H&E Jewels: A true jewel in Davao City

IF YOU are looking for imported or local settings of diamond or gold pieces of jewelry and luxury bags, wallets, perfumes, shoes, watches, and other apparel, H&E Jewels is the right place for you.

This haven for jewelry lovers and luxury brand-seekers is home to brand new and pre-loved bags from the famous Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Yves Saint Lauren (YSL), Christian Dior, Givenchy, and several other France and Italy brands.

H&E Jewels, located at FRM Building, Circumferential Road Marfori I in Davao City, is owned by Hope Evans and husband Datu Eden Ala. Hope Evans is a business-minded lady even before she became a successful social-entrepreneur. Let's get to know her behind the glitz and glamor of her store.

Sunstar Davao (SSD): So what is H&E Jewels all about?

H&E: H&E Jewels is a product of my interest to earn my own income and be independent financially. I named it H&E because these are the initials of my and my husband’s first name, Hope and Eden. Even when I was in college, I have always been business-minded.

SSD: So when was H&E Jewels started?

H&E: I started as an online seller of jewelry in 2015, and during that time jewelry online selling was unheard of. I can claim that I was the first seller of jewelry online. I started posting pieces of jewelry online. First, it was just my personal items, but then I received a lot of inquiries asking how much those items were. Right there and then I realized that selling jewelry online is feasible.

SSD: From where were your pieces of jewelry coming from? Did you make it yourself or did you employ a jewelry-maker?

H&E: At first I was selling my own stuff. Eventually I was able to meet a supplier of jewelry who supplied items for me almost daily. So I took pictures of her items and posted them online. And as days passed, many suppliers came to me and asked me to sell their products as well. That was the start when I made it my career.

SSD: How about these other items here in your store, these bags and other apparels, how they came to be when you were initially selling jewelry?

H&E: When I decided to make my business my career in 2017, a friend of mine offered me a bag boutique. At first I was hesitant because it was a bit of a huge investment for me. So I asked my friend to be my business-partner. I told her that we will try holding the business separately. She has the bag, while I'm on the jewelry. She readily agreed and that was the start of our business together. After two years, in 2019, I decided to transfer to another area. Incidentally, someone let me assume his restaurant was near my previous jewelry store. So my business partner and I separated. I went on to manage and operate my restaurant where I also put in display my bags and jewelry; I really took advantage of the area. My clients and suppliers for my bags and jewelry were also my customers at my restaurant.

SSD: So what happened? Where is your restaurant now?

H&E: When I encountered the “biggest” problem of my life, actually it was a collection problem, which stemmed from the non-payment of one of my big-time jewelry clients in Manila, I had to let my other client assume my restaurant. That was the lowest and saddest moment of my life. So, when the pandemic broke out, my family and I went back home to Cotabato City, but I never stopped selling jewelry. I continued selling again through an online platform. All I can say is that business remained brisk even during the pandemic. It was like nothing had changed. In fact, because orders from clients from different parts of the world were constantly coming in and by volume, I realized I needed to go back to Davao City and put up a physical store, in addition to my online platform. Luckily, with the consent of and assistance from my very supportive husband, he helped me establish this store. But since I cannot fill it with jewelry, I decided to make this a shop for all luxury goods, and especially because I am fond of collecting signature bags. This is also my edge among the other jewelry stores and those that are selling jewelry alone either physically or through online selling.

SSD: Aside from offering other luxury products, what other edge that your store has compared to others?

H&E: My price is reasonable and very competitive. I make sure that my resellers can also earn because I don't want my business to grow alone; I want my resellers to grow their businesses as well. I really don't focus only on how much I would earn, but also how my resellers can earn for themselves through my products. Because I want to empower other women like me by becoming financially independent just as I am now.

SSD: What lessons in life can you impart to everyone, especially women out there who are struggling, who are facing difficult situations?

H&E: Don’t lose hope, believe in the power of positivity, pray because only God can give you strength and wisdom, and of course, always share your blessings.