Cover Jacques Christophe Branellec (Photo: Megan Que-Solon)
Jacques Christophe Branellec (Photo: Megan Que-Solon)
1 / 1
Tatler Asia’s Most Influential 2023 honouree, Jacques Christophe Branellec, expands Jewelmer to new digital heights while also keeping sustainability top of mind
The Golden South Sea Pearl boasts one-of-a-kind beauty and is an icon of luxury and elegance. From earrings to necklaces and rings, Jewelmer hopes to empower its clients with a grace that can only be matched by the women who wear them.
But environmental challenges like ocean acidification, natural disasters and global warming are making it harder to acquire these natural perfections. To ensure the protection of our shores, the brand raises awareness and consistently supports relief efforts for natural disasters while also helping local communities thrive through its non-profit organisation, the Save Palawan Seas Foundation.
More from Tatler: Joey Concepcion on how MSMEs can optimise their full potential
What projects in the last two years are you most proud of? Why?
The last two years presented challenging times for the Jewelmer family, yet I’m most proud of how everyone banded together with a collective spirit, facing times of adversity with resilience. Our team was able to maintain a strong sense of flexibility and adapt to changes, and we were quickly able to pivot to continue serving our clients despite our traditional channels being unavailable to us.
Jewelmer launched its e-platforms in the Philippines and the USA and expanded its online options for the international trade of loose pearls. I’m proud of how our team optimised its digital marketing and digital communication networks to continue delivering quality service to our clients despite global disruptions, as our stores were closed for a large majority of the pandemic.
Most importantly, we did not lose our mission to touch the lives of others—the heart of Jewelmer remained at the core of the company. We contributed to the Philippine General Hospital Medical Foundation, wherein we donated portions of our proceeds to rebuild the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the hospital’s sterilizing areas.
Through Jewelmer’s non-profit organization, the Save Palawan Seas Foundation, we also supported relief effort drives for Typhoon Odette in 2021. Its devastating impact on coastal areas resulted in entire households without shelter or access to clean water. SPSF sent relief goods to around 3,000 households that were in urgent need of them.
What challenges do you see now in your respective industry? How do you intend to help address these challenges?
One of the main challenges in our industry is finding ways to improve our digital experiences for our clients while being able to deliver the quality service that we are known for. We are constantly looking for ways to stay innovative—in a space that has changed more than ever in the last two years, our goal is to ensure that we continue to inspire.
In terms of farming, one of the biggest challenges that we face is the changes in the environment: ocean acidification, rising sea levels, the frequency of natural disasters, and rising sea temperatures. On a local scale, the company puts effort into bringing more awareness to the importance of conservation and education, to ensure the protection of our natural habitats.
What can you say to those who want to follow in your footsteps?
I would highlight the importance of never underestimating the value of human connections and relationships. The strength of a community that is working towards an objective goal is far more powerful than the desire of any individual.
Two words that give me strength and help me in addressing any situation would be grit and resilience. These are important qualities that can uplift in times of darkness. I would also emphasize that challenges are there to be overcome, and as you overcome them, there is a tremendous amount of learning, growth, and humility that comes with the process.
In case you missed it: Ernest Cu on what true innovation looks like
Who do you look up to for guidance, inspiration or mentorship?
It would be my parents, as well as our Chairman Manuel Cojuangco who has known me since I was born. They have seen me grow up and know my strengths and weaknesses, so there is a lot of trust and respect between us. They always know the right things to say and help steer me back in the right direction. They have helped mould me into who I am today, by giving me the right values early on, enabling me to reach this point in my life.
What are your plans for the coming years, and what keeps you going?
First and foremost, to be a good husband and a father.
I plan to continue the work that my father and our chairman started and to keep sharing the story of the golden South Sea pearl, the national gem of the Philippines, with the rest of the world. I would like to keep learning how to be a better leader and to continue finding ways to inspire my colleagues, the collective stewards of the Golden Pearl’s legacy.
In terms of the business, Jewelmer has other retail concepts that are in the development process, which are steps that get us closer to fulfilling our dream of a pearl for every Filipino.
NOW READ
Felipe Gozon on meeting new challenges and staying relevant
George Royeca shares his plans to expand the modes of public transportation in the Philippines
