They’ve been dubbed the ‘Versace Duo’. Duane and Teasea Bennett; brother and sister; designer and marketer. Together they are Reve Jewellery & Accessories.

“When you see Reve Jewellery you know it,” declares Teasea proudly. “It’s avant-garde, couture, dramatic, but at the same time elegant, sophisticated and classy.”

But you don’t have to take her word for it. The growth in this business speaks of the appeal of Duane’s designs and Teasea’s marketing savvy. She recalls how they got started less than five years ago.

“When I came back from France I started wearing my brother’s pieces. One day I was wearing one and a lady approached me and said that she wanted to buy a large amount of the pieces. From that incident I thought it would be good for Duane to expand his jewelry making into a small business.”

So they joined forces. Duane did the jewelry designing and Teasea did the marketing. Reve Jewellery is an authentic Jamaican-made line that’s now available at locations across the country. It’s a far cry from those childhood days when Duane used bubble gum to make little creations and dreamed of making jewelry no one else had thought of. Today he’s still using his hands, but now his creations adorn the graceful necklines of fashion models on the catwalk, or caress the wrists of high fashion divas in the busy commercial district of New Kingston.

So what’s their secret to success? We asked these trendsetters to share their story, their strategy and some advice on how you can do it too.

What were the main challenges you encountered and how did you overcome them?

Duane says a lack of resources was high on the list of their main obstacles. “We needed machines, etcetera. We didn’t have the business directions we would have loved to have. When we just started out we were directed by certain people as to where to go and find the relevant information on how to start a business.”

Teasea agrees that it took patience and the right attitude to do what needed to be done. “It was a mentor who directed us to Jamaica Business Development Centre and they were instrumental in pointing us in the right direction. We both took the negatives and turned them into positives. It made us more polished like a diamond in the rough. It was also through the help of a friend that we were able to overcome the challenges. Also family members supported us constantly. They encouraged us and told us we would succeed.”

Industry insiders say it’s a very expensive business and you need the kind of financial backing that will allow you to focus on the creative side. “And that’s where Scotia bank comes in,” says Teasea. “Scotia has been very instrumental in terms of their business seminars, providing management and financial advice, and networking with other companies.”

How do you control costs?

“Well there are some fixed costs that you will have no control over. But for us we explore other avenues when we can. Being an entrepreneur, you have to think about the best way you can manage and use your resources. So things that we can control, things that aren’t fixed we think about how we can get around them.”

Duane warns however against cutting corners on quality. “I think about the average price that a regular consumer will pay and hence I try to stay true to them. We want the customer to enjoy a piece of Reve and get value for money. The raw material used, its quality, durability and so on, are all taken into consideration.”

What are your three main ingredients for success?

Duane and Teasea offer a cocktail for success. “Determination, dedication and being destined,” says Duane. “It’s also important to be driven.” His business partner adds, “You should also remain focused, put God first and never give up.”

How can you recession-proof your business?

Teasea offers some sage advice for these challenging times. “It is very important that people recognize what is going on around them. Do the research. Press on, don’t give up hope. Move with the times. Be very realistic and see how you can change or adapt to the situation. Seek the help to do what you need to, because in some instances you can’t do it on your own. It is like a form of investment. Even if you can’t research on your own, get the help because that is important. Knowledge is power.”