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What does being Naturally Spirited mean to you?
Taking chances and risks, being open to anything and everything, speaking freely and accepting change is the only constant in life, smelling the roses.
Who were your female role models growing up?
Vivienne Westwood, Souxsie Sue, Freida Karlo-and Farrah Fawcett (oh, to have had my babyfine hair like sit like that!)
How did you get started in Jewelry?
Accidentally..I had enrolled in a computing night course in Balmain(Sydney) at the local community college, when it was cancelled I was asked if I would like to join a beginners contemporary jewellery making class and was pretty hooked on it on the first night – I never did get round to that computer course!
What’s the big dream/goal?
Catwalk and collaborations with fashion designers (hello-anyone!?) – my own boutique/shop* (which was in the process before getting slammed in ..”that day”)
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Comfortable – no with a cool inner city gallery displaying my work next to select clothing and shoes – I’m a shoe addict!
Any advice for young designers?
Be true to yourself, find your own design aesthetic and only follow your heart -no one else! Oh – and be prepared to work your B@tt off-!!!
What characteristics optimize a stylish women to you?
Confidence, flirty -sexy without being overtly sexual, Dressing to your shape and avoiding fashion fads that are gone in the blink of an eye, timeless well made clothes – with a twist-and of course gorgeous jewelry, bags and shoes.
How has the earthquake effected you business and even your designs?
As mentioned I lost my city studio – which I was about to open as a ”bespoke jewellery boutique”, so I am working from a tiny space off the Laundry out the back of our house-things are a bit “no”8 wire” stuff down here, however it does not in anyway effect the quality or process of my pieces in any way. Everyone has just had to adapt here in Christchurch, there is some common solace in the fact you “are not the only one” it keeps us going despite the uncertainty, luckily a large chunk of my business is via the web – so often my rings travel to places I have never visited. Design wise the last thing I wanted to do was to make another “broken thing” like those horrid Pandora like beads..Seemed so tacky. I have designed a few “quake” like items with cracks in them – but they are more conceptual and subliminal in their messages.
How is the creative scene doing down there?
There are things brewing – I just hope the council acknowledges artisans and crafts people make for a vibrant city…It is’nt easy though, can’t say there is much support currently.
Favorite places to eat in Christchurch?
Alvarados, Chin-Wag,and my local cafe Under the red Verandah – unfortunately we lost our fav Japanese place.
Favorite places to shop in Christchurch?
Because we are such foodies – Mercato, Med Warehouse – but visited the new container mall in town – which is pretty cool! Clothing and shoe wise I admit I am a big online shopping fan – I was such a city girl I do miss High St and the Lanes so much.
Favorite places to go out in Christchurch?
Ha Ha-pass (no where to go!)…..No..Husband built an amazing brick woodfired oven out the back of our place (courtesy of sept earthquake) – we entertain alot and make the best pizza in town! (He also is pretty mean on the Turntables!) Other than that it has to be the Riccarton Bush farmers market on Sunday, Hagley Park, and I know it sounds strange but walking the dogs in Barbados street Cemetery -which looks like old ruins it is so broken -but it’s also quite beautiful and Bellbirds live there..I reflect and they run around chasing the ducks..
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