The Five at Five: Ely Hopkins Oyemade

15 Sep 2021

From hidden-gems to places to people-watch, from bookshops to beauty spots – The Five at Five offers some post-lockdown inspiration that celebrates the independents.

This week’s selection has been curated by jewellery designer and entrepreneur, Ely Hopkins Oyemade, who was born and raised in Tepic, Nayarit Mexico, and now lives in London where her dream started, and her business operates. Ely is the founder of not only one brand, but three: Jill Hopkins Jewellery, Jill Jill Accessories, and the Finding Treasures Shop.

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Before Ely Hopkins Oyemade became a successful jewellery designer and built multiple businesses, she juggled three low-paying jobs, flipping burgers at McDonald’s, scrubbing toilets as a cleaner, and working as a nanny. Teaching herself English along the way, too.

“People have a business idea, and they want it assembled tomorrow,” says Ely. “But if you want excellence, success and to build a brand legacy, you have to be very, very patient. You have to do many hours of work and wait to see results because it’s not going to happen from one week to another unless you have a lot of money to invest.”

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FOR FOOD
“I absolutely adore Granger & Co: the food, the space and the staff. As a brunch girl and coffee lover I think this is the perfect spot to enjoy both with a whole experience.“

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FOR PEOPLE-WATCHING
“My favourite place to sit and watch people is Granary Square. It’s the most interesting place, it’s like a street catwalk. I can sit there for hours with a nice cup of coffee and watch people walk by all day.”

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FOR BOOKS
“For books, I go to any vintage shop. I am more into old books/magazines for collection, but not [so much] into reading them.”

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FOR WELLNESS
The Organic Pharmacy... They have the best facials, it’s like a dream. The products are amazing. I am into everything natural and organic so this was the perfect place.”

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FOR SHOPPING
“The best shopping experience I've ever had was in NYC. Especially winter shopping — they have the best sales and outlets.”