These Hands | Helen

These hands belong to Helen, our Operations and Sustainability Officer. Who is nothing short of fabulous and known for her love of iced lattes! Get to know Helen, as she prepares to move back home to Townsville and embark on a new journey with the NMJ team.

 

Who do these hands belong to? 

Helen

 

What is your role at Natalie Marie Jewellery and how long have you been on the team? 

I am the Operations and Sustainability Manager and look after aspects of inventory, system development and sustainability which ranges from ordering stones or metal to ensuring that our supply chain adheres to our Due Diligence Framework

Describe a typical day for you?

As I wear a lot of hats, no two days are the same! I am making the big move home to North Queensland in the New Year so will be working remotely and popping down each month for site visits! Currently living in the CBD, I am looking forward to commuting to my apartment office instead of the hour long drive up to the beaches (haha!). I usually start my day with a coffee, answer the many emails waiting for me, then I catch up with our Inventory Manager to make sure everything is on track, and then be doing anything from chatting with the Bespoke Consultants about designs and quotes, meeting with the production team, catching up with suppliers and contractors, researching improvements we can make in our sustainability journey or making system improvements in our production chain.

 

When did you first come across Natalie Marie Jewellery?

I am lucky enough to have worked with the NMJ team (particularly Nat and Dan) for quite a few years as their Account Manager with our metal supplier. When Dan asked me to join the team I couldn’t say no!

 

If you could live anywhere else apart from Sydney, where would you be living? 

I am making the big move back to my home town of Townsville in the New Year so I have to say there! 300 days of sunshine and family - what’s not to love?  What are you most proud of in the last year?

I am immensely proud of the growth our team has achieved in the last year! Not only did we work our way through yet another lock down, but we have developed so much as a business and team. I cannot wait to see where the next 12 months takes us!

 

What is your favourite gemstone?

There is nothing better than a well cut diamond!

 

Who do you admire most in the world?

Definitely my parents – they are the greatest people on the planet!What’s something you’ve done, but you’ll never do again?

I am in the middle of moving interstate so I have to say that! Please remind me of this if I say I am moving again!

 

What’s the best holiday you have ever taken?

My family try to keep our annual tradition of holidaying on the Sunshine Coat – it is absolute chaos but the best two weeks of the year!

 

What has been the best gift you’ve ever received? 

Probably my niece and nephew! Not strictly a gift for me but I couldn’t be more obsessed with them – ask anyone in the office who knows every detail about those two munchkins!

 

What do you love about working in the jewellery industry?  

There are so many things I love about the industry, but mostly how much it has evolved over the last 5 years, but somehow still retains its traditional roots! I also love how collaborative it is – if I am unsure of something I can pick up the phone and ask someone who is always willing to help!

 

If you were not working at NMJ, what would you be doing?

The only way to combine my two true loves – true crime and filing – would be to become a cold case archivist! Incredibly niche! 

 

Most treasured piece of jewellery?

Definitely my engagement ring! It is a piece that is so special to me, but is also a conversation starter most places I go. Very excited to add more diamonds when my fiancé and I get married in March!

 

Captured by @tealily