Biko is a "modern nostalgic" jewellery brand: memories of the past translated into wearable, contemporary silhouettes.
Each piece is handcrafted in Toronto by designer Corrine Anestopoulos. Founded in 2004, Biko marries vintage inspiration with metals, charms and natural stones to create versatile pieces that tell a story.
Biko jewellery invites its wearer to let their imagination run free.
I would say my style is ‘modern-nostalgia’, which means I incorporate a lot of vintage materials with some new stuff to create a kind of ‘old-meets-new’ feel. Biko is inspired by vintage findings and curiosities.
I love to travel, I love to pick up pieces here and there wherever I go, and that is what really excites me, is searching for materials and seeing what I can do with them.
It was just a hobby. I did start at the time though because I thought there was a lack in the marketplace for the types of pieces that I thought were cool and edgy and not so girly. So that was my beginning.
What are the key factors that have helped your store be successful?
I’ve been running Biko for 6 years perhaps. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to have an online store, I had always wanted one - so I ended up calling a local PR company, because I wanted to go in with a bang. We actually got some great press and a lot of people visited the site, and the sales came in right away.
Shopify has helped grow my business amazingly. It’s been a pleasure actually working with Shopify, because everything has been easier than I ever imagined. When I received my first order online I was stoked! It was amazing.
It was the best feeling, I thought ‘Finally people are knowing, the word’s gotten out there! I’ve done something right.’ It was just the most incredible feeling.
Corrine Anestopoulos' story —ilovebiko.com
What are your top recommendations for new store owners?
The advice I would give to somebody who is hoping to start their own business: I would say just jump in! If your heart is telling you that you would like to do this then chances are that you will be really great at it.
That passion will take you further than anything else. It takes hard work and dedication but I believe that if this is your dream then you should not fear to make it happen.
Any Closing Remarks?
I have customers now, not just locally, and not just through retail stores, but customers from all over the place. My most recent order was actually from Australia, and I’ve had orders from Europe - Italy, Germany, all over. It’s been amazing how many more people are able to see what I do because of Shopify.