Pearls' of trinket wisdom

A sharp eye for detail never goes unrewarded. Chennai-based jewellery design  extraordinaire Minnie Menon’s wondrous creations owe its origin to her heightened sense of imagery. "It’s all around us. Beauty in all forms and even abstract have always caught my fancy,” she begins. The jewellery designer will be in Bengaluru on July 20 and 21 as part of a visiting exhibition. Speaking of which, she says, “The last I was in Bengaluru was two years ago. That was my first. I love the people here, it has a different demographic altogether, but I’m leaving some room for surprise!” 

Minnie hails from a family that loved their jewellery. So, her penchant for semi-precious jewellery dates back to her childhood years. Speaking of her most coveted collection till date; pat comes the reply. “It is my mother’s Japanese Single strand pearl necklace. I have added some larpis beads to add a hint of colour,” she shares. Minnie believes in making jewellery that looks good and feels good. “I have always made jewellery that brings a genuine smile to the face of the wearer.”  

Prior to this, Minnie has  a successful tryst with advertising. She then tried her hands at sports marketing, which turned out to be stupendous. “I was appointed an Ambassador in India of the International Cricket Hall of Fame in Bowral  Australia, an initiative of the Bradman Foundation when it was launched. It was a truly memorable experience. So was signing up Dennis Lillee, the legendary Aussie fast bowler to endorse a seafood brand.  I also handled  Adam Gilchrist’s business interest for a series in India and got him a lucrative writing  assignment.  Launching and being awarded the exclusive marketing rights for the first giant cricket screen installed in India at Chepauk in Chennai was another unforgettable experience. It completely transformed instadia viewing for the spectators. My task involved creating a media model  since this was a new medium in our country. I marketed it very  successfully  to key sponsors. It was a trail blazer.” she reminisces. 

An enviable clientele and goodwill may have made her a popular name in Chennai; but nothing comes in between quality family time and pursuing her love for adventure. “I have the energy of a five-year-old! I am always looking for ways to satiate my love for adventure.I love travelling and indulging in a series of adventure sports.”

Minnie’s daughter’s Anu, is a popular stand-up comic, better known as the former Lola Kutty. So it is only fair if Minnie gets a taste of great comedy at her daughter’s expense whenever she can. (Pun intended!)