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7 REASONS WE Buy HANDMADE GIFTS

17/9/2019

We've all been there... searching the internet blindly to find that special gift for an important birthday, a special thank you, a pick-me-up for a friend, a graduation, Mothers' Day, Fathers' day...the list really goes on. We spend hours and hours scrolling for that 'special something'.

But why do we feel the need to gift that special something in the first place?
1. It shows the receiver that we know them.
2. It shows them we care enough to go the extra mile to find something they'll love.
3. It demonstrates our good taste.
4. We want the receiver to feel unique and valued.
5. We want to support small businesses and all they stand for.
6. We want to shop sustainably, buying items from brands that are not mass-produced.
7. We want a story. Of the hands who made it, the history, where the idea came from.

As a maker, I see the work that artisans put into their work and support them as much as I can. I appreciate that they do the same in return for my business.

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WHAT BIKU STANDS FOR

9/9/2019

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I'm often asked where the Biku concept came from. Back in the day my response was a rather long-winded affair with twists and turns and tales of unrequited design love. But after several years of making, sourcing, talking to kimono vendors, thinking deeply, learning how to pitch, studying, focusing on brand messaging and thinking a LOT more, it boils down to this simple phrase. 'Re-purposing forgotten things.' Forgotten things, places and people make me sad. I wondered, 'How can I make the useless useful? How can I make the once-loved re-loved? How can I make the damaged beautiful? How can I make forgotten things remembered?' And in that process I remembered myself again.

On a more detailed level, Biku has a bunch of values that set it apart from other businesses, values that make it unique. The concept is based around 4 elements that came from my own life as a mum and business owner.

1. Saving you time
Back in the day, I used to feel rushed to get to work in the mornings and later on (when kids were added to the equation), I had no time to feel put together on the school run. I needed pop-on statement pieces so that I didn't have to think too long about my wardrobe but still feel ready for my day.

2. Keeping you Comfortable
And more to the point, I got annoyed by cumbersome and uncomfortable jewellery. I loved statement pieces but they always seemed to require a neck brace or physiotherapy after a day's wear. I needed to feel confident and in control of my life, and feeling put together was an important part of how I approached my day.

3. Adaptable Accessories
I began to design statement pieces as blasts of confidence for the wearer from the unique style, to the bold design and colour combinations. I wanted jewellery that I could wear with a tee and jeans or that could be dressed up for dinner in the evening. Each piece of jewellery working for any occasion.

4. Sustainable
As a family we are trying hard to reduce our plastic consumption and our carbon footprint in general, so it was important to me that my jewellery brand was based on a sustainable material. And seeing so many kimono left unused and decaying in homes and antique shops all around Japan made me feel sad. I wanted to breathe new life into these forgotten and damaged fabrics before they headed to the landfill.

The Biku brand is still developing and more ideas are swimming around my head every day. It's pretty exciting stuff to be on this ride, Want to join me?
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Shop the biku collection here

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7 REASONS WE Buy HANDMADE GIFTS

WHAT BIKU STANDS FOR

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