Q&A WITH MALU ULTEE
In honour of our loved founder's birthday, I held a Q&A with her for you to get to the face behind BOUND STUDIOS.
Malu founded BOUND STUDIOS by herself in 2018 and has been running it all by her self till the end of 2020. She is independent, driven and empathetic. For her, jewelry is a way to express, explore creativity and share her love for herself and for others. She’s a jewelry designer, website developer, marketing director, photographer, sales representative… you name it. Her friends would describe her as goofy, wise, reliable & caring.
Now let's get to work.
WHAT MADE YOU START YOUR OWN JEWELRY BRAND?
“After working as an operations manager, I realized how much I loved business, but I missed exploring my creativity. I soon realized that I wanted to start something for myself."
“As a kid I always used to make jewelry out of everything. Sticks, fruit peel, hair bands, you name it. When I grew older, I started experimenting with my own style but wasn’t able to find the perfect jewelry I was looking for. It was this passion and ambition that made me start Bound Studios. Now I can express myself through the creations that are available today.”
WAS IT HARD TO RUN A BUSINESS BY YOURSELF?
“Uhm.. Yes. Starting a brand like this alone certainly isn’t easy. It is hard work. You need to keep yourself motivated, which isn’t always easy. Especially when something doesn’t go as planned or when you have so many things to do and don't know how you're ever able to finish everything in time, by yourself.”
"Now I have you, Rebeca, and I have to say that it's a game changer. Forever grateful for the work that you do!"
HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED?
“Faith and a clear vision. The fact that a single mom who is independent and hard working raised me helped. No one was surprised when I shared the news of me starting my own company.”
WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
“ The little moments when new creative or business ideas pop up are magical and exiting. Shoot days are absolutely my favorite days of the year. On those days I am focused, energetic and on a natural high. To see my creations come to life and work with a team of amazing women is everything.
And when we have the perfect shots, I’m literally on the ground. Overwhelmed by joy.”
“ I also weirdly love the sales and financial part of running a brand – especially the part that most people find boring, haha!.”
WHAT INSPIRES YOU EVERY DAY? HOW DO YOU FIND CREATIVITY?
“ Nature, organic shapes, interior and anything that is vintage. They come at totally random moments. The last time was a few days back when I was peeling a pumpkin..”
WHAT IS YOUR ALL TIME FAVORITE PIECE FROM THE COLLECTION?
“The Double Trouble set. I wear it all day - everyday.
I have also been wearing the Sapphire in gold ever since we launched it.”
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
“Mindful, creative & loyal.”
WHAT IS YOUR ZODIAC SIGN?
“I’m a Pisces and I feel more like a Pisces everyday. A Pisces with drive ;-).”
WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL?
“Elephants. They are leaders, loving, intuitive, smart, spiritual, beautiful, strong & humble. Together with giraffes they have been my favorite animals since I can remember.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOUR?
“White is the OG, the other ones change every few months. White brings me peace and is my feng shui color. So my whole interior is basically white.”
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LIFESTYLE?
“A grandma lifestyle, at its core. I’m very mindful, I live in the present and highly prioritize my self-care and inner peace.”
WHAT DOES A PERFECT DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
- Wake up at 6am - Meditate and read till 7am - Workout with a friend or by my self in nature - Be at the office before 10 with a smoothie
- Have a shoot, meetings, calls, etc. - Salad and desert for lunch - Have an early dinner (preferably fries) with friends and be in bed by 10
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DRINK?
“Cold homemade matcha with fresh Oatly and loads of agave. If it didn’t have caffeine, I would have at least 10 a day. Now I stick to one.”
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MEAL?
“Oven fries with ketchup & a vegan burger with sautéed onions & spinach.”
WHAT IS YOU GO-TO SONG?
“Showtime” by Nelly Furtado. Any time, any day. Showtime.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?
“It’s a hard one. I love so many! But my favorite at the moment is: Less perfection, more authenticity.”
WHAT IS THE ADVISE YOU WOULD GIVE ANYONE AND EVERYONE?
"It's very basic but to love and accept yourself. Life is so much more when you do. And as basic as it is, it is so powerful when you get there."
I hope you enjoyed getting to know Malu. If you have any other questions, please don't heistate to contact us.
Lots of love,
Rebeca
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