designers peta o'neill and emily chamberlain







The designers behind Australian brand Love Mae have almost come full circle. When friends Peta O'Neill and Emily Chamberlain started their business in 2008 they wanted to make wallpaper. But, without the start-up funds, they translated their designs onto fabric wall decals that have no PVCs, are biodegradable and are non-toxic. Such was their popularity that the duo are now producing bedlinen, bamboo dinnerware, as well as giftwrap. Love Mae is also now stocked in countries such as the UK and the USA, as well as in Europe. 

Peta O'Neill
Which five words best describe you? Passionate, determined, chatty, loyal, motherly.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? I don't exactly feel I've ever had a career. Just a series of choices that has me where I am now. I like to think I make decisions, but it more feels like I lean in the direction I want to head and it all presents itself. I'm quite relaxed about that sort of thing. 
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? To try to understand. I believe you can love anything if you learn to understand it. 
What’s your proudest career achievement? Showing in NYC. Although I think that is more a personal moment. Owning a small business that is successful is a proud moment every day. 
What’s been your best decision? Again I'm not sure if I actually make too many decisions. Living where I'm living and doing what I'm doing is always a reflection that I'm making great decisions every day
Who inspires you? I am lucky to be surrounded by completely inspiring people. I have a plethora of mentors who can fill me with so much inspiration that there are times I think I'll never sleep again. 
What are you passionate about? Fortunately and unfortunately just about everything. I get so caught up in feeling that I get swept away. At the moment Coal Seem Gas Companies are threatening our area. We have World Heritage rainforest that meets the ocean. It's an incredible area and is some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen. I can't believe that money could violate this beauty. The community here has certainly joined hands and has begun the fight. I've been very passionate about this. 
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? I'm a huge music fan so I could really run with this question. There are so many musicians I would love to meet. Right now, though, I think I could do with meeting the Dalai Lama. I hear his presence is so pure. I think I could benefit from this beauty of emotion. I enjoy moments of clarity as sometimes a busy life can be a little cloudy
What dream do you still want to fulfill? Recently my husband and I played around with the idea of moving to Williamsburg, NY. Just for 12 months. I love that place so much. We have an older dog though that we couldn't bear to be apart from for that long. So now it is a dream for some other time.  
What are you reading? Truthfully I'm currently inbetween books. Does Dr Seuss count? My six-year-old loves reading to me from The Wishing Chair by Enid Blyton. It's the copy I had from when I was a little girl. I love it so much. 

Emily Chamberlain
Which five words best describe you? Creative, quirky, committed, level-headed and goofy.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? I studied graphic design then jumped straight into Love Mae. Seeing this is the start of my journey I am very excited about the rest. 
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Appreciate and celebrate achievements and lovely moments. It's so easy to get caught up in everyday jobs and chores that it's easy to forget how far I have come and the big picture
What’s your proudest career achievement? Randomly finding Love Mae featured in a Hong Kong magazine we picked up on a street stand while we were in China. 
What’s been your best decision? Stepping out in situations that I would normally retract. I find that if I face something I am scared of I enjoy the reward more
Who inspires you? I find the energy that similar creative people have is invigorating! Lately I have been wanting to surround and meet passionate, creative-minded people everywhere I can. It sparks inspiration in so many ways. 
What are you passionate about? I love people expressing the creativity that's unique to them. Whether it be a doctor, carpenter or even leather craftsman. Helping and seeing people live out what they are passionate about is a privilege. 
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? This is such a big question. But right now I would love to meet Tavi Gevinson. I have to admit she is one determined young lady who truly expresses herself without worrying about what other people think of her. 
What dream do you still want to fulfill? So many! I want to own a house by the seaside with my pet bulldog called Rosie. I also have the dream of growing in business/design. I want to impact the world in a positive way. I'm just working out how I will achieve this.
What are you reading? The force of favor by Dr Dave Martin. Maybe it will help me to impact the world. 

images courtesy of love mae