
Parents in Business featuring Mosaico
This week on my Parents in Business series I’m delighted to feature Paula who created Mosaico; a bespoke jewellery brand selling stunning jewellery including necklaces and bracelets. The business was born by Paula and her business partner; Jenny, and has gone from strength to strength since launching from getting repeat orders to being included in a local magazine, which just keeps on validating their progress.
Paula fully understands the role of running of your own business including the long hours and the juggle, yet also appreciates just how important it is to keep learning, to accept your mistakes, and also to have a passion for products and research. So if you’re looking for an inspiring read and some gorgeous jewellery then read on…..
Tell me a little bit about you, your background, and your business?
My name is Paula, I am the founder of Mosaico Jewellery. I was born in Brazil on a beautiful island called Florianopolis. I have a brother and a sister and so many aunties, uncles and cousins that you can lose count. Although it is a big family, we all grew up visiting each other and playing during many family barbecues at the weekend. Growing up on an island was great. I love nature and the beach.
Jewellery has really been my love since I was a child. I used to hang clothes labels on my ears when I was a child, to pretend they were big long earrings. When I was a teenager I was given my first pair of dangly earrings, it was amazing! I moved to the UK back in 2005 after graduating in Graphic Design. Years ago, I had the idea to sell semi-precious gemstone jewellery online. I conducted some market research and it just sounded great! Jenny, my friend and business partner, has known me for years. She was even my bridesmaid at my wedding. One day over a glass of wine, I asked her if she wanted to be part of the business. Luckily for me, she said yes and we are now very excited to have together, such a gorgeous product and brand.
Mosaico sells semi-precious gemstone jewellery, with a modern and sleek spin to each design which are inspired by our mixed heritages (Brazilian, South African and British). We pick the stones together, and we tend to go for gemstones with a difference (in shape, colours or markings). We want the pieces to be special and to showcase the natural stones at their best. We exchange ideas for the business constantly and are particularly picky about the quality of the finish of each one of our pieces. I contribute to the creative process but ultimately, Jenny puts most of the designs together, and I make the business tick. We complement each other beautifully.
What were your motivations for setting up your business?
I built everything from scratch, from the brand identity, website to all the structure and logistics behind the scenes. Jenny has been great as we bounce ideas from each other really well. At home, the support of my husband has been crucial. I graduated in 2017 and by April 2018 we were online and testing the concept. We started advertising the brand later in the year. Mosaico was born from a lot of determination and many sleepless nights, but ultimately, our determination and love for the product and our brand.
How do you balance the business around your family and childcare?
Since setting up your business what has been your biggest success to date?

What’s your top tip for anyone who is thinking about setting up their own business?
Passion for the products, doing your research and believing in yourself are key to this process. Starting a business is definitely daunting and I have learned so much over the past year. You will make mistakes along the way too. It is important to keep going and adapt when necessary. You have to expect there will be ups and downs. Every time we fulfil an order however, or a request for a bespoke piece of jewellery where we can create something specially made for that customer, I get a rush of excitement and know that this is the right path for me. We are still quite new and what I’m describing is the journey I have faced so far. So basically I would say, do your research, start small and most importantly, go for it!
You can find out more by visiting about the Mosaico website, Instagram and Facebook channel.
If you like what you’re reading and would love to be part of my Parents in Business series just drop me an email: thepramshedblog@gmail.com. Or have a nose at some of the other businesses I have featured in the series: Mockingbird Makes, Wiio Ltd, and De StartUp Lab.
Claire x

