At the origin of the project, Wilfried Andrews, 30, self -taught jeweler and passionate entrepreneur. Official in the territorial public service in Guyana, he starts modestly by selling “word of mouth” jewelry during his studies. “I just had a friend who was a jeweler. He was family. Me, I sold to the supervisors, to the comrades, I made myself known like that ”. Little by little, passion becomes a flourishing activity. “I created an Instagram account, I started to sell in the Antilles, to ship to mainland France”. A first homemade channel for € 300 and sold € 1,000 confirms that he is holding something.
In 2021, he took the plunge. “I sold my car, my motorcycle … I bet everything to buy a small shop in Cayenne after the covid”. Without bank help, but with determination, it equips the space little by little. “I had only one showcase, I didn’t even have something to do an inauguration.”
Today, Willgold offers a varied range: rings, necklaces, jewelry for adults and children, made from Guyanese gold. “We have craft and industrial confections, made by jewelers who come from Guyana. The idea is to make these creations available for all of France, and whether it is accessible ”.
The gold used comes directly from Guyana mines, then goes through a strict treatment circuit before returning on the spot to be worked. “Gold comes out of the mines, he is treated here in the factory, and then he returns to Guyana to be transformed. It’s Guyanese work. This is why our price is not the cheapest, but it is justified by the quality of work. »»
The Parisian boutique marks a new stage. “It has always been a dream, but to realize it, it was not easy”says Wilfried. Willgold is also positioned on other services: purchase of investment gold ingots, advice on resale and investment, and above all, tailor -made making.
Soon, the brand will participate in the Paris Fair. “We are counting a lot on the Paris Fair. It is a real showcase, it will allow us to introduce our work and offer after-sales service to customers ”. Other events are in preparation or in projects: Fashion Weeks, Ceremonies, Collaborations.
As the first Guyanese jeweler located in Paris, Wilfried sees further. He continues to train, invest, dream. “In my family, there is no entrepreneur, no jeweler. I learned everything about the job. I have known failures, like good things, but we did not give up. »»
Willgold is therefore much more than a jewelry store. It is the story of a success born of passion, a desire to enhance Guyanese know-how, and a daring bet: that of making Guyana gold shine in the heart of Paris.
Charles Baudry
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