THE FOUNDER

A little bit about me, Miguel Depaz

Hi, I am Miguel Depaz. I’m a British-Peruvian based in London and Shanghai, with a passion for marketing, travel and foreign languages. I am also deeply in Love with my Peruvian roots.

I am curious, daring and an honest guy. More importantly, I am someone who’s taken the plunge and started my own international business.
It wasn’t an easy decision but, looking back, to start my own journey was the right choice.

The start and the life-changing experience

I would like to say something here more personal about myself and why I have set up this company as it really has been a labour of love. For many years, I worked in the international corporate world in South America, Europe and China, but purposefully left this behind in order to create Soluna, an international jewellery brand. I wanted to show the world the real Peru, my home country, and give something back. This is my childhood dream come true.

I grew-up in this unbelievable city, Lima-Peru, the youngest of four children. Our parents worked hard to look after us and I will always be grateful for that. They were both teachers, and one gift they shared with us was a real belief in education. When I was a kid, I was fascinated about the world. I was eager to discover it and share my culture with others.

I knew I had to work hard. I got the grades to go to the best universities in Peru and then France. I started my professional career experience working in France and then seized a chance to move to a marketing role in London. I spent several years there managing successful marketing products and strategies, but again felt a call to do more with myself. I spent all my spare time learning Chinese and moved to Shanghai to learn about their language, culture and the way to conduct business there.

The idea, motivations and purposes

Then it hit me when I was there that many people don’t know about Peru, its great culture and its charming people. I could hear the kid in myself asking “what happened to your dreams?” I know it sounds trite, but I did. I started to ask myself what had happened to my dreams to give something back to Peru and show it to the world. That’s when I realised that I needed to share with others what Peruvian art consists of.

So I came up with the idea to establish an international and contemporary jewellery brand, taking inspirations from my Peruvian heritage. To achieve this goal, I trained to become a jewellery and gemstone expert at GIA London (Gemmological Institute of America) and acquired a wealth of knowledge by attending jewellery trade shows and engaging with the industrial leaders.

I wanted to create a luxury company that will increase the value add to the Peruvian economy by producing jewellery at home and not just selling metals to others to process. To add the highest services for our jewellery, the company has been set up in London, which is the world’s luxury capital and houses many very successful brands.

By doing this, I will endeavour to be a role model to young Peruvians, to show that they can succeed in business if they work hard and believe in themselves. This is why I have started Soluna brand and company. I hope so much that you like the special jewellery we make for special people like you. I value all feedback and will happily answer any questions you may have.