Now or Never—colorful, eclectic fashion jewelry

November 30 is Small Business Day, but at N26, we’ve decided to stretch our celebration all month long. We’re spotlighting local businesses that bring out the best in creativity and attention to detail. This week, we’re introducing you to Now or Never, a brand which specializes in acrylic jewelry. While the company is based in Palma de Mallorca, its pieces are sold in shops in Spain, Portugal, and Greece, as well as all over the globe via their online store. 

When you visit the website, the first thing that strikes you is the bold use of color in the designs. This is the work of graphic designer Cristina Escudero, the brains behind Now or Never fashion jewelry brand. She explains that she created the brand out of the desire to share her creativity and original ideas with other women who want to express themselves freely.

Her signature piece? Bright, graphics-inspired earrings. Most of her products are arranged into thematic collections—Stormy Feelings, Monstera Obsession, and the newest addition, Zensations. She also recently did a collaboration with artist Isa Muguruza, to create these limited edition earrings. Aside from earrings, Now or Never also makes rings, brooches, and necklaces. With the gift giving season almost underway, you can visit the outlet section of their website, where you’ll find the same great quality of design at a discounted price.

We caught up with Cristina to find out how came up with the idea behind Now or Never. We also asked her how she’s managed to keep her business afloat during these uncertain times, which have been especially tough on entrepreneurs like her.

When and why did you decide to start your own business?

I’ve always been very restless and creative in my work. In my previous role as a graphic designer in the advertising sector, I didn’t feel like I could grow professionally or creatively. So when I discovered the world of Etsy, it was love at first sight. It inspired me to create my first online store there in 2010. For a few years I was designing and selling as a hobby while working another job. Little by little, I learned more and more about running a business, plus new techniques and styles for my designs, photography, marketing, and so on. A few years ago, I finally decided to take out a loan to transform the whole brand into something more professional—photos, website, marketing, etc. And I haven’t looked back since!

How has the coronavirus affected your business?

Since all this began, I have not been able to go to the markets I used to go to on a more or less quarterly basis. Those were a major source of income. On top of that, wholesale sales to shops have also dropped significantly, so now I’m living entirely off sales through my online store. This has been a difficult year, but at the same time I am very grateful for the customer base I do have, who are increasingly committed to buying from small businesses and supporting small brands like mine. 

How have you adapted to the new situation?

In general terms, I have launched quite a few new products to keep customer interest high, as well as running more marketing campaigns than usual, including promotions, online sweepstakes, collaborations, and special discounts.

What do you think sets small businesses apart from large companies?

Small businesses make valuable contributions to the community in terms of their approachability, quality, transparency, friendliness, ethical practices, originality,  and sustainability. As a customer of small businesses, I also love knowing that my money is going to someone who is committed to all these principles, to make the world just a little bit better. 

We encourage you to visit Cristina’s website at her online store and dive into the incredible world that she has created with her jewelry. Follow her company on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with all her latest collections.