Thank you so much to everyone who supported our initial Kickstarter challenge – Change a Child’s Future with Luxury Pearl Jewelry
About Pearl Falco and the Pearl of Hope Challenge
I’m Maiko Makito, co-owner of Pearl Falco. In 1987, my parents began a tradition of granting educational scholarships to underserved children all over Asia. Many of our Pearl Falco Staff also donate directly to our Pearl of Hope Challenge from their own salaries.
Growing up, my sister and I learned just how difficult it is to run a company. Truth be told … we did not intend to take over the family business. I arrived in Singapore in 2005, thanks to a former company assignment. My sister lives and works in Tokyo as a physician. In 2016, I chose to take the helm at Pearl Falco.
In addition to learning how to run the business, I continue to learn about the many challenges confronting the pearl industry.
As if the COVID-19 Pandemic has not been difficult enough for all of us, fewer people are aware of how the impact of climate change and the lack of pearl farming successors are major stress tests on the pearl industry and the economic well-being of Ise Shima. For a few decades now, Akoya pearl production has been in decline, while in the last few years alone, 80% of Akoya Oysters have died from rising ocean temperatures. For Pearl Falco and the local aquaculture, this means the development of each and every fully cultured pearl is that much more challenging.
For me, this is where my life story, Pearl Falco and the Pearl of Hope Challenge intersect. Keeping Pearl Falco running smoothly is so much more than selling luxury pearl jewelry, it is also about supporting our local communities and sharing our passion for supporting the educational aspirations of children throughout Asia.