I am the Designer/Creator of Lemon Jewellery.
Why do you do it?
I’ve worked in the fashion industry for years in design and production and last year I was at a bit of dead end career wise. My boyfriend and I decided we needed a change and we packed up and moved to Bali! Quite a few of my friends in Bali have amazing labels of their own and they were all pushing me to try my own thing. Without their help and encouragement I’m not sure I would have done it.
My background is in clothing and swimwear so with jewellery I had little experience but it did feel pretty natural and like I had the opportunity to make something that was different and exciting. I’ve always been fascinated with the gory/grotesque and quirky so I wanted to create jewellery that was embracing the unusual and making pieces that were genuinely different.
What do you love about the city you live in?
I live in Melbourne, I love almost everything about it. The food, the bars, the music/art culture, the unpredictable weather and my friends!
Where did you go for your last holiday?
Bali… which is kind of a holiday but I also go back for Lemon. So I guess it is a working holiday! It’s always so nice to go back and see our friends over there, enjoy all the delicious food Bali has to offer, get back on the scooter, although this last trip I burnt my leg on an exhaust and got Bali belly so it wasn’t the most successful trip haha.
What's your favourite item of clothing? Why?
To be honest I wear fairly plain items… a lot of black. I enjoy some faux fur and lots a jewels.
What was your favourite TV show when you were a kid?
'Seinfeld'. I basically grew up on the show, which is possibly where my sarcastic/dry sense of humour can be attributed.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook for us?
I love cooking and I'm the biggest show off when it comes to it. I definitely go out of my way to impress my guests! I'd probably find out what your favourite meal/cuisine is and head it in that direction. There is always plenty of wine and cheese present.
What's the best lesson you've ever learned?
I don't think I have learnt one particular lesson that I would define as the best but many many lessons along the way! Life is short so do what you love (and try to be a decent person), work hard, nothing will come to you so you have to create and make your own success, laugh, have fun, don't take yourself too seriously.
Tell us one thing about yourself that nobody else knows…
Hmmm that’s tough because I am a renowned over sharer and feel the need to share every big/small/gross/private thing that happens to me with anyone that will listen. I once cried watching 'Snog Marry Avoid' because I was so moved by the transformation. For any one that hasn’t seen the show I’m fairly sure their intention is not to be “moving” but light hearted and funny.
Are you happy with your work/life balance?
Yeah definitely. I absolutely love working on Lemon and while at times it can be all consuming, I'm pretty good (maybe a little too good) at making time for my social life haha.
How do you define success?
Being able to get up everyday and be lucky enough to love what you do.
What's your spirit animal?
Eeek! Maybe a Hyena? I have a cackle laugh sometimes that resembles a Hyena. I’m sure if I thought hard I could come up with something more graceful/noble than that but right now that’s all I got.
