Susan Caplan joins us for the latest instalment of From The Desk Of...
Growing up in a family of passionate antique collectors – several of whom owned and ran stores in Hatton Garden and Camden Passage – Caplan has a natural affinity with classic styles. Founding her eponymous luxury vintage jewellery line, Susan Caplan Vintage, in 2008, Caplan’s collections of hand-picked vintage pieces span Chanel to Givenchy; sourcing the very best costume jewellery is paramount to SCV.
Working for all budgets, whether you’re seeking a pair of fun 80s clip-on earrings or a refined bracelet, the brand’s curated collection is perpetually tempting. Here, Caplan shares her average nine-to-five (and yes, jewels are donned daily).
How do you start your days?
From the minute I step out of bed my day doesn’t stop. A cup of warm water, a large bowl of cereal with healthy toppings and two slices of sourdough toast – I can’t leave [the house] without my breakfast.
What’s your go-to uniform?
Classic black trousers white shirt and, of course, my jewels.
Describe your workspace/ workplace…
A large showroom with vintage jewels minimally displayed to show each one’s individuality and an enthusiastic team whose passion for their work shines out in the workplace.
Identify something in your workspace that’s special to you…
My team – for their loyalty and passion.
What are your work place essentials?
Breaks and open-plan offices.
What time of day are you at your most creative?
Mornings.
What’s your go-to lunch order?
What The Pitta is a local favourite.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Receiving wonderful emails from our customers showing their delight and happiness with their order.
… and the most challenging?
My three daughters “borrowing” our Chanel.
What did you study at school/university?
Where are you from originally?
London.
What was your first job?
A Saturday job in a hairdresser when I was 13 with one of my oldest closest friend Linda, whose friendship I value now as much as I did back then.
What sparked your interest in jewellery?
Buying a Georgian pendant from an antiques fair when I was 16 – which now one of my daughters possess.
Do you have a mentor or an inspirational figure who has guided or influenced you?
My mother, who recently passed away and was an inspiration to me; she showed me how to grow in adversity.
What are some of the hurdles you had to overcome in the early days of Susan Caplan?
One of the biggest challenges was changing public perception of vintage jewellery from “granny’s attic” to its deserved status as a fashion staple.
What’s the most important business lesson you’ve learned?
Never stay still – keep evolving.
The best advice you’ve ever received…
Fight for what you believe in.
What are you working on right now?
We’re currently working on an expansion into the Middle East.
Any Questions or Tips to add?