Meeting with Caroline Arbour, the creator of SCARO jewelry

In this episode of my podcast Histoires de bijoux, I had the immense privilege of interviewing Caroline Arbour, a talented jeweler and the founder of SCARO, a jewelry brand that combines art and emotion with remarkable finesse. This meeting was particularly meaningful to me, because Caroline and I share a unique bond, a bond that goes back more than two decades.

A meeting that changed my life

22 years ago, while I was finishing my studies in graphic design, I had the opportunity to be a student for a day at the jeweler of Quebec, Pierre Morency. It was a time when I was looking to change fields and jewelry interested me enormously. During this visit, I was fascinated by a colorful and imposing scarab, a real sculpture, created by Caroline Arbour, who worked there at the time. This jewel lit a spark in me, a trigger that convinced me that I wanted to become a jeweler. Today, by interviewing Caroline, it was, for me, as if I had the chance to meet a real rock star!

Caroline Arbour's journey

Caroline founded SCARO 20 years ago, after completing her studies in jewelry in 1999. With 25 years of experience, she is a true veteran in the field. She began her career and made the decision to settle in Abitibi and launch her own brand. SCARO was born from her unique vision and passion for sculpture and nature.

First steps in jewelry

From the beginning, Caroline knew she wanted to be a jeweler. She never considered any other option. Her choice was guided by a dream that showed her her path. She is a born artist, moody and creative, who found her place in the world of jewelry as soon as she entered jewelry school.

The decisive encounter with the beetle

The beetle has become the iconic symbol of SCARO. It all started when she saved a beetle from being crushed by a car. A true revelation, this insect inspired the beginning of her artistic journey. Caroline sculpts her jewelry in three dimensions, with a very organic and symbolic approach, inspired by nature.

The distinctive style of SCARO

Caroline’s jewelry is distinguished by its sculptural character and depth. Unlike many jewelers who create two-dimensional pieces, Caroline works with the eye of a sculptor, using the lost wax technique to bring her creations to life. Her work is heavily influenced by natural forms and emotions that she channels into her pieces.

Caroline's creative process

Caroline has a very particular creative process. She feels particularly inspired in the spring, a season of renewal, when she creates intensively. In the summer, she focuses on structure and preparation for the holidays. Her studio is a place where she immerses herself in her work, often with music and a glass of wine or whisky to accompany it.

The entrepreneurial spirit

Caroline grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, which gave her the foundation she needed to start her business. Her parents owned apartment blocks and restaurants, and she learned how to run a business from a young age. This experience allowed her to jump into the world of entrepreneurship without hesitation, constantly reinvesting her profits into her business to gradually grow it.

Challenges and successes

Being an entrepreneur in the jewelry industry has not been without its challenges for Caroline. She did not have any specific training in business management, but she has always listened to her instincts. She has been able to face the necessary sacrifices and the financial reality of starting a business. Today, she is proud to see her jewelry give meaning to the people who wear it.

At the crossroads

Every artist has a unique trajectory, and Caroline’s is no exception. Looking back on her journey, she admits that she often chose paths she didn’t fully understand. Looking back, she realizes that she was going against the grain, but despite the risks, she persisted without any obstacle being able to deter her from her path.

Moments of doubt

Like any adventure, Caroline’s was not without its challenges. She confesses that there were moments of despair, trade shows where she didn’t make a profit and anxiety attacks at the thought of not being able to pay her bills. These moments of vulnerability are often overlooked realities of entrepreneurship. “I wish I had a little angel to support me,” she says with a smile, acknowledging today that she had invisible supports that helped her hold on.

Naivety and madness: the allies of the entrepreneur

Marie-Pier mentions a quote from Madame Danièle Henkel, who says that you need a touch of madness to start a business. Caroline agrees. “You have to be slightly crazy. Having a good amount of ADD helps too,” she jokes. Creativity requires tenacity and a touch of madness, especially in fields as unpredictable as jewelry and crafts. She emphasizes the importance of staying alert, with a childlike mind, ready to explore the unknown.

Challenges and Lessons

The physical and mental challenges of the past few years have been intense for Caroline. She admits that some business decisions weren’t the best, but those mistakes made her grow. She shares that every time she strayed from her artistic vision to follow business models, she failed. “It’s not money that makes me create,” she says. For her, money is just another tool, necessary but not central to her passion.

The pandemic: a revealing test

The pandemic was a particularly stressful time for Caroline. Finding herself alone in her studio with her daughter at home, she had to juggle homeschooling and online sales. Although her sales were doing well, the closure of salons and the loss of many contacts added enormous pressure. It was only in hindsight that she realized how exhausted this period had been. She now recognizes the importance of taking it easy on herself and not carrying everything on her shoulders.

A new collection for a new momentum

To celebrate Scaro's 20th anniversary, Caroline wanted to give herself a unique gift. She's been thinking about it for five years, visualizing her trajectory and setting ambitious goals. She wanted a strong collection, not necessarily affordable, to show the full extent of her abilities and those of her brand.

Choosing the Muse: An Intuitive Decision

In her quest for the perfect muse to represent this collection, Caroline chose Eve Salvail, a model who embodies the maturity and depth she was looking for. This collaboration was obvious from their first meeting. Together, they managed to create a perfect alchemy, bringing a new dimension to the Scaro brand.

A brilliant birthday

Scaro’s 20th anniversary celebrations are not limited to a collection or a book. For Caro, it is a celebration of life, of encounters and experiences accumulated over the years. She aspires to more collaborations and sharing, looking forward to the coming decades with renewed enthusiasm.

An inexhaustible passion

For Caroline Arbour, each step of her journey is a step taken with determination and passion. She has never deviated from her trajectory, despite the obstacles. "I have always followed my direction, always enlightened." This conviction, this clear vision of her path, is what allows her to continue to create and inspire.

Ultimately, Caroline Arbour’s journey with Scaro is a testament to the resilience, passion and creativity that drive artisans and artists. It is a love story for art and for life, an inspiring example for all those who dream of following their own path, no matter how difficult it may be.

Meeting Caroline Arbour was an incredible and enriching experience. Her passion, dedication and talent shine through in every piece of jewelry she creates. SCARO is not just a jewelry brand, it is the expression of an artist who channels her emotions and vision of the world through her creations. If you are not yet familiar with SCARO jewelry, I highly encourage you to discover this unique and enchanting universe. Caroline is a true inspiration for all those who dream of transforming their passion into a flourishing career.