Interview with Khadra Fliss, founder of the solar jewelry brand Belle mais pas que

For the past ten years, Khadra Fliss has been walking the aisles of the Bijorhca trade show. She is the creator of the successful jewelry brand Belle mais pas que, which specializes in Miyuki beads. She shares her story with us and unveils the new pieces that will mark this season.

Belle mais pas que was born from a desire to share a love for travel, celebrate summer, and affirm that women are more than just one thing. Since its inception, Khadra Fliss has been offering handmade, responsible jewelry that appeals to women worldwide. A regular at the Bijorhca trade show, she returns this season to discuss the pillars of her success: innovation and staying true to her brand DNA.

Tell us about Belle mais pas que.


The brand’s DNA is based on the material—the Miyuki bead, which I reinvent each season. This iconic bead reveals multiple shades of color. It’s the brand to wear in summer, though not just in summer, because it can be worn year-round. It is the reference brand for summer.


What brings you back to the trade show?


We’ve been attending the show since 2016, almost ten years now. When I first presented the collection, we immediately connected with our audience, so we decided this was the best place for us. We go to other trade shows, but Bijorhca is the best for us.


How did the last three days unfold?


A lot has happened. Clients were somewhat hesitant, but they were eager to meet creators and immerse themselves in this universe. The months leading up to this have been challenging for retailers, but they wrapped up the year well, so they came with a positive mindset.


How do you prepare for a trade show as a brand? 


I bring a new collection each season because that’s what visitors are looking for. You must know how to surprise and astonish them while constantly reinventing yourself. I continually work on my collections while staying true to our brand DNA.

Have you noticed any trends in the past few days?


Yes, customers have chosen very bold colors, which have been well received. Our new earrings have also been very well received.


What challenges do you face, and do you see any signs indicating a positive outlook for the market's future?


I work in fashion jewelry, where our clients always look for novelty. However, beyond design, the material is a key criterion. They want jewelry that is easy to wear, pleasant for everyday use, and, most importantly, durable and adaptable to their lifestyle. Today, stainless steel has become essential. While stainless steel is in high demand, I prefer working with brass, a nobler material that offers greater creative possibilities. It allows me to explore designs and finishes more deeply. One of our significant challenges was developing a durable and stainless plating. We succeeded, and the enthusiasm from our clients confirmed that it was a true success. Still, other challenges remain, especially regarding pricing. It’s not just about innovation; accessibility and value for money are significant concerns. Our clients are prepared to invest in a stunning piece if the quality justifies the price. That’s precisely what we strive to deliver, explaining our client loyalty. Innovation is an ongoing quest, as is listening to the market. This is why we value participating in trade shows: meeting with our clients in person helps us understand their expectations better and fuels our creativity.

Additionally, it provides a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas with our resellers. Their feedback is invaluable, as they connect with hundreds, even thousands, of clients each year. They observe how jewelry is worn, handled, and integrated into everyday life. This information is essential for us to adapt and provide offerings that align with the actual needs of the market.


Eco-responsibility is also one of the values of your brand. How do you see conversations around this topic evolving in the jewelry industry?


We are certainly concerned, and we are trying to contribute our part. I aim to rethink the collections by reusing pieces we already have. I work in fashion jewelry, so in an industry where trends shift quickly and we deal with affordable prices, I can only repurpose the stock and pieces I already possess. I mentioned that we continually reinvent ourselves but can innovate with what already exists. That’s essentially what I did this season. I’ve rarely done this before because I always believed there must be a sense of novelty.

Is there any specific news you’d like to highlight this season?


The earrings are a first for us because, this time, they truly embody our brand DNA. I’ve designed earrings before, but never like this—this is a true signature piece made with Miyuki beads. It was a real challenge, especially with the material I wanted to use, alongside flawless plating. The beads require a different approach. Typically, our flagship piece, the bracelet, is woven on a loom, a specific technique that showcases our expertise. Working with earrings presented a whole new level of complexity in the workshop. Initially, the team hesitated; stepping out of the comfort zone is always unsettling. There were doubts such as: “We won’t succeed,” “It will take too long,” and “It will be too expensive.” These were the arguments against the project. But I didn’t give up. Today, I’m pleased because the response has been fantastic! Our clients are thrilled, and this new addition fits perfectly into our universe. Beyond that, my goal is to elevate the brand further, to grow it until it becomes iconic in the industry. Slowly but surely, I see that we are gaining more and more ground. With the enthusiastic feedback from our clients, I’m more motivated than ever to make our brand even more desirable.

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