Her eyes sparkle as she speaks about her precious beads and baubles, just like her diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies and tourmalines. Minnie Menon’s trademark signature style can be seen in every piece of jewellery that she designs.
Minnie is going to Bangkok for the 58th Gem and Jewellery fair in early September that is being hosted by the International Department of Thai Trade Promotion, a mega event in her industry.
“I’m the only designer from South India who has been invited to be a part of this mega event,” shares Minnie, whose collections have been showcased across the world including Canberra, Northern Germany, London, Stockholm, Uruguay, Singapore and other countries.
Celebrities, stars, socialites, diplomats, their wives, corporate head honchos, bankers and many well-known expats are some of her loyalists who love to sport her creations at red carpet evenings and social soirees.
In her earlier days, she loved to be in the thick of action, building brands and conceptualising landmark events. Minnie quit advertising when she was an executive director in the Ogilvy and Mather to pursue her passion in the area of sports marketing.
She pioneered and marketed the first ever instadia giant screen in India, at Chepauk for the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association.
“I also handled brand endorsements for Aussie cricketers Adam Gilchrist and Dennis Lillee, besides my stint as a Council member of the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association. Organising an event to honour Vijay Amritraj on his nomination as UN Messenger of Peace is one among the many that I will always cherish. As an Associate Dean, I was also an integral part of the start-up team of Chennai Business School. I have been active in supporting social causes and am a Trustee for the Citizen’s Run which supports lesser known NGOs,” she says.
Celebrating gems in many forms, Minnie who has a vast advertising background adds on what makes her tick, “I left Ogilvy & Mather to pursue my passion in sports marketing. Designing jewellery was my hobby and it helped me unwind, while I had an eventful career in advertising and marketing. I converted a hobby into a passion and now I wear an entrepreneurial and designer hat. My only daughter, a stand up comedienne and actor Anu Menon aka as Lolakutty, will be accompanying me for my exhibition in Bengaluru.”
She will be showcasing her eclectic collection of semi precious jewellery in Bengaluru for three days, starting today till Sunday.
