MELIZZA JUANE TANPOCO
FGI Rising Star Finalist Fine Jewelery 2023 & 2024 – Jaune Pearls
Melizza Jaune Tanpoco is the Head of Jaune Pearls, an emerging fine jewelry brand gaining recognition for its dedication to sustainable luxury and the modern craftsmanship of Tahitian pearls. Jaune Pearls has been featured at events like LA Fashion Week and Miami Swim Week and has garnered industry recognition as a fine jewelry finalist at the 2023 and 2024 Fashion Group International Rising Star Awards in New York City. The brand’s achievements and commitment to sustainability have been highlighted in publications such as Gemological Institute Of America’s Alumni Collective, The Daily Front Row, Forbes and Women’s Wear Daily (WWD).
Beyond her role in business, Melizza is also an established content creator, boasting over 900,000 followers and more than 150,000,000 views across various platforms. Her engaging content, focusing on lifestyle, fashion, and beauty, captivates a youthful audience from Australia, the Philippines, and the United States.
Furthermore, Melizza holds a double degree in International Business and Digital Media from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and has studied social entrepreneurship at the University of Oxford. She is also a certified pearl graduate from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
WEBSITE:
https://jaunepearls.com.au/
Q and A with FGI President and CEO, Maryanne Grisz
What city were you born in?
I was born in Angeles City in the Philippines, a place vibrant with culture, history, and the best food you can ever find!
What is your star sign?
Leo. And if I am being honest, I find that the traits often associated with Leos, like leadership and creativity, resonate deeply with me.
What were you obsessed with when you were a child?
As a child, I was fascinated by the glossy pages of fashion magazines. I drew a world of inspiration from their editorials, crafting my own style and dreaming up jewelry designs.
What do you value most in a friendship?
Trust and support are the pillars I value most in a friendship.
What’s your proudest moment?
My proudest moment was when Jaune Pearls was announced as a finalist in the FGI Rising Star Fine Jewelry category— it motivated the team and served as an affirmation of our dedication to craftsmanship and innovation.
What’s the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is the opportunity to collaborate with my family in creating jewelry that are works of art with the purpose of being sustainable.
What’s your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is grappling with the uncertainty of the unknown.
What’s the best meal you’ve ever eaten?
Aside from my experiences in my home town, the most memorable meal I’ve ever enjoyed was at Pink Mamma in Paris—a culinary experience that was as delightful as it was inspiring.
What’s next for you in your career?
I plan to continue expanding and innovating within Jaune Pearls, pushing the boundaries of jewelry design.
What’s the last thing that made you laugh out loud?
A dog video on TikTok recently had me laughing uncontrollably. It was so cute and funny at the same time.
Who or what in your life brings you the most joy?
My family and loved ones are the cornerstone of my joy, providing both inspiration and support.
How do you spend your day, or what does an ordinary day look like for you?
My day typically begins with skin care morning rituals, followed by a workout, then dedicating time to Jaune Pearls, attending university classes, exploring the city with friends, and winding down by creating engaging content for my social media community.
What approach would you take differently if you had to build a business from scratch today?
I would focus less on perfection and more on taking action—starting somewhere and improving along the way.
What is your favorite quote of all time, and why?
“You can’t ever go wrong with pearls. Perhaps pearls are a girl’s best friend after all,” by Ki Hackney. This quote resonates with me personally and professionally, celebrating the timeless elegance of pearls.
What book/s will you recommend that everyone should read once in their lives?
“Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” by Nell Scovell and Sheryl Sandberg, and “The Defining Decade” by Meg Jay. Both books provided me with insights into personal and professional growth.
How do you maintain a work-life balance?
I love what I do, it doesn’t feel like work to me. I maintain a balance this way.
What are the biggest challenges you faced in your career and how did you handle them?
Facing skepticism and doubt from others has been challenging. Over time, I’ve learned to view such negativity as a reflection of the critics themselves, not of my worth or capabilities.
What is the best advice someone ever gave you?
The best advice I have ever received is to not be scared and follow my dreams. I think I would not be here if I had let fear get in the way.
Who inspires you the most and why?
I am deeply inspired by the intricacies of nature and the depth of human emotions—both drive the creative ethos behind our jewelry designs.
What’s the next thing you’re going to do in life?
I am committed to further developing Jaune Pearls, continually striving to blend artistic innovation with ethical practices.