We recently connected with Natsuki Gillette and have shared our conversation below.

Natsuki, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

The legacy of a company can be challenging to grasp while it’s still growing, but one thing I envision for Lune is leaving a legacy centered around fostering a sense of family and community, united by a shared appreciation for femininity and empowering beauty. The value of a strong community cannot be overstated. A supportive community not only aids in personal growth but also encourages ongoing innovation and inspiration. As companies expand and reach new markets, there’s often a risk of losing the close-knit community they initially cultivated. When customers reach out to share their experiences, I make it a point to connect with them personally, ensuring they feel valued beyond the brand to customer relationship. Without the ongoing support of the Lune community, I wouldn’t have achieved what I have today. It’s my commitment to continue giving back to those who believe in Lune’s vision and to ensure they always remember what drew them to us in the first place!

Natsuki, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Growing up in Japan, I was exposed to a variety of unique fashion styles. I was particularly drawn to the kawaii aesthetic, characterized by its use of pink and pastel colors, frilly lace clothing, and abundant accessories. In Western fashion, it could be likened to the coquette style. Upon moving to the US, I found fresh inspiration in vintage fashion, especially the Victorian styles. I wanted to create something that blended these influences into a modern yet timeless vision. This led me to create Lune!

My aim was to marry modern whimsy with enduring elegance. The signature Lune style features playful ribbons, charms, and graceful drapery, all intricately adorned with pearls. Initially drawn to pearls for their traditional symbolism of femininity and independence, I strive to showcase their universal appeal, transcending gender and age. While pearls remain a cornerstone, our collection now encompasses a diverse range of styles. This ongoing evolution reflects our commitment to inclusivity, spreading joy through vibrant and spirited jewelry designs.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

Before I started Lune, I had no idea how to make jewelry at all! Since I was a child, I have always loved creative designs and art. Back home in Japan, my mom used to make clothes for me and for my dolls and decorate our home in such unique and gorgeous ways, and I like to think that influenced my style greatly. When the pandemic came around, I badly needed a creative outlet that would let me use these influences. I decided to learn how to make my own jewelry, and so I bought as many materials as I could, and just started crafting. I absolutely love my early designs, but since I wasn’t very experienced yet they were more simple, and didn’t exude that signature Lune flair quite yet. But, the more I iterated on my designs, the more confident I felt in sharing my work with the world. I really am in love with my own designs, and I wear them every day. Maybe its a bit narcissistic, but how can I sell something that I’m not 100% confident in?

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

When I first started Lune, I sold exclusively online on my website and on Instagram. This was great in the beginning, as I was able to work from home and focus mainly on making the jewelry and on simple, targeted marketing. After a while of this, I realized I was missing the more personal touch of meeting customers face-to-face, and getting to see their reactions to the jewelry. This was when I decided to take my jewelry to the local flea markets, and to various pop-ups. It truly was an eye-opening experience getting to see people enjoy my jewelry in the moment! This has really helped me connect with the Lune community on an even deeper level. At the end of the day, I think maintaining and cultivating both an online presence and a local presence has been a key element to our continued growth. I’m always so grateful getting to connect with customers both online and in-person, and I encourage people who are interested in our designs to reach out in whatever way they can!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://luneofficial.com
• Instagram: @shopluneofficial
• Facebook: @shopluneofficial
• Other: Email: helloitslune@gmail.com

Image Credits

Natsuki Gillette
Dan Gillette