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JEWELLERY TALES...WITH

STEPHANIE FERRARIO

Philanthropist, entrepreneur, mother, and avid traveller Stephanie Ferrario is terrific example of a remarkable woman. On the shoot Stephanie picked out jewellery that evoked memories and offered her inspiring thoughts on modern day female roles.

10% of sales* will be donated to Give a Future from the 1st to the 8th of March in celebration of International Women's Day.

What is your favourite piece from our collection?

I love so many of Annoushka’s pieces but my absolute favourite is the Dream Catcher collection. It is full of statement pieces that are unique, delicate and yet empowering. I am a BIG dreamer and always encourage all the women I work with to hold on to their dreams and to trust in their journeys.

How does travel inspire you and your everyday style?

I love to travel and always have since my early childhood. I enjoy experiencing different influences, traditions, styles, languages and most of all the people. I cherish my connections with people from all over the world and have learned so much from them. I like picking up home accessories, or any other little trinkets when I travel and have an eclectic style in terms of fashion and home decor. I am happy to mix and match and appreciate when unexpected decor from all over the world comes together.

Which words best describe your style?

Textured, wild, layered and adventurous.

What is the most treasured piece of jewellery that you’ve ever been gifted?

I was gifted Jade earrings and rings when my daughter Giada was born and I will pass them on to her when she is old enough. I feel jewellery that is cherished by one generation and is then passed down to the next generation is something exceptionally special. I have some special jewellery pieces from my grandmothers and mother and that keeps me connected to them, which I love. I think of them whenever I wear them. I think about all the ideas and inherited character traits I have from them and feel connected outside of space and time.

Could you tell us a little bit more about what Give a Future does?

Give A Future empowers girls and women with education and access to loans in Ethiopia. We run a scholarship programme for high achieving girls and a micro finance programme for women. Both programmes are extremely successful and change the lives of families and communities.

We’re so proud to be working with the Give a Future Foundation. In your opinion why do you think partnering with Annoushka was a good match?

Giving a micro loan to a woman not only changes her life, but the lives of 5 more family members. It has this multiplying effect, which changes the lives of families forever. This is very powerful. Annoushka is an inspirational business woman, who is a great example to our women in Ethiopia. Annoushka’s funds have supported more than 1200 women and this has a knock-on effect. We are so blown away by Annoushka’s generosity and really feel micro-finance is a gift that keeps on giving, just like jewellery. Women are the pillars of families and in Ethiopia of society, Annoushka appreciated this and also sees the value in empowering women. I am very proud of what we have achieved together.

What is a valuable lesson that you have learned from the women you’ve met in Ethiopia?

To persevere in the face of adversity. To never give up. To keep dreaming and to be kind, always. Together we are stronger and we women have an incredibly strong bond that transcends borders, language, heritage, and will make the world a better place. A sort of international sisterhood, which Annoushka is very much a part of.

Why do you think it’s so important that women empower each other both in developing countries and closer to home?

We are the ones having babies and are reinvesting 98% of our income back into our families. Spending money on women’s education and future is the best way of building peace, cheapest way of defence building and simply the most effective tool for development. Women are the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, grow economies sustainably, to keep peace, to turn around climate change, rid the world of corruption, create more balance in politics, business, science and the justice system.

What do you admire most about the African culture?

I have loved travelling to Africa since my early childhood. Africa is the cradle of humanity and Ethiopia is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, which is a fact that can still be felt to this day. Its people are wise, kind and generous. They are grounded to their roots, compassionate and proud. I feel I have a cosmic connection to Ethiopia and cherish all my friendships there. I love its vibrancy, and feel so fortunate to witness the growth of this beautiful, historic and exciting country in Africa.

What is a key piece of advice that you will pass on to your daughter?

Be kind to yourself and others, always. Hold on to your dreams and trust your journey. See the beautiful in the ordinary.

What exciting plans does Give a Future have on the horizon for this year?

We are organising a leadership and mentoring workshop in September for our girls and women, which will be very exciting as we tapped into existing women’s networks that are very powerful, both in Ethiopia and internationally. We are also looking into expanding our mentoring programme both in Ethiopia and internationally to build up a platform for young people as a source of information and inspiration to make better informed decisions about their future.

Do you think less is more or more is more when it comes to dressing and jewellery?

It really depends. Jewellery should reflect experiences and that’s what I love about Annoushka’s pieces. They mean something and reflect memories or ideas I cherish.

I like texture and layering, and love to wear big earrings, a ring on each finger, many different bracelets on one arm, layering different necklaces – but not all at the same time. There has to be a balance with the outfit and the jewellery, but I am definitely rather unconventional and adventurous.

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