Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexia Cohen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alexia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Folks often look at a successful business and imagine it was an overnight success, but from what we’ve seen this is often far from the truth. We’d love to hear your scaling up story – walk us through how you grew over time – what were some of the big things you had to do to grow and what was that scaling up journey like?
When we first started Il’argento in 1990, it was just my mother, Amelia, and me working from our home, crafting and selling Peruvian Silver 925 luxury items to friends and family. It began as a hobby fueled by our passion for elegance, beauty, and design. However, as word spread and demand grew, we realized we had the potential to turn our hobby into a real business.
Scaling up from our home-based operation to an international brand was a journey filled with meaningful moments, strategic decisions, and several challenges. One of the pivotal moments was when we decided to open our first store in Caracas, Venezuela. This move was driven by the growing demand for our products and the realization that we needed a physical space to showcase our expanding collection.
Our initial strategy focused on maintaining the highest standards of quality and design, which helped us build a loyal customer base. We invested in sourcing and curating products from world-renowned brands such as Baccarat, Christofle, Bernardaud, and others. This commitment to quality set us apart from competitors and attracted discerning customers who appreciated fine craftsmanship.
Expanding internationally was a significant step. Opening stores in Lima, Peru, and Miami, Florida, required careful planning and adaptation to different markets. In Miami, for example, we positioned our store in a central location to attract a diverse clientele seeking luxury and sophistication. Each new store reinforced our brand’s reputation for excellence and allowed us to reach a broader audience.
Along the way, we faced several obstacles. Navigating different market dynamics, understanding customer preferences in various regions, and managing logistics were some of the challenges we encountered. We also made some mistakes, such as underestimating the importance of digital marketing in the early stages. However, we quickly adapted by enhancing our online presence and leveraging social media to connect with our audience.
One of the key strategies in our scaling journey was building strong relationships with our suppliers and customers. This network not only ensured a steady supply of high-quality products but also fostered trust and loyalty among our clients. Additionally, offering personalized services, such as wedding registries, helped us create a unique shopping experience that resonated with our customers.
Another critical factor was our dedication to continuous improvement. We regularly sought feedback from our customers and used it to refine our offerings and services. This customer-centric approach allowed us to stay relevant and meet the evolving needs of our clientele.
Looking back, the journey from a small home-based business to an international brand was filled with twists and turns, but our unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction guided us through. The lessons learned and the relationships built along the way have been invaluable. Today, we are proud of what Il’argento has become and excited for the future as we continue to bring elegance and luxury to our customers around the world.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Il’argento was founded in 1990 by my mother, Amelia, and me, Pola Sterental. We are two women who share a deep love for elegance, beauty, and design. Our journey began with crafting Peruvian Silver 925 luxury items and selling them to friends and family from our home. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a thriving business driven by our dedication, creativity, and hard work. As our business grew, we took a significant step forward by opening our first store in Caracas, Venezuela.
Today, Il’argento has grown into an esteemed international brand with stores in Caracas, Venezuela; Lima, Peru; and Miami, Florida, USA. Our Miami store, located in the heart of Florida, is a hub of sophistication and style. We offer a curated selection of luxury silverware, tableware, glassware, cutlery, and decor from world-renowned brands such as Baccarat, Christofle, Bernardaud, Cutipol, Jonathan Adler, and many more.
What sets Il’argento apart is our commitment to quality and refined taste. Each piece in our collection is carefully curated to meet the highest standards of design and craftsmanship. We also provide personalized wedding registries, allowing couples to select timeless pieces for their special day, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable process.
We solve the problem of finding exquisite, high-quality home and decor items that elevate any space. Whether you are looking to enhance your home with luxurious pieces, find the perfect gift, or create a wedding registry, Il’argento offers a unique shopping experience where elegance and luxury meet.
I am most proud of our journey from a small home-based business to an international brand. This growth reflects our dedication to providing exceptional products and services to our clients. The main thing we want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that at Il’argento, we are passionate about bringing beauty and elegance into your life through our carefully curated collections.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source of new clients for Il’argento has undoubtedly been word of mouth and the unwavering support of our community. From the very beginning, when my mother, Amelia, and I started crafting Peruvian Silver 925 luxury items from our home, our business grew organically through the recommendations of friends and family. This personal touch and the trust we built with our initial clients set the foundation for our growth.
Word of mouth has been incredibly powerful for us because it reflects genuine satisfaction and trust. Our clients appreciate the quality and elegance of our products, and their recommendations to friends and family have been invaluable. This organic growth strategy allowed us to expand our reach without relying heavily on traditional advertising methods.
Additionally, our community has played a crucial role in our success. From our first store in Caracas, Venezuela, to our international locations in Lima, Peru, and Miami, Florida, we have always received immense support from our local communities. Our Miami store, in particular, has benefited from being in a vibrant area where word of mouth travels quickly among those who value sophistication and luxury.
We have also focused on building strong relationships with our clients by offering personalized services, such as wedding registries. This has helped us create a unique shopping experience that resonates with our customers and encourages them to share their positive experiences with others.
The best source of new clients for Il’argento has been the authentic word of mouth generated by our satisfied customers and the continuous support from our community. This has allowed us to grow steadily and maintain a loyal customer base that values the elegance and quality we bring to their lives.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Our reputation within the market has been built on two key pillars: personalized customer service and the exceptional quality and selection of our products. Personalized service means understanding the individual needs and preferences of our clients, offering tailored advice and support, and fostering trust and loyalty.
We meticulously curate our collection to include the finest items from world-renowned brands such as Baccarat, Christofle, Bernardaud, Cutipol, and Jonathan Adler. Each piece meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and design, ensuring our customers receive only the best.
Word of mouth has played a significant role in building our reputation. Satisfied customers who appreciate our personalized service and high-quality products have been our best advocates, helping us grow organically and establish a strong presence in each of our markets.
Our reputation is built on personalized customer service and an unwavering commitment to quality. These elements, combined with the support of our community and the power of word of mouth, have been crucial in establishing Il’argento as a trusted and respected name in the luxury market.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ilargentousa.com
- Instagram: @ilargentousa
- Facebook: ilargento USA
Image Credits
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