In the fourth post in our series featuring inspiring women in business, we sat down with Melanie Auld - founder of Melanie Auld Jewelry, an online and in-person jewelry boutique specialising in timeless, custom, and conversation starting pieces.

Melanie Auld Jewelry Website

Can you share a bit about your journey in the business world and how you reached the level of success you have today?

I've always been really drawn to design, fashion and the way people attach meaning to beautiful objects, so designing jewelry was really the perfect combination of all those interests. I think success is made up of a million tiny wins and likely 2 million tiny losses 🙂. I started Melanie Auld Jewelry in 2013 and over the last 11 years we have grown it to a company that employees 30+ females. I really believe that if you are doing something you are passionate about, have a strong vision and work ethic and surround yourself with great people that's the first step to success. Concentrating on building strong and authentic relationships with people that share your values is another major factor in why we have achieved this level of success. Community is huge for us.

As a successful businesswoman, what challenges did you face in your career related to gender, and how did you overcome them?

Because we bootstrapped MAJ I didn't run into the issues that other female founders generally have when looking for outside funding to start or grow their businesses. Women founders are much less likely to receive funding for businesses than their male counterparts and that's a huge problem. When women start companies, they generally create higher job growth, higher revenue, and happier workplace environments just to name a few.

What are three habits that have helped you get where you are today?

Consistency, passion and a strong work ethic.

Do you think it’s becoming any easier for women to succeed in business, and if so why do you think that is?

I think that talking about the challenges facing woman in the work place and creating more awareness around it will definitely help more women succeed. Being aware of the benefits of woman owned companies will hopefully move the needle in terms of funding, where people spend their money and recognition.

How do you approach the development of leadership skills among women in your company or industry, and why is it crucial for women to take on leadership roles?

At MAJ we are mostly an all woman team so it's really important to make sure that the woman who work for us feel impowered and lead with compassion. Woman are changing the way businesses are run and since our leadership team is mostly female it gives our staff real time role models to look to for support, career advice and training.

If you could give one piece of advice to other women aspiring for similar success in their industries, what would it be?

Trust your gut. Seriously. If something in your body is telling you to say no, or that something is too good to be true, it probably is. All the times I ignored my inner voice ended in disappointment. I've learned from experience that my mind knows how and where to drive this company and the key is to listen closely to what it's trying to tell you.

Who are some of your female role models?

Honestly, the women I am around every day. My MAJ team, my girlfriends, my super competitive tennis friends. Women just doing their thing, raising kids, giving back, building companies and just putting themselves out there in meaningful ways every single day!

What’s your favourite pair of OQs?

I am obsessed with my Alice sunnies, the perfect mix of classic with a little statement!