Tiararama

Tiararama was established in 2005 and specialises in designing and creating unique handcrafted tiaras and hair accessories for brides all over the UK.

Our clients tend to be brides who are looking for something either a little or considerably different to the ranges available in bridal shops and department stores and as such our techniques and designs are often innovative as well as bespoke.

Obviously potential customers can customise an existing design but in the knowledge that it is still a unique handcrafted piece and no two are ever exactly the same.

The success of our work is dependant upon our extensive design consultation process which is conducted via personal appointment or the customer can contact us via our tiara designer wizard on our website which provides valuable information about the client so we can then discuss ideas via telephone or email. This helps to ensure that our customer needs are fully understood and we pride ourselves on exceeding their expectations.

We also design for bridesmaids and flowegirls.

We are about to launch our jewellery ranges which initially will allow us to offer bridal and bridesmaid jewellery but also allows us to broaden our product ranges to include special occasion and Mother of the Bride jewellery.

We are also launching a range of crystal bouquets and other beaded and wire accessories in the Autumn.

We are starting our exhibition rounds soon and we have been lucky enough to be asked to contribute some of our work for the catwalk shows.

Suzanne Laughlin

Having graduated with a Banking & Finance degree in 1996, I began working for a major bank in the City. I was fortunate to work on a wide range of projects which tested a whole range of skills but in 2002 I realised there was more to life than spreadsheets and promotions and bonuses.

I got married in 2002 and was very let down by the supplier who was making my hair accessories. I was so angry that I ripped them apart and made something totally new myself using the crystals I salvaged. I have always been very creative but never thought I could set up a business!

After we came back off honeymoon, I had an email from a friend asking where I had got my hair accessories from. When I said I made it, the question was asked "can you make me something similar?" and from that it escalated. Luckily there was a period of restructure going on at work and so I decided to set up my own business if I could take voluntary redundancy.

Luckily this was eventually granted and so I was free to explore the world of working for yourself.

After a period of research and setting up, Tiararama was officially launched in May 2005.

It's a strange thing because although I work in an industry which is so often associated with charging extra because of the "W" word, my main motivation is the need to make sure people aren't being ripped off or having to settle for second best because they can't find what they are looking for in the shops. Of course that comes at a premium but I thrive on being able to offer high quality products and exceptional service - something unfortunately that not everyone can say they have experience of when they get married.

It's hard work - very hard work but it is far more rewarding working closely with someone and knowing that my products and designs are contributing to the success of a very special day for two people rather than working for a faceless mass of customers and shareholders.