Celebrating 10 Years of Annie Haak Designs, the Original Stacking Brand!
Today marks a very special occasion at Annie Haak Designs... our 10-Year Anniversary! With so much to celebrate, we wanted to give you an insight into the business and how it has grown over those ten years, with some memorable milestones along the way.
We chatted to Annie to find out about her Top 10 moments over the years, read on to discover her answers...
A chance encounter...
"The Silversmith I met in Bali gave me the chance to draw the design of my signature charm the My Guardian Angel. From the wax mould to the cast, seeing it in the making was a wonderful feeling from what can only be described as one of my most terrifying months in my life. To turn it into a great success, not just having my own Guardian Angel (due to my husbands near fatal accident and also losing my dear parents within three months of each other, I needed to have a Guardian Angel) it was to become and still is the most significant charm to my designs ever."
In the press...
"I had some luck at the beginning of the journey, when the Daily Mail printed a picture of the Sama MGA into their weekend magazine. The response was huge, we saw so many orders flying in at a time we had little stock, but it taught me that the response to this charm bracelet alone could be done again and it gave me confidence to go forward."
Famous faces...
"Remembering the time I received a handwritten letter from Danni Minogue thanking me for her jewellery never leaves me without a smile. I also recall a time when I was working from home with a few staff, I did the post run that day and when I returned I had a voice mail from Denise Van Outen – I was so upset that I did not get the chance to speak to her! She called to thank me for her bracelets... special moments."
Taking risks...
"I mortgaged my home to fund the beginning of the business. I was terrified but knew that I was never going to forgive myself for not going for it. The risks were clear but I was willing to take a chance and it’s the best thing I've ever done. This is where the ‘Dream Believe Achieve’ motto heart charm became one of my favourite charms."
Moving in...
"Getting into the office/studio I am in today was a huge moment. I couldn't believe that the business had grown enough to get a premise which was large, at the time I thought too large! I am so happy that we are still in that premises, despite being at full capacity but workable."
A Guardian Angel...
"I remember receiving the most heart-wrenching letter and photo I have ever received. A little girl who had terminal cancer sent me a thank you letter and a photo with the MGA bracelet which meant the world to her. Sadly she is no longer with us, but to know from her Mum how much it meant to her and her family will never leave me."
And the award goes to...
"Receiving my first award was fantastic! I have never received awards and to have one to say that my company was the winner of the ‘Best Handmade Jewellery in Britain’ was a really special moment. I now have several and so very proud of them all."
A big milestone...
"The moment I took 1 million in a financial year was shockingly amazing! I still cannot believe how well AHD is doing."
Absolutely Fabulous...
"One of my top moments was the day I received a handwritten note (a funny one at that!) from my heroine Joanna Lumley, personally thanking me for the bangle and earrings I had sent to her. I have it on my desk always."
Dementia Support...
"The moment I handed over a cheque for £16,000 to Sage House – Dementia Support was incredibly special. It's a place where people with Dementia and their carers/loved ones can go to for aid, comfort and help. I designed a bracelet stack ‘Memories Matter’ and all proceeds from this stack went to this amazing cause."
With so many amazing moments to celebrate, we're marking the occasion with an extra-special design for our wonderfully loyal customers. The 10-Year Celebration Bracelet Stack is made up of six different bracelets that have been a prominent part of the AHD collections over the past 10 years - the Frankie's Silver Bracelet, named after Annie's granddaughter, the two-strand Bella Anna Bracelet, based on a nickname from Annie's father-in-law, the Orchid Charm Bracelet with a sparkling Crystal Heart charm, the Santeenie Bracelet with Annie's signature My Guardian Angel charm, a Swarovski Sparkle for a celebratory feel, and lastly the NU&MII Double Bangles to represent the pride Annie has for her two daughters, whose brand is Annie Haak's sister company.
This incredible stack is limited edition and represents all the good times and special moments over the 10 years at AHD - we hope you love it as much as we do!