LAURA
Aroz stories introduces Laura, Co-founder and Artistic Director of AROZ Jewelry.
21 Feb,2023
AROZ. What's your background before AROZ?
Laura. AROZ will celebrate its 5th anniversary this year and yet everything seems so far away. My background, in short, is : studies in Marketing, an erasmus in Barcelona followed by a "I don't want to leave this city" for two years. So I got a job in the finance department of Mango. When I came back, I wanted to get into the beautiful world of jewelry. So I completed a jewelry training course and launched a multi-brand e-commerce called Zora by L (in which my sister joined me), which was then transformed, 5 years later, into our own brand. We decided to call it AROZ, reversing the letters of our previous brand to mark the turning point that our adventure was taking at that time.
AROZ. Why do you create your own jewelry brand? What was the goal?
L. I decided to create AROZ Jewelry because at the time of Zora by L, there was a big issue about the origin of products. Many designers and suppliers were claiming "made in France" but it was more a front, like a clasp added in France, than a real origin. It was a time when competitors were also making themselves known, many brands were selling the same things. So we had to reinvent ourselves and that was the best decision we made.
AROZ. What does AROZ represent in your life?
L. My first child :) AROZ is my life. I live AROZ and I sleep AROZ (laughs). Actually, I was like that for a few years, I had AROZ in my guts. Now, with the birth of my son, I'm able to step back and take time for myself, my family, my friends. And that's a good thing. AROZ is still very present, but as soon as I walk through the door of my house, I try to leave work aside and not open my emails. Even though often sometimes, I can't help it!
AROZ. What is you biggest wish for AROZ?
L. To see it grow. For our work to be known by more people, in more countries. But above all, that AROZ will always give us as much pleasure and fulfillment. I think that's the most important thing.
AROZ. Are you planning to open a second shop?
L. For the moment, we have no plans to open a second showroom. In September 2022, we decided to transform our showroom in Le Châtelain into a permanent boutique and to open to the public, without an appointment, from Wednesday to Saturday. This is still very recent. But we are planning to open pop-up stores in certain cities.
AROZ. Your greatest achievement?
L. Without any doubt, my son. But if I had to mention another one, it would be to have succeeded in creating my ideal job and especially, to have been able to create it with one of the people I love the most on this planet: my sister.
AROZ. Your biggest failure?
L. I don't really have a big failure... I don't like to see things like this. I consider every mistake I made as a learning experience. Without these mistakes, I wouldn't be who I am today and AROZ wouldn't be AROZ. But if I had to choose one regret in my life, it would be that I did not study architecture or art history. But who knows what life will bring me :)
However, if I had to mention one of my weaknesses, it might be that I have not been direct enough in what I think. I have often been afraid of offending people. It's difficult to work with people and to dare to say directly what you think, without waiting for it to explode... But again, I come out of it with the most positive aspects. I'm still learning, but I'm able to stand back and say things in a more thoughtful way.
AROZ. If you have to choose only one AROZ piece, which one? Why?
L. Impossible :) Each of our collections is made up of favorites. But I will try to list my top 3 :
In the first place, I would put the pendant "Parola" for its unique, discreet and sentimental side.
In the second position, the "Moon snail" bracelet, designed in collaboration with Bellerose. It's a strong piece, as I like them. And above all, I'm proud to have had the chance to create a collection with such an iconic Belgian brand.
And in third place, the "Marshelha" ring. This ring comes from a small stone picked up on a beach in L'Ile de Ré. From this simple little piece of the holiday, the atelier managed to create a ring that immediately transports me there.
AROZ. A fun fact about you?
L. My bff and I know all the lines from the movie "À nous quatre" by heart. Impressive, I know.
Laura's playlist
Last but not least, as a lover of good sounds, Laura shares with you a playlist specially created for the occasion. Discover it by clicking here!
