Who are you?
Im just mum
What sets your soul on fire?
Skiing on a blue bird day with my best friends
Can you take us back to the moment you decided to launch Briwok Jewellery? What inspired you to embark on this creative journey?
I started Briwok when I was really struggling with the grief of my best friends passing. We both always made jewellery and accessories but after she passed I started making the feather earrings that were her specialty. She was always ahead of the trend so 1-2 years after she had passed the trend blew up and the timing just worked out that people wanted to buy what I was making. It wast really a conscious decision at this point I was just trying to honour my friend and keep her close.
The name "Briwok" is so beautiful. What does this mean?
Its the nickname I had for my friend. Her name was Brianne but Id call her Briwok the Ewok. It was the indie sleaze era and she would often wear the low headband with feather earrings and a grungy flannel. This matched with her round cheeks and doll face she looked like a little Ewok from star wars.
Living on North Stradbroke Island must be inspiring. How does the island's beauty and lifestyle influence your designs and daily life?
I think im inspired mostly by the slowness of the island. We are all so overstimulated im not sure id have the capacity to dig into my creativity if I was still living in the city. I have a lot of time ot get inside my own brain here.
When designing a new piece of jewellery. How do you transform inspiration to a tangible item?
Im constantly playing around with chain, different shapes and beads etc. They all just come from play really. I also collaborate with artists that I love. Ill tell them about a concept I have and they sketch it out for me and we go from there.
Having lived in both Canada and Australia, what do you miss most about Canada?
I miss my granny, the mountains, cool fresh air, skiing, mountain biking, my family. But I love living in Australia and I love the people here.
Before founding Briwok, what did life look like? How did your previous experiences prepare you for this venture?
I grew up a very competitive ski racer which took me to college in the States to race NCAA as a student athlete. I know how to work hard, I thrive when I’m busy and a stay focused on the goal. I guess Im driven?
What challenges did you encounter while establishing Briwok, and what were some of the key lessons you learned along the way?
I think everything about starting a business and building a brand is a challenge! Key lessons- trust your instincts, Listen to advice but dont feel like you have to take it, Do your research, Don’t give up, take risks and most importantly have fun with it. I really believe no matter what youre doing - sports, business you’ll always be more successful when youre having fun.
How do you weave elements of your Canadian heritage and the Australian island lifestyle into your jewellery designs, creating pieces that reflect both worlds?
To be honest I dont really think about it that much. I design pieces I want to wear so it comes naturally.
Of all the jewellery you’ve crafted, is there a particular piece that holds special meaning for you? What makes it stand out?
Ok if Im to be really honest, no. To me jewellery isnt necessarily about the physical piece but what it carries. Where were you when you bought it, who gifted it to you, a feeling it gives you when you wear it.
Each piece of Briwok Jewellery is made with love. How do you ensure that each creation is unique and feels personal to its wearer?
Each piece of jewellery is designed, assembled and packed (with a love note) by me or Lily in my home studio on the island. The styles I design stand out, they dont look like anything else so it naturally becomes personal to the wearer as a way to express themselves.
For aspiring jewellery designers who are just starting out, what advice would you offer to help them navigate their own creative journeys?
Stay true to your vision and just keep going if you really want it.
What environmental or conscious traits do you practice?
I dont buy much and when I do its 80% thrifted. Fast Fashion makes me nauseous.
What do you wish you could have told your teenage self?
I love you.
What was your childhood like?
I grew up in a small town with a big family. We’d just rip around on bikes, go sledding and play Barbies.
If you could go back in time and change one thing in your life, what would it be?
Nothing. Im too happy where I am today I wouldnt want to change anything that might change the course.
What is your proudest achievement outside of work?
My babies <3
What nourishes you?
Spending time with my friends from back home. Its so nice to go back and be with the people who know everything about you and its just so easy.
What are you currently working on?
Well im about 2 months behind on SS’24 and starting on Fw ‘25. Because Im working on getting more international, major retailers I have to play to the fashion calendar and its a challenge in itself.
What do you think we are about to see a lot of in your industry?
I think we already seeing it but its about Brand storytelling. You cant just have a jewellery line you have to build something people want to be a part of. I also think its going to get more exciting and niche. A lot of cool women out there leading brands.
What was your journey to making your passion your everyday?
Short version- I’ve always had to work a full time job while running this business. Which as anyone doing this knows- is really really hard and soul crushing. When I got pregnant I had to take time off the day job but because i wasnt eligible for any kind of govt support (too Canadian at the time) I had to keep making jewellery to survive. So- Briwok became my day job instead of taking mat leave. Which even though I had a baby, I all of a sudden had way more time and excitement to put towards building my own brand.
What has been your favourite moment so far for your work / business?
I love seeing my manifestations come through. I have a few moments of this but one specific is I wrote down a list of retailers I wanted to be in- one in particular. And she reached out to me and weve been stocked there for over a year now.
What is next?
Japan!
How would you describe your day-to-day work life?
Wake up, coffee, emails, pack any orders that need to get to the boat for DHL pick up, take daughter to daycare, take son for a mental health walk, Hope he naps, design something new, Make orders, post office run, Meta ads check in, Pick up daughter from daycare, Fill out DHL orders. With a few random things mixed daily.
What is your biggest goal for your business in the next 5 years?
Hit 7 figures sustainably, comfortably and without having to work on weekends.
What are your core values, and how do they align with your business goals?
Authenticity. Im very transparent in every aspect of my life. What you see is what you get and in business I stay true to what is uniquely briwok. Im working on balance. I think we all need to normalize boundaries and not replying within 5 minutes of every text, DM or email.
How do you balance your personal life with running a business, and what strategies have you found most helpful?
I close off weekends now. I say no. and I make lists.
A song or movie to represent your life?
Id like to live in Darjeeling Limited
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Endless energy
What is your favourite hobby?
Skiing
What is your favourite book?
Rant by Chuck Palahniuk
What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?
Embarrassing things dont happen to me, I do very embarrassing things. I flashed my boss at a Christmas party that was in his family home in front of his wife then spewed in his toilet. Thing was this toilet was space age and I couldn't figure out how to flush so then i had to go announce that ive spewed and cant flush the toilet.
If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?
Two pygmy goats.
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