Local Flair Issue 30: Smallprint Dubai
Local Flair is back, and this time I am in conversation with Emma Vella of Smallprint Dubai, a bespoke service that offers custom-made and unique jewellery. Smallprint Dubai gives a new meaning to keeping your loved ones close to you, where ever you are, and it doesn’t get more personalised than having their hand, foot or finger print imprinted on a piece of jewellery that you wear. Carry on reading to find out about how these special trinkets are created and more P.S. Giveaway at the end of the post!
Tell me a little about yourself.
I am a mum to Josh and Ava,navigating the teenage years with anticipation. I have been living in Dubai for over 7 years and running Smallprint Dubai for 6 of those years. I love to workout as it sets me up mentally for my day ahead, I love reading and Netflix.
Tell me about Smallprint.
So Smallprint is a franchise which originated in the UK. It was the first company to create this unique idea. I was previously a customer in the UK and fell in love with it, that when we moved to the UAE I knew with all my heart this was something I wanted to share with everyone here.
What do you create and how?
I create beautiful keepsake jewellery capturing your loved ones hand, foot and fingerprint impression in sterling silver. I can make cuff links, key chains, pendants and charms.
I take hand and foot impressions by capturing the child’s or adult’s print using a magic inkless wipe and paper, the wipe reacts to the paper and gives you the most perfect image. The fingerprints are captured directly in to the silver, so the piece you touch is made in to the item you wear.
What’s the most rewarding part of your business so far?
Meeting all the lovely mums and their little ones, helping them create something truly unique. I offer an experience as well as a product, and my aim is for every mum and child to leave me feeling like I have helped them to create a memory. I also love the look on a customer’s face when they receive the finished piece or and the wonderful feedback I get telling me how much it meant to them, their hubby, mum or day. Too many things!!!
What’s been the most challenging aspect of your business, and how have you overcome it?
I have been very lucky to not hit too many obstacles. I think being authentic and true to what you do it can take you far. Hence why I have been operating for over 6 years.
What’s been your most memorable commission to date of creating a personalised order for someone?
Honestly each piece is so individual they are all memorable, maybe the ones from my kids, obviously haha.
What makes Smallprint so unique?
I am the person you meet from start to finish, I listen to what you want and I personally hand make every individual piece. I have many years experience in creating this jewellery and it truly is made from the heart.
What are your personal favourite pieces from the collection to make and to wear?
I love, love the fingerprints, they are super unique. However, the hand and feet are my biggest sellers because they are just super cute and quirky. I have a few items from the range but mainly necklaces and key chains. My hubby has lots; cuff links, key chains and pendants on a leather necklace.
Tell me about a normal day in your life, as the owner of Smallprint?
I do everything from marketing, taking appointments, answering queries, crating new items, making jewellery and so many other things. I hate book keeping though urgh…
What advice would you give to other women looking to start up their own business in the UAE?
If its something you a passionate about then do not hesitate. When you run your own business, it is 24/7 so you have to love what you do. It is a very supportive network community in Dubai and feel you wouldn’t get that back in the UK, for me anyway.
Where would you like to see your business in 5 years time?
I would like to ideally be working alongside someone, share the business but it just hasn’t happened for me yet. It can get quite lonely so having someone to share ideas with and to implement them would be great. So I guess I hope to grow more.
Exciting news from Smallprint…
Smallprint has may new exciting things happening. I am now exclusively printing pets paw prints, which is going very well and I have teamed up with a pet shop 2feet 4paws.
I have also teamed up with abrilliant health care clinic Apex in Motorcity, wo are bringimg the old schoolDr’s surgery back and personally getting to know all their patients by theirfirst name and medical needs and wants. Your not a number to them and I lovethat and they provide all the up to date medical expertise.
Finally to help grow I understand I must be providing a better service to my customers and listening to their wants and needs. So I will be implementing a delivery service for the inkless wipes kits to be delivered out, so the customer can take their own children’s prints without the hassle of coming to me. That will be available very soon so keep a look out.
Giveaway!
Smallprint Dubai and Mummy On My Mind are holding a giveaway for your chance to win a personalised charm with a hand or foot print! The giveaway will run from 5th November to 12th November. All you have to do is:
- Follow mummyonmymind and smallprintdubai on Instagram
- Like and comment on the photo of the Smallprint giveaway with the hashtag #SPgiveaway
- Tag 5 of your friends who would be interested in the comments section of the photo.
- Repost this giveaway on your Instastories OR instagram feed.
Please Note: This giveaway is open to UAE residents only, and is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administrated by or associated with Instagram. All the best!
Thank you Emma for giving us an insight into your bespoke creations, that make the perfect keepsake gift. For more information and to have a look at all the pieces you can create for a loved one or for yourself, head to their Facebook page or follow them for updates on Instagram.
Note: All photographs in this post belong to Smallprint Dubai and have been used by the owner’s permission.
