Maggie Angus’ playground of fanciful jewellery was established in 2010 and offers highly charged, punchy acrylic designs that are made with an ounce of glamour and a good dollop of mischief. Although the brand is just a year old, Maggie Angus already counts the likes of top DJ Annie Mac, Fearne Cotton, Jessie J and Yasmin as fans and has been shortlisted as Reveal magazine’s Jewellery Brand of the Year at their 2011 ‘Click to Buy Awards’.
The brand was started by designer Anna Evans who had previously worked at ELLE and Red magazines, but left to pursue her life-long ambition of running her own creative business. Here we delve into the inspiration behind Maggie Angus.
Name: Anna Evans
Where are you from?
I suppose I’m a bit of a gypsy. I call London home but I was born in Birmingham and have lived in New York, Cheshire, Edinburgh and Brighton too.
Why is the brand called Maggie Angus?
It plays homage to my amazing Scottish grandmother who was called Maggie Angus. She was an avid jewellery junkie and a lover of fashion. My design identity and ethos have been influenced so much by her approach to life and style. She always looked super demure and glamorous, wearing a chic little Chanel suit but then added the kookiest pieces of jewellery ever. Her witty, upbeat and eccentric personality was infectious and I try to carry these traits through every one of my jewellery designs.
Can you give a bit of background into your design history?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a pen in my hand drawing anything I set my eyes on. I’ve also always made jewellery of some sorts and I actually set up a pretend shop in my family’s shed when I was seven years old, selling my creations alongside awful mud pies. I’ve never done a course in jewellery so I’m completely self-taught, but I studied Art and Design for many years. I had an Art scholarship at school and went on to the University of Edinburgh to study Art too. Being creative I suppose has always been a big part of me.
What made you set up your own business?
I’ve always worked in creative businesses from a massive ad agency to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, but it was when I was working for ELLE and Red fashion magazines that Maggie Angus was born. I always read features about inspiring women such as Sarah Curran at my-wardrobe.com who set up their own businesses and I knew deep down that I wanted to have my own creative company too. I am a bit of a risk taker and one day of the blue I handed in my notice at work. Something inside me pushed me to quit my job at that time and set up my own business. I vaguely had a business plan, had £200 to my name but I just threw myself into it whole heartedly.
What has been the biggest challenge to overcome so far?
It’s no secret that it’s hard to work in retail in the current economic climate, so I’ve had to work every waking hour to make this venture possible (there’s no such thing as a weekend off). I have days when I think I must be mad and I’ve had to go without many a pair of beautiful shoes, but I suppose I’m quite chuffed with how well it’s gone so far. My stubbornness and husband’s patience have been the two factors I think that have helped!
Where do you find inspiration for your jewellery designs?
Music influences me massively, from the lyrics of a song to the energy of a dance track. For example, my SS ’11 collection ‘Viva Del Mar‘ was about the unique vibrancy of the music and party scene in Ibiza and Miami. I envisaged every piece been worn on a dance music lover going wild in a club. Each Maggie Angus piece has a bit of disco glitz to it! I’m also inspired by the buzz of London life and crazy vintage things I find at car boot sales.
Cosmopolitan Magazine March 2011
What have been the highlights of Maggie Angus so far?
When the Fashion Director of Cosmopolitan Magazine- Shelly Vella – called in my summer collection for a big shoot in Miami. I was esctatic when I opened up the magazine to see my jewellery in Cosmopolitan. Also being shortlisted for the Reveal magazine Fashion Awards 2011 as Jewellery Brand of the Year. I had to read the email at least three times when I found out as I didn’t quite believe it.
Who does you jewellery appeal to?
I hope everyone really! Generally the Maggie Angus customer has a slightly cheeky side to them and they like their jewellery to add a bit of fun to any outfit. The jewellery we make doesn’t break the bank but makes a big impression.
What’s next for the Maggie Angus brand?
Persuading more retailers to stock our products in the UK and in Europe and to showcase our new collections at London Fashion Week and Pure, London.
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to start up their own business?
I think the UK has so many creative people that are incredibly talented but are too scared to set up a business by themselves. If there are no jobs out there, I fully believe in creating your own. You don’t need a massive business loan – I never did – or dream of world domination, you just need to be slightly mad, not afraid of working hard and just go for it.
What music are you listening to in the Maggie Angus office at the moment?
Anything on Hospital Records especially London Elekricity, Friendly Fires new album ‘Pala’ takes you away to distant tropical shores and and I’m also loving Toddla T’s new album ‘Watch Me Dance’ which always puts me in the mood for dancing.
What are your favourite places in London?
Too many to mention, but I suppose Kew Gardens, the National Portrait Gallery and sitting in the sun on the Southbank people watching.
If you have any questions for Anna please feel free to leave a message or tweet @maggieangus
