W-Women Globally

Mama Necklace by Tali Gillette

Tali Gillette developed a business idea that turned to be a great success from day one. Literally. But it is not only her accidental meeting with Sarah Jessica Parker in one of the New York’s cafés that made her product extremely popular. It is first of all her admiration for the miracle of the maternity and love for her little son that drive her success. Especially for W-WomenGlobally, she reveals her story.

W-Women Globally: when did you get the idea for the Mama Necklace?

Tali Gillette: Hearing my son’s first attempt at the words ‘mama’ moved me beyond words. I wanted to “wear the memory” of that moment forever.

W-WG: What is your professional background, education?

TG: I went to NYU Tisch School for the Arts and was in the acting department. I spent most of my 20’s acting and later producing television and theatre. Being a producer planted the entrepreneurial spirit in me and ideas began to flow. Once I became pregnant I was committed to being a ‘stay at home mom’ but knew I would want to start some kind of home business as well. Hollywood was at the beginning of its baby boom around 2005 and all these actresses were being given ‘push’ presents that didn’t seem to have anything to do with being a mom. Becoming a mother…..now that is a “role” of a lifetime any woman could relate to and I was going to find the perfect piece of jewelry to represent it. And no, I have never made jewelry previous to 2005.

W-WG: Can you reveal the secret of your successful marketing strategy?

TG: First and foremost my confidence in and love for the product is key. The Mama Necklace is beautiful, but it is the meaningfulness of the product, I believe, that sells itself. As for the bare bones PR aspect, it has been a combination of right place, right time and sheer guts. The day I launched my business I was at a cafe and Sarah Jessica Parker happened to be sitting next to me, a conversation was struck, a necklace exchange took place and hours later ‘People’ magazine was asking to photograph the piece! Everyone knows someone who is connected to a celebrity whether it is a facialist, theatre manager, etc. I believe if you are coming from a genuine place – the doors open.

Celebrity-Mamas wearing the Mama Necklace

 W-WG: What celebs are wearing your necklace at the moment?

TG: Katie Holmes is the most recent celebrity mommy who owns a Mama Necklace; others have included Courteney Cox, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sarah McLachlan, Joely Fisher. Also Bridget Moynahan, Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Watts (see photo above: the three ladies wearing Mama Necklaces!) and more.

W-WG: Where do you sell your necklaces?

TG: I sell my line all over the world via my website. The collection seems to be most popular in the US, UK, Australia, Germany and most recently Malaysia. The line had been in number of stores, but recently I have been turning down vendors and have committed to selling it exclusively through www.taligillette.com. I am currently meeting with potential investors and/or partner possibilities, once we expand the line the goal would be to be picked up by any of the beautiful department stores here and abroad.

W-WG: What are your plans for the future?

TG: They are twofold: firstly – as my business launched to great success almost immediately, I see tremendous growth opportunity for the future. I envision the Mama Necklace becoming a staple piece on every mother’s neck. Women wear their engagement rings and wedding bands to symbolize important milestones and cherished moments in their lives, the Mama Necklace is the perfect piece to complete the trilogy.
Secondly, I value charity above and beyond all else as a business woman. My site couldn’t launch without a donation page. Each year we donate necklaces to various organizations. I have a very exciting idea for a charitable organization I am eager to launch in the near future.

W-WG: Good luck with this and thank you for the interview!

Visit Tali Gillette’s website: taligillette.com

Join The Mama Necklace’s Facebook page and become a fan!