A Day in the Charlotte Mari Studio

A Day in the Charlotte Mari Studio

There is a moment of calm, just after navigating the school run with my boys - when I arrive at my little Shop and Studio. With a Corner Coffee latte in hand, I breathe in a sigh of excitement - it never, ever gets old. It's my shop. I am genuinely, incredibly grateful that this is what I call ‘work,’ and I’m so proud of the team of girls I have around me. They aren’t just staff; they are talented jewellers and jewellery lovers who echo everything this brand stands for.

Today it’s just me and Bethany holding down the shop and studio - nestled next to Porthcawl Harbour, and seconds away from the beach - what a location. We’ve been on this journey together since the very early days, back when Charlotte Mari was just the two of us working in my tiny - but perfectly formed - garden studio at home. We talk about those days all the time, and whenever we are in the shop together, we feel a huge sense of shared pride. 

Look how far we’ve come!

[Image: This was my Garden Studio where I would create jewellery and dream of my own shop]

Setting the Scene (and the Scent)

The first job is always a little re-set. I get a Spotify playlist going - isn't it amazing how music sets the vibration for the whole day? Today is extra exciting as we’ve had a huge restock of our best-selling Florence Green candles. We have carried this divine brand since our opening day; and honestly, almost every person who walks through the door comments on how beautiful our shop smells. It really does!

Beth is an absolute queen at merchandising, so she gets on with ensuring the display is clear, appealing and ‘shoppable’, bringing the new products front and centre. I replenish our Cai and Joe bags (we seriously cannot keep up with how fast these fly out) and check in on the plants. If I’m honest, I’m not the green-fingered one here, but as long as they look happy, I’m happy!

The Digital Connection

While the shop is quiet for the first hour, Beth dives straight into our online world. She’s the engine behind our digital shopfront - responding to your lovely emails and packing up parcels with so much care. There’s something so satisfying about seeing a stack of boxes ready to be dispatched to their new homes.

I use this time to catch up with some social media. I often spend my evenings chatting with customers via Instagram DM, and today I have a few visitors planned who wanted to see pieces in real life. One customer I've been talking to on Instagram is coming in to finally try on some personalised jewellery pieces she’s been eyeing up. Being able to offer that face-to-face guidance - helping someone choose the right chain length or the perfect words - is such an important part of the ‘Charlotte Mari way.’

The Heart of My Work: Bespoke & Memorials

In my diary, there are two appointments that I feel are a genuine privilege. My first couple are newly engaged; the groom planned his proposal with a CM Bespoke engagement ring, and today I finally get to meet the future bride to help them plan their wedding bands. Sneakily planning and hand-crafting a ring for someone you've never met, but who has been described so beautifully by the person who loves her most ... well, that is truly special.

[Image: Bespoke Engagement Ring]

Later, after Beth pops out for a quick lunch (it takes a lot of willpower not to ‘buffet’ our way through the Harbour’s amazing food like A-head of the Game Whocult or Harbwr Deli!)

My next appointment arrives - I’m meeting a brother and sister to discuss creating memorial jewellery using their Dad’s precious ashes. I give these conversations my total respect and peace, so we lock the studio door. Designing ashes jewellery is always a reminder that jewellery is so much more than an accessory; it’s a bond and a comfort.

Finding the Creative Flow

In between these special appointments, I make sure to carve out some ‘Design Time.’ I’ll sit with my sketchbook and plan out my bench work for later in the week. This is hands-down my favourite thing to do. Whether it’s sketching a new texture or dreaming up a new addition to our permanent collection, this is where the magic starts. Beth and Gemima are also CM Jewellers, so we share the workload, and while I focus on commissions and bespoke pieces, the girls make sure the cabinets are fully stocked with our Bestsellers. 

[Image: Ring from our best selling Botanical Collection ]

While I’m in the creative flow, Beth takes care of our walk-in Forever Jewellery appointments. Today, she helped a mother and daughter duo get ‘welded’ with matching bracelets and sentimental charms - a perfect, clasp-free alternative to the tattoos they couldn't agree on!

Closing the Door on a Lush Day

By the end of the day, Beth and I feel quite moved. We spend the last hour reflecting on the shop’s success and planning out the rotas for the next few weeks.

Just before we close, a little influx of people come in to browse, and we end up chatting, trying on jewellery and talking through those new candles. It must be a busy Birthday season, as we sold so many candles, sterling silver studs, and artisan cards. This little trio always screams ‘birthday gift’. A quick clean around, some photos for our social media, and it’s time to head off and reunite with our little ones. 

What a lush day at the Charlotte Mari studio!

I hope you visit us soon ..

Charlotte x