Words of Women: Melizza Jaune Tanpoco is Reinventing Pearl Luxury with Jaune Pearls
Whether they are entrepreneurs, businesswomen or creatives, women play a pivotal role in shaping the fashion and beauty landscape. In our series “Words of Women,” EnVi highlights the achievements, goals and journey to success of women in the fashion and beauty field. Celebrating Women’s History Month, EnVi spotlights Filipina businesswoman Melizza Jaune Tanpoco, head of pearl luxury brand Jaune Pearls.
Inspired by her mother’s lifelong fascination with jewelry and her parents’ entrepreneurial spirit, Melizza Jaune Tanpoco rebranded her family’ VIP jewelry company in 2022. The brand kickstarted a new chapter, reintroduced as Jaune Pearls.
Melizza’s family-owned brand has been in the market since 2002. The Tanpoco family built a legacy of craftsmanship and luxury design for VIP clients with Tahitian pearls at the heart of their GIA-certified business. In 2022, however, the company opened up to a wider audience after an overhaul.
One of the first steps was launching an online store where the family could offer sustainable luxury to a global clientele. “This transition marked a new beginning for us, turning my parents’ initial vision into a global venture,” Melizza tells EnVi. “It’s been an incredible journey seeing how much the company has evolved from its private beginnings to becoming a name that pearl lovers everywhere can cherish.”
Here on, the young entrepreneur talks about the challenges of redefining pearl luxury, Jaune Pearls’ sustainability efforts and bringing her family company to the global stage.
What was the inspiration behind Jaune Pearls?
Jaune Pearls came from a desire to redefine how people see pearls. Traditionally, pearls might’ve been viewed as something reserved for an older demographic, perhaps perceived as a bit staid or old-fashioned. We wanted to challenge that notion. Growing up in the industry, my family and I recognized the timeless beauty of pearls but also saw the potential for them to be vibrant, modern, and inclusive.
Driven by the belief that pearls deserve more love and they are for everyone, we aimed to create a brand that would make pearls accessible and appealing to a broader audience. We wanted to showcase pearls as chic, cool, and versatile — perfect not just for grand events but for everyday [use] as well. Jaune Pearls was envisioned as a brand where anyone could find something that resonated with their style, making the beauty of pearls a staple in everyone’s wardrobe, not just a select few.
What has been your role in reintroducing your family’s business to a wider audience?
My role encompasses overseeing operations, creative direction, and strategic communications of our brand, as well as collaborating on the designs with my parents. My journey with pearls began under the guidance of my mother, who cultivated a deep admiration for their beauty and complexity.
This passion was further enriched by my studies. I am a GIA Pearl graduate with a dual degree in International Business and Digital Media from Queensland University of Technology. I also hold a certificate in Social Entrepreneurship from Oxford University and Digital Marketing Strategy from Harvard Business School online.
What has been your most memorable experience working in the pearl industry?
Growing up in the pearl industry has given me a lifetime of cherished memories. I was literally in my mother’s womb when she started our family business. However, one of the most significant and memorable experiences was having the opportunity to interview and learn from the Emperor of Pearls, Robert Wan, during a trip to Tahiti with my mother in 2022. It deeply connected me to the traditions and expertise of pearl cultivation, allowing me to learn from the pioneer of Tahitian pearls — he literally started it all. [The experience] was so inspiring and profoundly educational.
Can you share a moment or event that you consider has been a highlight for the brand?
One of the most memorable highlights for Jaune Pearls was being nominated as a finalist for the Fashion Group International (FGI) Rising Star Awards, both 2023 and 2024. These nominations were incredibly special to us, as they affirmed our dedication to craftsmanship and sustainable luxury. Being recognized by such a respected organization in the fashion industry not only filled our team with pride but also fueled our passion for creating jewelry that embodies both beauty and responsibility. It was a truly validating moment for everyone involved with Jaune Pearls.
What, if any, have been the challenges in strengthening the brand’s global presence?
For full transparency, one of the main challenges we’ve faced at Jaune Pearls — being such a newly formed brand — is growing brand awareness. It’s a big world out there. Making our mark has required not just creativity and perseverance but also a deep belief in what we stand for.
Despite this, the support and recognition we’ve received have been incredibly heartening. Institutions like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) have recognized us for bringing a fresh take to a longstanding industry. Additionally, being nominated as finalists for the Fashion Group International (FGI) Rising Star Awards and participating in events like LA Fashion Week and Miami Fashion Week has been monumental. It’s these moments of recognition and collaboration that remind us why we started and push us to continue innovating and reaching out to pearl lovers around the world.
On the other hand, what have been some of the most rewarding moments working at Jaune Pearls?
Some of the most rewarding moments have undoubtedly come from the opportunity to work closely with my family. Running a business with people who share not just a personal history but a deep, collective passion for pearls has been incredibly fulfilling.
Each day brings its own set of challenges and triumphs, but navigating this journey with my family intensifies every achievement and provides a unique support system that’s rare in the business world.
“My advice would be to embrace the things that scare you the most. Reach out to that mentor you’ve admired from afar, build that website, or start the passion project you’ve always dreamed about. Approach each step gracefully but assertively, facing your fears head-on.”
Melizza Jaune Tanpoco
What is Jaune Pearls’ best-selling product and what do you think sets it apart?
Jaune Pearls’ best-selling product is the Classique Gold Lasso Pearl Bracelet. It stands out in the pearl market primarily for its unique design that mimics a golden lasso — it is simple, yet chic and elegant. I believe people resonate with this design because it offers a modern twist on classic elegance, blending traditional luxury with contemporary aesthetics.
Combined with its use of a high-quality AAA-grade Tahitian pearl, ethically sourced yellow-gold-coated steel, at an affordable price, it sets itself apart as a symbol of innovative and sustainable luxury.
Sustainability and responsibility are at the core of Jaune Pearls, what practices or policies has the brand implemented to make their products more sustainable?
Sustainability and responsibility are deeply embedded in our practices, which is evident in the inherently sustainable nature of authentically cultured pearls. Pearls are organic, renewable, and produced in living oysters that thrive in unpolluted waters. Environmental health is crucial for pearl quality.
At Jaune Pearls, we emphasize an ecosystem approach involving all stakeholders. We ensure activities such as sustainable pearl farming, working with ethical pearl farmers in French Polynesia. These farmers avoid synthetic processes that can harm the environment, thereby supporting marine conservation and enhancing water quality and coral reef health.
We engage in ethical business practices, ensuring transparency and fairness throughout our operations. Our partnerships are carefully chosen based on adherence to global standards for environmental care and social responsibility, supporting biodiversity and reducing pollution. We also focus on local community engagement, aiming to improve local economies.
What advice would you give to young women looking to pursue a career in the jewelry industry?
If I were to give advice to young women looking to pursue a career in the jewelry industry, it would come from my own experiences as a young Asian woman entering a field where I often felt overwhelmed by doubt and fear. The question that changed my perspective was, “What would I do if I wasn’t afraid?” This pushed me to seek support from industry leaders and academics, and it inspired the expansion of our brand.
My advice would be to embrace the things that scare you the most. Reach out to that mentor you’ve admired from afar, build that website, or start the passion project you’ve always dreamed about. Approach each step gracefully but assertively, facing your fears head-on. Remember, rejection is just a form of redirection, and every failure is a step toward learning and growth. It’s okay not to have all the answers from the start—true learning happens throughout the journey. By pushing beyond your comfort zones, you’ll find not only success but also a profound sense of self-empowerment.
What are Jaune Pearls’ plans for the future?
Looking ahead, Jaune Pearls is committed to transforming how pearls are perceived in the fashion industry. Driven by our vision to make pearls accessible and appealing to a broader audience, we are excited to expand our collections with modern, versatile designs that are perfect for both special occasions and everyday wear.
One upcoming highlight is the Ariake Collection, a collaboration with the Emperor of Pearls. This upcoming collection features pearls painted with a trademarked Japanese technique, turning each piece into a work of art. We are also dedicated to enhancing our sustainability practices and broadening our digital presence to connect with customers globally. Through these efforts, we aim to position pearls as both a fashionable and responsible choice for jewelry lovers everywhere.
Lastly, what would you like Jane Pearls to be recognized for in the future?
I hope Jaune Pearls will be recognized for being one of the first brands leading the way in sustainable luxury and for making pearl jewelry modern, inclusive, and accessible to everyone.
Editor’s note: this interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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