THENAME: Laura Chicurel

THE BUSINESS: Chicurela

(Salmon-skin leather accessories and giftware)

 

Chicurela specialise in high-end fashion accessories for today’s professional women, including: handbags, belts, wallets, mobile holders, ipod holders, key rings and so forth but with an innovative difference – all the products are exclusively designed with beautiful salmon skin leather; an eco-friendly material that is highly sought after by the fashion elite for its exquisite texture and unique origins.

 

“Salmon skin leather is a highly specialised product that is hardly used in the UK whatsoever,” elaborates Laura, Chicurela’s Managing Director and founder. “Not only is it highly desirable in its exoticism, but it is extremely resistant to tears and holds its shape for an extensive period of time. Its functionality is as timeless as its beauty.”

 

For what is a predominantly unused resource within industry, salmon skin leather goes through an intensely innovative and intricate process to reach its final exuberant quality. Augmented by precious metals and through elegantly creative design, Chicurela’s salmon skin leather collections resonate proudly with a synthesis of Laura’s South American heritage and the design innovation of the West.

 

“It all started when I moved to the UK two years ago. For a long time I was alone in my endeavours until I met Hannah and Rugina from Empower. Their personal approach was as important to me as the business support, because business is ultimately about empowering other people, not just about money. It was important to know that there was someone I could always go and see to get support from, especially when facing the discrimination you get as a business woman. It makes you even more compelled to show the world that you are able to do something when everyone thinks you cannot.”

 

In true testament to her enterprising attitude, Laura went out to Canary Wharf and conducted her initial market research literally on a street level, approaching professional women in shops and cafes to conduct a total of 200 interviews. Her honest groundwork has given a firm foundation for her business to develop as far as it has today.

 

“I left my ego at home and said ‘Laura, you have to finish this research’, and I am so much better for it. It has completely shaped my whole business from the ground up.”

 

Laura has since used Knowledge Dock’s FabPad to produce the fabric lining of her products as well as the Simlab for product visualisation. 

Her business has moved firmly forwards from strength to strength.

 

“Currently we are at the very final stage of production and will be starting selling by the end of August. We are organizing (together with Empower) a big event to launch the brand at the end of October and I am applying to exhibit at trade shows next February. This year we will develop a whole range of corporate Christmas gifts, such as wallets, card holders, and key rings etc. made of salmon skin leather, so companies could offer something different to their employees or special clients.

 

www.chicurela.com