Sugar Mango

My First Love

2011-09-21T02:45:00.000-07:00

I am often asked what bought me into jewellery design, well my first love did....photography! I originally trained as a photographer and worked in the industry for some 20 years, and it was this love of photography that took me to India to capture the sights and characters inspired by the great Steve McCurry, a totally awesome photographer.

It was while I was in India that I discovered beautiful gemstones, and some great guys who are now life long friends, who manufacture my designs for. But now I find myself returning to my first love, and am currently working on a collection of prints inspired by the grace and beauty of the New Forest pony.

You can see more of my photography at http://www.alisontimmons.co.uk/index.html and also at the shop, where I have a few limited edition prints for sale.

Get Pinning!

2011-09-03T04:25:00.000-07:00

I'm absolutely loving Pinterest at the moment. It's an on line pin board of gorgeous things and funny quotes that people have collected and pinned to their boards. When ever you see a great idea or photo on the web you can 'pin it' to your own board, or follow other 'pinners'

1. CountryHome bungalow remodel; pinned by Kathy onto Rustic Chic

2. The Vamoose necklaces; pinned by Amy onto Style

3. Curved stone post earrings from Urban Outfitters; pinned by Carly onto My Style Pinboard

4. Fresco nesting bakers via Cooking for Seven; pinned by Scarlet onto For the Home

5. Colors 7 painting by Jen Ramos; pinned by M onto Things I Like

You can collect your favourite jewellery images, things that inspire you, amazing cakes to make, or cool photo's to take your imagination off to distant shores. I'm totally addicted. When ever I need to feel inspired I just see what's on the boards.

You can also follow the Pinterest blog for current trends and find really cool designers. Check it out...you'll love it.

Customer Word Cloud

2011-08-15T02:48:00.001-07:00

We've had some lovely things written in our guest book by our gorgeous customers so I thought it would be fun to make a word cloud with them....here's the result. To view just click on the link, and you can even make your own. Happy clouding!

Luxury Vagabond - wet wipes at the ready!

2011-07-14T08:02:00.000-07:00

On one of my trips to India I came across this phrase 'Luxury Vagabond' in a guide book, and it struck me as the perfect description to my own travelling style. I don't like to rough it, so my bag is always stuffed with various wet wipes and sprays.

However, I still look for the authentic Indian experience, and I can't help but enjoy riding in a 'tuktuk' despite the dusty, sweaty and uncomfortable journey. I leave the sanctuary of my beautiful Heritage Hotel, fresh, pressed and clean, only to arrive at work 20 minutes later as a 'luxury vagabond', wet wipes at the ready!

Hot & Sweaty In The Back Of A TukTuk

At the end of a long day sitting on floors, I head back to the oasis of calm that is my hotel, ready for a long cool drink served by the friendly hotel staff in traditional dress, who always assume you want a large measure! It's always nice to sit outside, despite the mosquitoes making you look half mad with flaying arms, and hopefully meet up with fellow vagabonds to discuss the shared joke of 'Indian Time', which is always 3 times longer than you have been told! In an effort to keep us (the customers) happy, Indian men always say 'yes, no problem....just two minutes more'

New Friends Made On My Trip

Tea is another essential luxury, but you have to ask for 'tea with separate milk' or it comes all in one pot. They always bring hot milk, but by this time I have given up trying to ask for cold, as this is a totally foreign concept to them. But I get far to used to the room service, and when I get home I can't understand why my husband won't keep getting up and making it for me!

All The Colours Of India...in a rug!

2011-06-10T11:58:00.000-07:00

On my travels to India I'm always seeking out inspiring pieces to bring back to the shop, and this last trip was no exception.

I was fortunate to find a talented young man called Nitesh and his amazing carpets. I fell in love with them straight away, the rugs that is, and I can't help but smile every time I look at the one's I have at home because to me they have all the colours and vibrancy of India...in a rug!

I was so lucky to be invited to visit the village where Nitesh and his family create these beautiful pieces, which take one month each to make. The village was beautiful and so peaceful after the busy city I usually stay in. I was greeted with a flower garland, and a tour of the work shops.

The process starts with the wool being dyed in large metal bowls over an open fire, stirred by a hot worker, the yarn is then hung out in the sun to dry.

Then the lovely ladies, who smile shyly at me, spin the wool ready for the looms. These are traditional wood and the beautiful ladies sit together with their young children playing near by, chattering away while the weave their magic.

Finally the rugs are washed, this must be the best job to have, as the cool water can only be refreshing in the hot sun.

It's a real family affair, and I was honoured to meet Nitesh's grandfather, who still wakes at 6am every morning to his Yoga practice, and the lovely tour was completed with a rose from the garden and some freshly made treats from Nitesh's Aunt. It was the highlight of my trip, and now the rugs are all here a month later, I'm still smiling.

Save Our High Street

2011-06-02T02:22:00.000-07:00

The biggest retail news right now, must be that the Government has acknowledged the problems that many retailers are facing on the hight street; so they have enlisted Mary Portas to review the situation and see what could be done.

Mary “Queen of Shops” Portas has been drafted in by the UK government to conduct a review of the high street and come up with ideas to bring some variety to so-called “clone towns” and to reinvigorate town centres that are blighted by empty shops.

Prime Minister David Cameron said high streets should be the “very heart of every community” and Portas’s “no-nonsense approach”, as seen on TV, could help reverse the trend towards out-of-town and online shopping which has left one in seven high street shops standing empty

“Three years ago six per cent of high street shops were vacant; by the end of last year the figure had grown to 14 per cent. At this rate, in two years time, more than a third of city centre shops will be boarded up.”

What do you think we should do to revive the high street ?

Or shouldn’t we bother, is it a case of change or die ?

Having watched the city centre in our own city struggle we’re following this story avidly...

You can follow Mary’s progress, or chip in with any brilliant ideas or observations on her website. Some of the comments on there make very interesting reading, so if you’ve got any interest in retail, and you haven’t been on a desert island for the past two years and you know who mary is…. Jump on over…. www.maryportas.com

Is it too young for me?

2011-05-30T04:55:00.000-07:00

The question I'm often asked 'is this too young for me?'

I'm always perplexed, to me jewellery & fashion is ageless, it's more about self expression of who you are than your date of birth.

I'm 41 and I don't feel a day over 19! I like to express my creative nature through jewellery, the colours reflect my moods, it never occurs to me that it may have an age!

These days women of all ages are shopping for the same fashions, just look at Mary Portas, a leading style guru. She takes the catwalk fashion worn by skinny teenagers and makes it her own, her youthful personality shining through her fashion expression.

Youth comes from with in, it's more of a state of mind. So ladies, don't ask me if it's too young, ask yourself 'does it make me feel good?' I know it does.

Alison aged 19 and 264 months!

Sweet Charity

2011-02-11T02:17:00.000-08:00

SOS Children World Orphan Week

Local company helps to raise money

Southbourne-based jewellery and accessories boutique, Sugar Mango, is doing their bit for charity during World Orphan Week (14^th February – 20^th February). The shop has close connections with a community in India, where they use local artisans to make all of the handmade items on sale. The store’s owners are very keen to give something back to the community.

Owners of Sugar Mango, Alison Timmons and Heather Martyn, are planning in-store fundraising activities during the week, as well as selling a limited edition necklace which they have designed specifically for the occasion to give 100% of the sales to the SOS Children Village in India. The necklace is called Believe, Hope & Care and can be purchased in-store or from their website for £39, www.sugarmango.com.

A special card comes with the necklaces detailing it's meaning, which reads as follows...

Your purchase of this necklace serves as a gesture of love & compassion to the orphans of SOS Children Villages. Blue Topaz's vibrant energy brings joy, generosity & good health, the heart shows love & compassion of the wearer & the lotus reminds us of the unlimited potential of children. Wear your necklace everyday to believe, hope & above all care.

Alison commented; “This is a charity that I am personally involved with as I have been sponsoring a little girl in India at the local SOS Village. I have bought the materials that we use for our jewellery from this area for the past 4 years. I am planning a trip to India at the end of March, when I will be visiting the orphanage again. It’s gratifying to be able to go back and see what improvements have been made over the year, but this village still needs further support to continue its good work.”

SOS CHILDRENS VILLAGE INDIA - DEC 2011 UPDATE

2011-01-22T02:22:00.000-08:00

The village where Sukdha lives, the little girl we sponsor, has been engaged in the care and development of children since 1974 and there are currently children in 14 family homes in the complex. They have a kindergarten, a Learning Centre with computers, a Library, an auditorium, playgrounds, and an infirmary/dispensary spread over five acres with gardens. Six new children came to them during the course of 2010.

They have 110 school going children in 25 different local schools. The children are doing well and all of them got promoted to the next higher class. Six of the children qualified in the Higher Secondary (class XII) Board Exam, and two of them have joined BCA and BBA courses at reputed institutes. Evening study sessions have been organised under supervision of village educators and tutors in various subjects to help the children.

A workshop on Career Counselling and soft skills development was organised for the children to hone their knowledge and skills to choose vocations according to their aptitudes. Other activities to promote overall development of the children were organised throughout the year and the children participated in them with much enthusiasm.

Interactive sessions with experts in child-rights, communication skills, personal grooming, job market, art and crafts, yoga and meditation, art living, stress management, conservation of natural resources and environment etc. have helped the children in their overall development.

They also have a Family Strengthening Programme for vulnerable families to make them self-sustaining through Self Help Groups and capacity building of care givers and their children is reaching out to nearly a hundred such families by providing economic help, counselling and other help and sustenance to them. Eighty FSP beneficiaries have now got bank accounts with their help, five attending a tailoring course, 12 children a course in Tally accounting system, 5 attended a computers course, 15 trained in making jute bags and 2 were assisted in getting regular employment. Two Self Help Groups were introduced to PNB Bank to facilitate loans.

All this has been possible with the generous support and encouragement from the donations gratefully received and made the work with the children successful.

You can help support this important work by making a donation on our Just Giving page, every penny will go direct to the SOS Childrens Village, making a brighter future for orphaned children like Sukdha.

Teenage Jewellery Trends

2010-12-13T06:00:00.001-08:00

Many teenagers are influenced by celebrity fashion, their fashion identity is still being formed, what their favourite icon is currently wearing will play a big part in their choice. Although the real thing may be out of reach of most pockets, if you follow the style, you can easily get the look.

To get to grips with the many looks out there we have put together some of the most popular celebs with style tips that we hope will inspire you when buying for your teenager.

Top celebs such as Emma Watson, of Harry Potter fame, love anything from vintage flowers to big chunky statement jewellery. She has very feminine style suiting the petite’ girl next door’ look, to re-create her look try our ‘silver rose with tumbled stones’ bracelet.

For rock chic’s who may be inspired by Vannessa Hudgens of High School Musical, the layering look is a must. Wearing long necklaces of different lengths together, with silver tassels’ and charms, which can be achieved with the Chamilia range of necklaces is a fun way of making an individual statement. Also, stacking up silver bangles to achieve this rock look is really easy, and a classic item that will last well out their teens.

Vannessa and Miley Cyrus has also been seen wearing large chandelier style earrings for that touch of glamour and big statement rings. Boho Chic looks great with mid to long hair, and the earrings should be worn alone for full impact.

A much simpler style is favoured my Taylor Swift, sweet and girlie, she goes for murano glass or plain silver hearts, keeping the look delicate and chic.

The more rebellious girls inspired by Lyndsey Lohan will love the stack ring craze, multi bangles, and chunky silver link bracelets.

Overall teenagers are all looking for something unique and different as a way of express their identity, with so many trends they often identify with these young celebs while defining their own personal style.

Chamilia Event

2010-11-24T08:43:00.000-08:00

We had a great day with our special Chamilia promotion on Tuesday 23/11/10. We were very honoured to have the Mayor and Mayoress of Bournemouth attend with some other prominent Chamber of Commerce people.

But best of all our lovely lady customers enjoyed designing their own bracelets and necklaces. It was great to see everyone really enjoying themselves, and getting creative.

A jewel in the crown

2010-11-12T07:15:00.000-08:00

There are two types of people; those that love gift buying and those that loathe it, but whatever your persuasion, present buying is unavoidable at this time of year.

With retailers noting a downturn in sales, the Christmas rush couldn’t come at a better time. Speaking to shop co-owner Alison Timmons, a few words of wisdom were offered; “Buying presents on a budget is really simple, anyone can go to one of the many 99p shops that keep springing up, but buying a gift that’s affordable and means something is harder.”

“There’s false economy in purchasing a gift that’s just going to get thrown out weeks later. By buying something worthwhile, you know that it’s going to last.”

Alison co-owns gift boutique, Sugar Mango, in Southbourne. The shop stocks a huge range of precious and semi-precious gem stone jewellery, all of which is sourced from India and designed by Alison herself. She commented; “Sugar Mango is a reaction to all of the mass-produced items. While these items can be pretty, they are not distinctive or unique, something we feel jewellery should be.”

“Our items are hand-crafted so each piece is individual. What makes us different are our prices; we offer beautiful pieces at high street prices.”

Alison regularly visits Rajhastan in India, a place that Sugar Mango has built a strong affinity. The jewellery is made by master craftsmen who have years of experience in designing and creating beautiful pieces. Each item made is unique, and once sold, is irreplaceable.

Sugar Mango has received praise for its bespoke items, excellent customer service and support of overseas trade. Nick Field, of UK Trade and Investment, highlighted the importance of maintaining strong trade links worldwide; “Arrangements such as Sugar Mango’s collaboration in India mean that British manufacturers can support and rely on UK research design, of which we are world renowned, coupled with the finest materials and craftsmanship from around the globe.”

Sugar Mango has a fabulous range of gift ideas for Christmas; visit their high street shop in Southbourne for a personal shopping experience or log on to see the range online at www.sugarmango.co.uk.

Chamilia Event

2010-11-01T05:01:00.000-07:00

Sugar Mango Hosts Chamilia Special Event

Party for Stylish Women

Special event brings women together to celebrate personal style

Chamilia, the contemporary twist on the traditional charm bracelet, is without doubt the must-have jewellery item to be seen with this Christmas, local stockists Sugar Mango are hosting a party celebrating personal style on Tuesday 23^rd November from 2pm to 7pm. The Chamilia party will offer women an exclusive opportunity to create personalised bracelets and necklaces that allow them to express their own unique personal style. At the event women will be greeted with a party atmosphere and a choice of special offers that will only be available at the event, 'Buy 3 beads get 4^th Free' or ' Buy 3 beads and get a 1/2 price bracelet'

“We carry a large selection in stock, and we are the only local stockist to be able to supply from the full collection of over 500 beads “says Heather Martyn Sugar Mango co-owner. “Chamilia events are a perfect opportunity to take time out with friends and create a personalised piece of jewellery, women who attend will get to design their own jewellery pieces building from hundreds of designer beads made from the finest materials.” Say’s Alison Timmons Sugar Mango co-owner.

Chamilia has a beautiful collection of beads, made up of Swarovski Elements, Italian Murano glass, coloured stones, 925 sterling silver and 14k gold and from the exclusive Disney Collection. Women will be able to create wish lists of favourite bead designs and take home look books for on-going style inspiration.

Chamilia’s beautiful beads are designed by Killian Rieder, who has a long pedigree in the fashion and design industry. “I know that women like to express their unique style,” says Rieder. “My designs make it possible for women to create personalised pieces that define their lives and reflect their personal style.”

Sugar Mango is an independent retailer with a boutique style, they specialise in their own unique semi-precious gem stones and silver jewellery, which Alison creates on her trips to India. They also have an eclectic collection of gifts and accessories that won’t be found on the high street, and all at affordable prices. The girls have been in partnership for 2 ½ years. To view the entire Chamilia range and their unique designer jewellery visit www.sugarmango.com.

Press

2010-10-13T03:26:00.000-07:00

This month we have received some very nice press coverage celebrating our 2nd anniversary.

Sweet Success

Local business celebrates second anniversary

Southbourne based jewellery and accessories boutique, Sugar Mango, is currently celebrating its second anniversary by launching their exclusive new jewellery parties.

Statistics show that 85% of working women rarely have time for themselves as they are juggling hectic lifestyles and splitting their time between work and home life.

Sugar Mango is co-owned by businesswomen Alison and Heather. All the jewellery is designed by Alison, who travels to India to select the semi precious stones ensuring a premium quality and blending them together into beautiful colour combinations of unique one off pieces, where they are then handcrafted in silver.

Heather remarked; “With an increase in mums heading back to work due to the recession, it’s even more important that they take time out for themselves. The unique Sugar Mango shopping evening allows women to browse the stock in the shop outside of working hours. It means that ladies can socialise with a group of friends with a glass of wine at the same time as trying on the gorgeous jewellery and perusing gifts and accessories. What’s more, the hostess gets to choose jewellery to the value of 15% of the total sales received on the evening.”

Celebrating 2 Year Anniversary

2010-08-01T09:12:00.001-07:00

We are very pleased to have just celebrated our two year anniversary. It has absolutely whizzed by, and despite this difficult economic time we are doing well. We have our new jewellery collection out now, and have added some new lines to our inventory. With gorgeous Italian leather belts with interchangeable buckles and some amazing faux leather bags, (our customers don’t believe that they aren’t real leather) and also the British made Bath House toiletries.

We are always looking for new and exciting things to bring our customers while keeping their favourite products available like the ever popular Sugar Mango scented candles, made from organic plant oil.

Celebrating 2 Year Anniversary

2010-08-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

Sugar Mango Trading Fairly

2010-07-23T03:10:00.000-07:00

Sugar Mango co-owners Alison and Heather believe in trading fairly; ethically sourcing their materials and products.

Alison visits all the workshops producing their jewellery and gifts in India, building a strong relationship with their suppliers ensuring fair working conditions, with a zero tolerance on child labour. All of their suppliers are responsible family men, sharing the same values as Alison and

Heather.

“We are very conscious that India has a problem with child labour being abused, so I personally

visit all our suppliers to ensure our products come from ethical sources. We also wanted to give something back to the local community, so we have been sponsoring a child, Sukhda, through school for the past 3 years.” Says Alison, SugarMango co-owner.

Even their UK suppliers are chosen for their ethical sourced and fair trade products, ensuring that Sugar Mango customers can purchase with a clear conscience, relaxed in the knowledge that they are buying from responsible retailers.

New Collection

2009-07-11T04:47:00.000-07:00

For our new collection I have used some really beautiful combinations, mixing cabochon and cut stones, in fresh and vibrant colours. I’m really excited by the designs; it was hard work, but ultimately very worthwhile and fulfilling. I was really inspired by the wonderful gardens of Chelsea this year, the colours and moods, so you will see alot of combinations reflecting these tones.

I loved working on the pendants, bad for the back, but good for the soul! I surrounded myself with sparkling gems and with a big roll of tape and got stuck into re-creating my imagination. I already had my sketches and colour ideas worked out, but its amazing how much the stones themselves begin to influence your choices.

Here is a preview of the Soft Pinks Collection using Pink Opals, Rose Quartz & Tourmalines inspired by the enchanting summer boarders of the subtle tones of irresistible peonies & roses; in progress.

This was quite a difficult trip as its summer in India, making it extremely hot, thank God for Air Conditioning and swimming pools! Not to mention the flight coming home being canceled, delaying me by 14 hours...thanks Mr Branson! Met some lovely people while waiting though, I would have gone crazy if it hadn't have been for two lovely guys from Derby taking care of me, so thanks to them.

Overall it was a great trip, I met some lovely people which it always makes it extra special.

Exclusive Discount Evening

2009-05-09T02:45:00.001-07:00

Contemporay Silver Jewellery Collection

2009-04-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

Sugar Mango brings their unique blend of style and design into their new Silver Collection. With stunning organic shaped rings, that appear to have formed themselves, and pretty bracelets with co-ordinating necklaces and earrings, you’ll be sure to adore them.

Silver always has a classic simplicity about it, and our new collection is not only contemporary, but pieces you will love forever. As always the collection is limited edition, so take a look soon, or you may just miss out!

SOS Children Village

2009-03-19T03:58:00.000-07:00

We also felt strongly that as we spend a lot of time in India sourcing and designing our jewellery that we would like to give something back to the wonderful people that are so kind and generous to us। During her trips there, Alison visited the SOS Children’s Village, where she was so impressed with the care the 171 orphaned children get, and the happy safe environment they are given, something we can take for granted.

It was with some trepidation that I first entered the SOS Children's Village, having seen the haunting images on TV of the Romanian orphanages I was preparing myself for tears; but when I stepped through the gate into a open garden with a play area and children running and laughing around my heart just jumped for joy.

I was shown around the complex, there were several houses around the garden, with a kinder garden in the centre. Each house had its own 'family'. The children ranged in ages and saw each other as 'siblings', and they had a lovely caring looking lady who lived with them as there 'mother'.

The children were so excited to have me as a visitor, they made me chai and offered snacks, before showing me how talented they are with singing and dancing. It was such a warm welcome, I was so moved by there spirit.

I then met the little girl I was to sponsor, Sukdha, two big brown eyes stared at me, she was very shy at first, so I played some nursery rhymes with her and she warmed to me, gently touching my arm with her hand. I just can't tell you how wonderful this was to me.

As her confidence grew with me she got out her school books and began to read to me. Her English is excellent, and she read nearly the whole book to me. I was amazed, as she is only 7 years old, and reading better than most English kids, and in her 2nd language to!!!

All the children there are very lucky to be attending one of the best schools in the area, with excellent results. I'm very honoured to be helping Sukdha through school, and hopefully she will have a better future.

It was very hard to leave, and as I walked away she waved goodbye saying 'you come again'.

For information on the SOS Children Villages around the world visit http://www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk/children-charity.htm and change a child’s life today.

Chamilia Charms and Bracelets

2009-03-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

The Chamilia Charm System
Chamilia brings the charm bracelet into the twenty first century, letting you design your own jewellery to suit your mood or occasion.
Simply select the chain and the length to suit you, then twist on beads and spacers to create your desired look. Finally, if you wish, you can add locks to stop the beads sliding. You can change your design whenever you like whether that be to suit a colour or occasion.

Design Your Own Jewellery
Create your design from a huge selection of symbols, flowers, animals, zodiac and birthstones. You can start with just one bead, adding more later.
Chamilia is handmade by experienced craftsmen using the finest materials. These include Sterling Silver, Gold, Murano glass and Swarovski crystal. Cleaning is simple with a gentle rub from a silver cleaning cloth.

Our First Blog

2009-03-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our first blog!

Here's a little intro to tell you about us....

We opened our first shop, Sugar Mango in June 2008. Based in Bournemouth we hope nto bring you a gorgeous collection of accessories and items for the home that we think you will love.

We love jewellery! Designing it, selecting it, wearing it....we just love it! So we figured it might just be a great idea to sell it to! So here we are Heather and Ali, doing what we love.

After loving every minute of my trips to India, and finding some beautiful jewellery there, I was really inspired to change my job and lifestyle to enable me to express my creative side. So after meeting Heather and realising we both shared a vision for a creative business, we decided to make it happen.

SugarMango is for women everywhere who have limitless creativity, and are without boundries of expression for there own individuality. We want to bring you special and unique products to enhance your lives and inspire your soul.

For our limited edition collection we select each stone to create beautiful colour combinations of pendants and bracelets, each piece is a one off. We are dedicated to bringing you beautiful handcrafted jewellery from India, where we hand select our collection of semi precious stones with silver for a truley unique blend of ethnic and contemporay style.