to start a business. “Today, Hillberg & Berk are available in shops, galleries and gift shops across Canada.
Through the Toronto Fashion Incubator, Rachel was asked to provide the bridal jewellery contained in the gift bags given to participants at the Oscars in 2008. Upon his return from Los Angeles, she auditioned for the show Dragons’ Den and received an investment of venture capital by Brett Wilson. Building on this momentum, Rachel has created jewelry for the Summit of the G20 and is promoting a new collection called Memento Mori, in association with the Lilith Fair singer Sarah McLachlan.
Rachel supports the cause of women by generously donating his time and its products. One organization that helps Hillberg & Berk – Wings of Hope – is dedicated to helping patients with breast cancer cope with daily expenses.
“I always dreamed of making Hillberg & Berk a large company,” said Rachel, and I think it was on track to achieve my goal which is to raise it to the forefront of the designer gemstone jewellery sector in Canada. Being successfully established in Saskatchewan, a trusted name in the fashion industry across Canada gives me even greater satisfaction. ”
“Many people dream of having the chance to promote their products at the Oscars or participate in the show Dragons’ Den, but few people arrive,” said Jean-René Halde, President and Chief Executive Officer of BDC. “Rachel has had the courage to leave his comfort zone to increase the visibility of its brand. His boldness paid off. His company is a growing success that it brings, in turn, a strong sense of accomplishment. ”
About Young Entrepreneur Awards BDC
Created by the Development Bank of Canada in 1988, the Young Entrepreneur Award pays tribute to young Canadian entrepreneurs aged 19 to 35, who are distinguished not only by their success in business but also by their audacity, creativity, their spirit of innovation and social commitment. Sponsors of the 2011 Young Entrepreneur Awards BDC are Deloitte, Cisco, BLG, Sage and La Presse.