February 16, 2010
jewellery designer samantha wills
Here's a Tuesday challenge for you. Hop onto Samantha Wills' website and see if you can't find something that you want to buy this minute. I first came across the jewellery a few years ago when we featured Samantha's office in real living magazine. And while I really liked her designs then, I LOVE them now - it's because of the references in her work: places (Morocco), cultures (native Americans), history (Art Deco). And the colours and shapes are amazing. I'm enamoured with Samantha's story too. She's from Port Maquarie, which is a small place on the world stage, but she's made it big, having her designs sold all over the world.
Which five words best describe you? Bohemian, creative, adventurous, down-to-earth, ambitious.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? I had my own hand beaded jewellery label, ‘Sam-art’, which I sold in my parents boutique in Port Macquarie when I was 11 years old. I feel very blessed to be able to say that… the rest is history!
What’s your proudest achievement? Watching the brand grow internationally. To take the label literally from my own backyard, to the arm, hands and necks of some of the world’s biggest stars is still very surreal to me.
What’s been your best decision? To allow myself to follow my heart and not my head – especially in my biggest career defining moments.
Who inspires you? My business partner, Geoff Bainbridge. While being the most business savvy person I have ever met, it is his ability to interact with people of all ages and from all walks of life that is truly inspiring. He is an amazing individual.
What are you passionate about? Following and fulfilling my dreams, my friendships and making the most of every moment. I have made it my business to not take anything for granted.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? If you can’t be good, be good at it!
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? I would love for my beloved Ga (grandfather) to have met me as the woman I am today. He passed away when I was in high school and I would give anything to have him here today to speak with him, adult to adult.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? To work in an Orangutan Orphanage in Borneo.
What are you reading? Mama Mia by Mia Freedman. I love Mia’s honesty in everything she undertakes. I think the most inspiring people are the people who are most honest.
images courtesy of samantha wills