Ahh, thanks Anna, it’s been great working with you guys too. You were after all my very first wholesale account AND the one who suggested for me to do workshops in the first place, So I think I owe a lot to you for that! Well, Juno+Ace began after I’d just arrived in Sydney from the UK and after I’d had baby #3. It began as a jewellery brand as this is what I had been doing back in England, but after going to a few design markets with my jewellery, I’d noticed how much awesome talent there is out there in the jewellery field so, I decided to use my metal working skill to make bigger pieces. The mobiles came about after I’d been searching for something for my new baby’s room but couldn’t find anything I liked, (I’m not really into stuffed animals or felt mobiles!) I’ve always loved mid century art and Calder has been a long standing favourite of mine so I figured I’d have a go at making some pieces in that kind of style.

I’m from a small town in Cornwall called St. Ives and this little fishing town was at the epicentre of the abstract art movement back in the 1950’s and a lot of the art and studios still remain there. The town is dotted with sculptures by Barbara Hepworth and filled with galleries that have every kind of art imaginable. My favourite artist that was in St. Ives during that era has to be Sir Terry Frost. He painted bold abstract pieces that often contained circles and semi circles. I think his use of these shapes has always been a huge inspiration for me.

HAVE YOU GOT ANY HEROES IN THE JEWELLERY TRADE?

Hmm, not really. I’m self taught so I have always just kind of done my own thing without too much influence from other jewellers. I did work in a shared studio back in the UK though with a polish guy who taught me loads! He was a real fine jeweller and made the most delicate, intricate stone set pieces and he’d often laugh at me doing something my own way, then he’d show me the ‘proper’ way to do it. That was a great experience, I was sad to leave that studio.

"I’m from a small town in Cornwall called St.Ives and this little fishing town was at the epicentre of the abstract art movement back in the 1950’s and a lot of the art and studios still remain there. The town is dotted with sculptures by Barbara Hepworth and filled with galleries that have every kind of art imaginable. My favourite artist that was in St. Ives during that era has to be Sir Terry Frost. He painted bold abstract pieces that often contained circles and semi circles."

"I’m from a small town in Cornwall called St.Ives and this little fishing town was at the epicentre of the abstract art movement back in the 1950’s and a lot of the art and studios still remain there. The town is dotted with sculptures by Barbara Hepworth and filled with galleries that have every kind of art imaginable. My favourite artist that was in St. Ives during that era has to be Sir Terry Frost. He painted bold abstract pieces that often contained circles and semi circles."

Really well thank you! I really enjoy doing them. I'm actually quite surprised because I never imagined that I would be able to stand in front of a group of people and teach anything, I’ve always been a bit self conscious. It is such a good feeling when people make something for themselves and you can see the pride in them and how much they love their new piece. I have always loved using my hands so if I can encourage other to do the same then that’s awesome! Yes, I have a new local to me where I am holding a workshop on the Northern Beaches which is convenient!

I guess so, when you think about how jewellery is worn, I don’t suppose you’re imagining someone with dirty fingers and broken nails making it for you! It can be quite messy, especially when you’re polishing things. It is a real workshop, I spend a lot of my time with a hammer or a blow torch in my hands. I love that because I’ve got 2 daughters and I love that they see me working with traditional tools.

"...I never imagined that I would be able to stand in front of a group of people and teach anything, I’ve always been a bit self conscious. It is such a good feeling when people make something for themselves and you can see the pride in them and how much they love their new piece. I have always loved using my hands so if I can encourage other to do the same then that’s awesome!"

"...I never imagined that I would be able to stand in front of a group of people and teach anything, I’ve always been a bit self conscious. It is such a good feeling when people make something for themselves and you can see the pride in them and how much they love their new piece. I have always loved using my hands so if I can encourage other to do the same then that’s awesome!"

My own struggle has been with post natal depression and I like to give to a charity that supports that. I think those charities out there like PANDA are helping in a massive way to let people know that it’s ok to talk about things like this. It doesn’t make you less of a person to admit you're struggling, in my opinion, it makes you a stronger one. I would love it if the stigma attached with mental health was gone.

I love the whole peace and love vibe a from N&G. I can tell that you curate all of the wonderful pieces in your store with real love and your support for the artists and makers is totally genuine. You know when you buy something from N&G that it is going to be of amazing quality and a truly unique piece, nothing generic of factory made would make it past your keen eye that’s for sure!

I’ve had my eye on the Jume Fluidity dress for a long time, so I’m hoping there’s still one there next time I come down so I can try it on. I also love the choice of books, everything is so beautiful and inspiring.

Learn more about Sacha here. 

COMMON PEOPLE #18

LAURA BRADING, AUSTINMER NSW

With dreams of opening her own bookshop Laura Brading an entrepreneurial mother of two has found ways to share her knowledge on the latest books whilst raising her brood. Laura keeps our shelves stocked with the best reads all reviewed by Laura herself under the name Tiny Bookseller. Using a little bit of smarts and a little bit of courage Laura is now ready to launch her new venture WellRead, a curated book subscription service that delivers the best new books and undiscovered gems straight to your door.