Exclusive interview with Martine Hul, the founder and creative director of Hulchi Belluni

Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and our “Inspiring Women” series, with this exclusive interview with Martine Hul, the founder and creative director of Hulchi Belluni.

Today, I want to share with you the inspirational story behind the brand, Hulchi Belluni, which was founded by Martine Hul in 2001 and has become a line filled with genuine, high-quality jewelry, renowned for its eye for detail and exquisite finish.

Belgian founder, Martine Hul, designs all the jewelry pieces guided by the principles of Feng Shui science. She believes that jewelry radiates ‘Chi’, the positive energy which blissfully brings balance to your body, and utilizes its principles in her distinguished styles and sparkling pieces.

The brand takes its name from three elements: the name of its creator, Martine “Hul”, the oriental practice of Feng Shui (“chi” element), and the beautiful lune (“bella luna”), which together form “Hulchi Belluni”.

Martine Hul’s 30 years of experience combined with her own distinguished style, sparkling energy, sensitivity, and effervescent creativity allow her to add a unique value to every piece of jewelry she designs.

Belluni (‘bella luna’) is the source of creative energy, mysterious romance, and pure emotions. Its presence is of great importance and the jewels’ finely shaped details reflect its energy.

All their jewelry is in 18-karat gold set with high-quality diamonds. Their jewelry is manufactured in Europe. The initial collection was based on true classic pieces with inspirations drawn from the philosophy of Feng Shui. With the years Hulchi Belluni has grown into a line of authentic high-quality jewelry, renowned for its attention to detail and exquisite finish.

Hulchi Belluni also has a line of jewelry for men, “Tresore for men”, which comprises a stylish set of bracelets.

Today I am delighted to share Martine’s inspirational story with you, in this exclusive interview with Martine Hul, as well as her hopes for the future and her advice for other designers.

Exclusive Interview with Martine Hul

Thank you so much for joining us, Martine. Can you tell us a little more about yourself? 

Hello, my name is Martine Hul and I am the founder and owner of Hulchi Belluni, a fine jewelry brand from Antwerp, Belgium. I design all the jewelry myself and our jewelry is made of 18k gold and set with high-quality Antwerp diamonds. 

I founded the Hulchi Belluni jewelry line in 2001, after 20 years of experience in the jewelry industry. My dream was to create timeless jewelry for women, based on the principles of Feng Shui. 

Feng Shui has always played an important role throughout my life and I really wanted my jewelry to radiate positive “Chi” energy and to bring harmony and balance to the wearer.

Can you tell us a little about your career path prior to launching “Hulchi Belluni”? Did you always know that you wanted to be in the jewelry industry? 

While I was studying physiotherapy in Ghent, my mother put me in touch with an Antwerp jeweler. I met the local jeweler in Antwerp and started selling some jewelry to acquaintances. Then I took a summer job at this jeweler and never left. So I started selling in the jewelry store, and because of the excellent results I became the retail manager and later the purchase manager of that company.

The success of the collections I bought for the jewelry store was amplified by the changes I made to the pieces when selecting them from the manufacturer. The combination of the proven results of my intuition as a purchasing manager combined with my own creativity and the experience I built up, automatically led to the idea to create my own line of fine jewelry: Hulchi Belluni was born.

Can you tell me what inspired you to take the leap to launch your jewelry brand, and can you describe your brand to us in a few words? 

At Hulchi Belluni, we are committed to creating exquisite and timeless jewelry pieces that celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of every individual, by complementing their energy and balance to bring harmony to the world.

How much did your childhood upbringing influence your decision to launch “Hulchi Belluni”, and also impact the values you have for your brand? 

During my childhood, I saw my parents working hard to build their company and realize their dreams while coping with the hardships and difficult times on their way and also taking care of the people around them.

From this I learned that the work is never done; we continuously innovate and expand our product line while maintaining our commitment to quality, sustainability, and social responsibility. 

When did you launch your first collection and what was the inspiration behind it?

In 2001 I launched my first Hulchi Belluni collection: the Funghetti line. It was an idea when I was walking in the forest and saw a bunch of mushrooms of different sizes and shapes. That’s where I created the design of the collection.

A circle set with diamonds in a beautiful pavé setting was the basic shape. We made this shape in different sizes and combined them with different types of jewelry. Simple, elegant, and very appealing.

Can you describe how Hulchi Belluni’s designs incorporate the principles of Feng Shui? 

The objective of Feng Shui is to make you prosper by modifying your surroundings to improve the flow of energy. 

Hulchi Belluni brings harmony to the world by creating jewelry that fosters a sense of well-being and abundance for all those who wear them. 

Our jewelry empowers a person by complementing their energy and balance. 

Belluni also refers to “Bella Luna,” the moon. How important is the moon in your creative process? 

We refer to the moon as a powerful source of strong energy associated with wisdom, intuition, and creativity. It is an infinite source and catalyst for inspiration.

Can you take us through the process of designing, prototyping, and manufacturing your product, and share with us some of your favorite pieces from your collection? 

My ideas come from different sources, both in everyday life and while traveling I can get inspired by the architecture of buildings but also the small objects around them. Nature is also a great source of inspiration for me, so I have already designed some collections on natural elements. Also, the lucky symbols of feng shui are a source of inspiration.

“My inspiration comes from spur of moment. For example, the shape of a building or object can touch me. Or something I see at a restaurant, on a museum visit or while walking. A special shoe, a key on a door in an Italian alley… Everything around me can be a trigger.”

Martine Hul

I select a few of my ideas for a new line and discuss them with my creative team. They translate the ideas into different drawings of jewelry shapes. We discuss on which occasions this jewelry would be worn, select price points, and decide on the direction to move in by choosing some of the drawings. We make technical drawings fixing the proportions, sizes, and materials and then we make the first prototypes. When they look promising, we learn from the prototypes and finish the other pieces of the line.

My favorite pieces are the ones that came out of prototyping and immediately amazed me: the composite funghetti ring, the cubed bangle bracelet, and the first stretching Tresore bracelet with moving elements. 

Love at first sight!

What kind of woman is a “Hulchi Belluni” customer? 

Hulchi Belluni customers are typically women who appreciate the modern lifestyle and have a keen eye for quality and craftsmanship. They are confident and sophisticated, with a deep appreciation for the artistry and beauty of fine jewelry.

Hulchi Belluni customers value exclusivity and are drawn to the unique and innovative designs of the brand’s jewelry collections. They seek out pieces that are both timeless and modern, and that can be worn for any occasion.

Many Hulchi Belluni customers have a strong sense of individuality and appreciate the power of luxury accessories to elevate their personal style.

Overall, Hulchi Belluni customers are women who embrace their femininity and are not afraid to express themselves through their accessories. They are passionate about the beauty and elegance of fine jewelry.

How do you want women to feel when they are wearing one of your pieces? 

Wearing Hulchi Belluni jewelry can make a woman feel special and unique, as each piece is crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, using only the finest materials. The intricate designs and exquisite craftsmanship of Hulchi Belluni’s collections are meant to be noticed and admired and can help a woman feel more confident and stylish.

The unique balance and energy of Hulchi Belluni’s jewelry pieces can also be attributed to the brand’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. The materials used in the production of the jewelry are carefully sourced to ensure they meet the brand’s high standards of quality and environmental responsibility The objective of Feng Shui is to make you prosper by modifying your surroundings to improve the flow of energy. 

Hulchi Belluni brings harmony to the world by creating jewelry that fosters a sense of well-being and abundance for all those who wear them. 

Our jewelry empowers a person by complementing their energy and balance. 

This series is all about representing and empowering dynamic women everywhere; can you recall a particular moment that influenced your growth and evolution as a woman? 

I started designing jewelry and the challenges I met on my way made me grow into a businesswoman. At a certain moment, I looked back and realized that I moved way beyond my expectations when starting Hulchi Belluni. Today I’m convinced that it’s the first step that defined my path and my evolution.

What do you want to be known for in your life and career? 

In my life, as a warm friend and family member and in my career I try to build Hulchi Belluni so customers, consumers, and colleagues would look at the company with respect and appreciation.

What has been the biggest challenge/ hurdle you have faced so far? 

About 8 years ago my business partner got into a coma and passed away a few years after. Reorganizing the company, solving all the issues arising and plotting a new course for Hulchi Belluni at the same time, were the biggest hurdles on my path.

What has been your biggest milestone/achievement so far? 

Both our annual campaigns where we always want to be innovative and our international expansion in the jewelry market.

What are your aspirations for the future? Where would you like to see your brand 5 years from now and are there any imminent plans for the company that you’d like to share? 

We are always on the lookout for a new thriving region to develop. Every year we add one or two countries to the Hulchi Belluni map. The company grows organically by meeting new people along the way.

Our company has a flexible set-up, so we can change course quickly when the weather turns and this leaves us open to new adventures. This year we are proud to add Australia, Canada, and Italy to the Hulchi Belluni map.

Finally, what words of advice do you have for any young designers trying to get started in the jewelry industry? 

My advice would be to stay true to your vision and be persistent in pursuing your passion. Developing a unique design style and voice takes time and lots of effort, but it’s important to stay true to yourself and your creative vision.

Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things, whether it’s experimenting with different materials or exploring new design techniques. Creativity thrives on curiosity and exploration, so don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and push the boundaries of your art.

Networking and building relationships within the industry are also key to success as a jewelry designer. Attend trade shows, connect with other designers and artisans, and engage with your audience on social media platforms. Building a strong brand and a loyal following takes time, but it’s worth it in the end.

Lastly, focus on quality and attention to detail in everything you do. The jewelry industry is highly competitive, and customers are discerning when it comes to the quality of the pieces they purchase. Invest in quality materials, use precision in your craftsmanship, and always strive to exceed your customers’ expectations. By doing so, you’ll set yourself apart as a talented and dedicated jewelry designer, poised for success in the industry.

Thank you for taking the time to talk to me, Martine. Is there anything else you would like to share with us today? 

I would like to thank you for your time and interest in Hulchi Belluni. It was a pleasure speaking with you.

I hope you enjoyed this exclusive interview with Martine Hul, the founder and creative director of Hulchi Belluni, and don’t forget to check out our other inspiring women posts. 

I will be back soon with more style, lifestyle and travel inspiration and don’t forget to subscribe to make sure you never miss a post,

Look good, feel good, live your best life 🙂

With love,

 

Website : Hulchibelluni.com Instagram @hulchi_belluni