~Offers eco conscious jewellery, accessories~
PHILIPSBURG--ALEX AND ANI has opened its first boutique in the Eastern Caribbean in St. Maarten.
The boutique, located at 72 Front Street, Unit C, has been open for business since August 17, but will celebrate with an official opening ceremony on Friday, August 28. ALEX AND ANI is owned by the Chugani family, who also own and operate Kay’s Fine Jewelry. The new boutique retails bangles, earrings, rings, necklaces, leather goods, candles and scents, etc.
“ALEX AND ANI is an eco-conscious, positive energy brand that we are thrilled to bring to St. Maarten,” Ritika Chugani told The Daily Herald. “ALEX AND ANI is a break from the traditional jewellery store concept and this new store will give the Front Street shopper not only a unique shopping experience, but also allow them to purchase meaningful pieces of jewellery,” she said when asked how the boutique will add value to the country's business climate.
The Chuganis said the opening of the boutique has created “numerous employment opportunities” from management positions to a Social Media Coordinator.
The store currently employs six bartenders (Sales Associates). The owners look forward to growing their business and adding to the ALEX AND ANI team in the future. The Chuganis declined to specify the amount of their investment to open the local store when asked, saying that they are unable to disclose any sort of financial details per ALEX AND ANI guidelines.
ALEX AND ANI products are made from recycled and reused metals. Even the packaging, boxes and gift bags, etc., are made from recycled materials and are biodegradable. “ALEX AND ANI strives each day to promote consciousness and awareness of the world and specifically the environment,” the owners said.
“We create meaningful, eco-conscious jewellery and accessories to empower the light in you. We share a passion for the well-being of our planet, our communities, and our individual paths. ALEX AND ANI products are proudly designed and crafted in America and made with love,” the company says.
The founder
ALEX AND ANI was founded by Carolyn Rafaelian, who transformed a family tradition of jewellery making into a lifestyle brand. Recognised as much for her entrepreneurial spirit and skill as for her goodwill, Rafaelian learned the craft of jewellery design and production as a young apprentice to her father, who owned Cinerama – a jewellery factory in Cranston, R.I.
Since she launched ALEX AND ANI in 2004, the company – named for her first two daughters – has turned heads in the business and fashion industries. The ALEX AND ANI signature expandable wire bangles are made in the United States with recycled materials. The designs feature everything from spiritual symbols to licensed logos of major sports teams, colleges and universities and Disney characters. Today, the company has expanded to include a beauty line, handbags and coffee bars.
ALEX AND ANI products reflect Rafaelian’s values, charitable focus and desire to spread positive energy across the globe. Her designs are created with a deep reverence for powerful and sacred symbols that express and inspire awareness, empowerment and inner beauty.
Rafaelian is involved in all facets of her company’s operations, particularly its designs and marketing efforts, and maintains close associations with its vendors. Based in Cranston, the company is a five-time Inc. 5,000 honouree. ALEX AND ANI has ranked on Inc. magazine’s list of fastest-growing US companies in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
In 2012, Rafaelian was named New England Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young and the Small Business Administration’s Rhode Island Small Business Person of the Year. Rafaelian studied at the University of Rhode Island and at The American College in London and Los Angeles. She has received honorary degrees from the University of Rhode Island, Providence College and Johnson and Wales University.
