Mystique Celebrates 25 Years (And You Get the Gift!)
As a publication founded by local women business owners and dedicated to all things stylish and all things Alexandria, Stylebook was thrilled to sit down recently with Liz Mandros, proprietor of Mystique — an Old Town landmark that is celebrating 25 years in business – to talk to her about her success in small business, what’s special about Old Town, and what’s changed in jewelry trends over the last 25 years.
And best of all, although it’s Mystique’s silver anniversary, we get to celebrate with gold, gems, and diamonds…
Mystique
How is Mystique celebrating its 25th anniversary?
We are celebrating by offering 25 percent off all jewelry in the store through August 15th. Words cannot express my gratitude for the support I’ve been given over the past 25 years, so I wanted to extend a special appreciation discount.
How has Mystique changed over the past 25 years?
I actually began with just one jewelry case! Over the past 25 years, our jewelry collection has certainly expanded. I’ve developed relationships in the industry with manufacturers, dealers, and designers, which allows me to offer the very best to my customers.
All purchases used to be written by hand in a book, now technology has really improved our record keeping. I have a fantastic database that allows me to pull up a customer while showing a photograph of each piece they have purchased.
25 years means lots of travel and searching for the perfect jewelry. I’m always on the lookout for new and emerging designers, unique stones and pieces that you typically cannot find in any jewelry store. I love to find inspiration from my travels and one that comes to mind is a trip to Brazil where I brought back a collection of loose stones for custom designs.
Since Mystique opened, I received my G.I.A. certificate and started offering loose diamonds and engagement rings. One of my favorite things!
Speaking of, how many engagements has Mystique been a (major!) part of?
Wow, it feels like it’s too many to count! But I would say it’s been many thousands of engagement rings in the past 25 years. One of my favorites was a platinum 5.01 ct cushion diamond, E color, VS2 clarity with shield cut diamonds weighing 1.12 D VS2.
Well I bet she said yes! Is that one of your favorite Mystique moments over the past 25 years?
Wow. It’s hard to pinpoint just one. I have been so fortunate to work with customers that purchased their engagement ring and wedding bands and have watched them have children who then chose an engagement ring from Mystique. I feel so blessed to play a role in so many families’ lives during the most magical times.
Old Town
Why did you choose Old Town as the spot to open your business?
I chose to open my business in Old Town because of Simpson development.
What was Old Town like 25 years ago?
25 years ago, “The Strand” was very exciting. We had a deli that made fresh bread and awesome sandwiches. There was also a running store where people would meet every day to run together, a beautiful art gallery, and a bathing suit store where they would photograph you in order to choose the right bathing suit for your body type. And, at one time, The Strand was comprised of all woman business owners.
What do you love most about Old Town?
I love Old Town because I get to see all my friends I grew up with at my work. I grew up in the Belle Haven area of Alexandria and went to St. Agnes High School which is now St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes. Plus, it’s so easy to pop in since we have complimentary parking.
Jewelry
If you could only have one piece of jewelry, what would it be?
Definitely the diamond ring I redesigned from my mother’s engagement ring.
Who are some of your favorite jewelry designers you’ve come across over the years?
I have come across many talented designers over the years.
Alberto Parada with Kyle Richards
Local designer Alberto Parada actually worked at Mystique before becoming a popular designer worn by celebrities on the Red Carpet.
JudeFrances is a favorite among customers for the versatility and ability to expand and add to your collection. There are many ways to wear JudeFrances. Our most high-end designer is Temple St. Clair, known for her iconic amulets. Then of course, there is The Mazza Company owned by the same Italian family for over five generations, and Lika Behar, a Turkish designer who creates extraordinary pieces from hammered gold and gemstones.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give when selecting a diamond?
I find it very sad that many people today choose to select a diamond online. It is so informal. Buying a diamond is the start of new relationships and this includes your jeweler. Instead, find a jeweler you like and start working with them. You will want a family jeweler you can trust. Also, the industry mark up on diamonds and jewelry has changed – especially for small retail stores. We are able to beat the price of large companies and offer more services as well.
Business
After being around for so long, how do you keep the store new and fresh?
Mystique customers
We listen and learn from our customers. I am constantly creating new designs and styles that are wearable for our everyday lifestyles. These days, we are more casual and want comfort. We are more practical, but we also enjoy looking different than our friends. It’s all about finding new ways to recreate from what we already have, or add something new to update or create a new look.
What is one piece of advice to other small business owners or those thinking about starting their own business?
Hire good staff and people that you enjoy being around. I have been extremely fortunate to have talented and fun sales associates throughout the years including Ellen Riviere, my longtime friend who loved Mystique (and has sadly passed away), and Lynn Hooff, who is gorgeous and so very talented with design.
Liz flanked by Ivan and Carolina.
Now we have Carolina, Susan, and the newest to our team, Zory. Ivan joined Mystique as our resident goldsmith and has been a big part of Mystique’s success. He creates gorgeous custom jewelry and does all of our customer repairs. Everyone loves him.
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