It sure is a great time to be the dog of an abundant owner, as the usage of high-end and designer animal items has actually seen a considerable boom in the last few years.
Nowadays it is exceptionally unusual to come throughout a global designer brand name which isn’t offering a line of animal associated items – from Gucci’s EUR1,750 animal bowls to Louis Vuitton’s EUR2,816 dog providers, animal moms and dads are definitely wanting to keep their pooches spoiled.
So, if you yourself take place to be in the market for a high-end diamond collar for your furry pal, then Nathalie Knauf, the creator of Knauf Jewellery and Soho Poms, a high-end dog hair shampoo and accessory brand name, is your lady.
She has actually just recently been flaunting her most current extravagant commission – a perfect diamond doggy locket including a paraíba tourmaline pear-shaped pendant, valued at a shocking EUR755,000!
Aside from her company life, Knauf supports the work of a number of pet dogs’ charities and she just recently ended up being a happy ambassador for the Kennel Club Charitable Trust.
Euronews Culture overtook the London-based canine business owner to talk about the function pet dogs have actually played throughout her life and the ins and outs of her work.
Canines have actually constantly played a vital part throughout your life. In reality, your fondness for them all began with a remarkable event in your youth?
Yes, I was raised with Italian Mastiffs and when I was 3 years of ages myself, my dad and my granny went on a walk. I was running a bit in the fields and selecting flowers. As we were strolling a bike came over, got me and left.
My dad understanding what had actually occurred didn’t understand what to do, so informed the dog to capture the bike. Thankfully the dog comprehended what was going on and started pursuing the bike. You can picture these pet dogs are quite heavy so when it got on the bike whatever went flying. I was flying, the bicyclist was flying and the bike was broken.
By the time my dad showed up the bicyclist stated ‘I believed the kid was lost and escaped’. So it was certainly a kidnapping effort so I’m extremely fortunate to still be here. My dad just informed my mom about the event 3 years later on since he was so surprised himself.
The number of pet dogs do you presently own?
I have 11 pet dogs at the minute. 11 Pomeranians, which I call the Soho Poms.
Soho Poms is likewise the name of your bespoke lap dog garments and devices business. How did this concept for this brand name happened?
The concept truly began naturally when I began to purchase a great deal of items for my pet dogs. Leashes, harnesses, winter season coats and beds and so on. Nevertheless a great deal of the items broke basically after I purchased them which distress me since if you do this financial investment for 11 pet dogs there is a great deal of cash included.
So then I stated well perhaps I can do this much better. So I began to develop. I likewise developed a hair shampoo which is incredible for pet dogs’ fur and undercoat.
At the minute we’re focusing more on little to mid sized pet dogs, however next year we’re going to put more focus on the requirements of larger pet dogs.
Certifying as a financial expert, you later on gave up the world of financing and went on to introduce Knauf Jewels with your other half in 2011. How did you initially enter into the jewellery company?
Initially I was operating in financing so I had absolutely nothing to do with jewellery. However I constantly liked the jewellery collection of my granny and I was captivated by it.
Later on I got wed and my other half began producing jewellery himself, which he would send out to friends and family. It began as a pastime for him however he began to understand he was offering many, so he asked me if I wished to join him on that task.
So I then stated ok however I will require to discover it and comprehend what it is. I left my task and I returned to study gemmology for 3 years, while likewise developing the business. Now I develop 60% of whatever we do so I am entirely included.
You were just recently commissioned by a customer to make a diamond dog locket worth EUR650,000?
Yes, I was asked to currently do a job prior to from a customer in London who desired something to match their own pendants and earrings. So I brought the concept forward and developed this piece myself.
Obviously it’s a high-end however high-end for some individuals has no limitations. It is certainly the most pricey dog product I have actually ever made. Even I do not own jewellery that pricey myself.
Where do you discover the most fulfilment in your work?
Whether it’s jewellery or dog devices, or now diamond for pet dogs – I believe what is most rewarding is if I see individuals using and utilizing my productions, and getting excellent feedback.
‘ Oh I utilized your hair shampoo it was incredible, we liked it. I likewise utilized it on my hair. Can I purchase another bottle?’.
I believe that’s the most rewarding. I believe it’s the worst if you purchase something and it simply gets disregarded in a corner someplace. I believe that’s unfortunate.
You’re now an ambassador for the Kennel Club Charitable Trust and have dedicated to gifting and raising ₤ 100,000 to assist money its well-being efforts – what work do they do?
They do charity to attempt and assist various tasks. A few of them will be for pet dogs residing on the street, others for puppy farming or to assist pet dogs that are utilized in labs. So I more than happy and honoured to support this excellent cause.
Portions of all of my sales are going towards the charity. It’s a cooperation we are continuing.
I can’t be more happy to support this since human beings can defend themselves when something is incorrect however animals can’t. And I believe this is why they require all our aid.
What do you want to attain in the future?
I truly wish to press forward my Soho Poms business and simply to have it grow and grow. We desire it to be the one stop store to opt for whatever worrying pet dogs and likewise human beings, such as beautiful leggings you require in the early morning to stroll your pet dogs. We wish to end up being the Amazon of the dog world.
