What would you do if you had a six-figure salary? Perhaps you’d never cook another meal again or indulge in a monthly Thai massage and a Soho House membership to unwind from the stress that comes with being at your A-game.
Here at The Good Life you don’t have to imagine what life at the top looks like anymore: Get real-life inspiration for how the most successful live their lives.
Today Fortune meets Connie Nam, the brainchild behind London’s hottest jewelry chain right now, Astrid & Miyu.
A world away from the pink walls and bling-adorned stores she now runs, the 44-year-old London-based entrepreneur started out her career in investment banking.
Burned out and over the rat race, Nam started making jewelry from the kitchen table of her flat in 2012—and from there, Astrid & Miyu was born.
What started out as a passion project is now bringing in over £34 million a year and stocked in the iconic department stores Harrods and Selfridges.
179,363 pairs
The number of earring pairs sold by Astrid & Miyu in the last year.
The once small online business has rapidly spun into a chain with 23 stores across Britain and the U.S. that also offer tattoos to go with your new ear candy.
Astrid & Miyu’s latest store in Carnaby, London:
Astrid & Miyu
Astrid & Miyu
And it’s not slowing down any time soon: In August, Nam cut the ribbon to Astrid & Miyu’s latest store in Carnaby, the heart of London, and it’s set to open its first European store in Amsterdam later this year.
The finances
Fortune: What has been the best investment you’ve ever bought?
While working in investment banking, I bought two flats in Hong Kong before the age of 27. I don’t have them anymore but they have been the best investments—I used one to fund my MBA and the other to fund the business.
The worst?
A pair of Christian Louboutin sandals. They are so gorgeous but I regret every time I wear them as they’re so uncomfortable!
“Save up and invest as much as you can.”
What do your childcare arrangements look like?
I have the most amazing housekeeper who lives with us. She does the drop-offs and pick-ups from school. Before children went to school, I always had a full-time nanny as both I and my husband have demanding jobs.
Courtesy of Astrid & Miyu
What personal finance advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Save up and invest as much as you…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Fortune | FORTUNE…
