Kota Kinabalu: Cheryl Siau has travelled the world to collect gemstones and design them into pieces of jewels for customers of all ages.
She showcased some at the 2nd PearlEmpower: Grow & Glow Market, an initiative by the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl (RCKK Pearl) for female entrepreneurs, recently.
Her stall included pearls, rubies, sapphires, diamonds and emeralds sourced from abroad.
“I am passionate about precious stones. I have been travelling a lot, and collecting them. Usually, I get them from Burma and South Africa, but I also have pearls from Japan, a South Sea pearl from Australia, and a Thai Asian pearl,” she said.
Her knack for gemstones resulted in accreditation from the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS).
Since opening her shop in 2009, she said close relationship with her clientele is central to her business.
“Meeting them in person enables me to know their personality in order to design for them.
“They will tell me about their preferences, whether they want a stone or metal, and I will base my creations on their tastes,” she said.
Meanwhile, Club President Rosie, highlighted its commitment to fostering economic empowerment and skill development among women and young girls.
“We are thrilled to launch PearlEmpower: Grow & Glow Market, an initiative that embodies our commitment to community service and positive impact.
“By providing a platform for female entrepreneurs and offering educational opportunities for young girls, we are fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and resilience that will benefit our community for years to come,” she said.
Moreover, the impact extended beyond women business owners, with young girls and students engaging in educational and skill-building activities, and local artisans gaining direct access to the market for their products.
