Aiming to aspire to inspire
As I chat to others, picking their brains, exploring their gifts and practices. All posts are raw & unedited—because none of us are perfect, and it’s time to celebrate that. I’m here for the honest & real. You?
Who are you?
I'm just mum.
What sets your soul on fire?
Skiing on a bluebird day with my best friends.
Can you take us back to the moment you decided to launch Briwok Jewellery?
I started Briwok when I was really struggling with the grief of my best friend passing. We both always made jewellery and accessories, but after she passed, I started making the feather earrings that were her thing. She was always ahead of the trend, so 1–2 years later when the style blew up, people started wanting what I was making. It wasn’t really a conscious decision—I was just trying to honour her and keep her close.
The name "Briwok" is so beautiful. What does it mean?
It’s the nickname I had for my friend. Her name was Brianne, but I called her Briwok the Ewok. It was the indie sleaze era—she’d wear a low headband, feather earrings, a flannel shirt... Her round cheeks and doll face made her look like a little Ewok from Star Wars.
Living on North Stradbroke Island must be inspiring. How does the island shape your daily life and creativity?
Honestly, it’s the slowness. We’re all so overstimulated—I don’t think I’d have the capacity to dig into creativity if I was still in the city. Here, I have space to get inside my own brain.
When designing a new piece, how do you transform inspiration into something tangible?
It all starts with play—chains, shapes, beads. I collaborate with artists I love, tell them a concept, they sketch it out, and we go from there.
Having lived in both Canada and Australia, what do you miss most about Canada?
My granny, the mountains, fresh air, skiing, mountain biking, and my family. But I do love living in Australia—and the people here.
What did life look like before founding Briwok?
I was a competitive ski racer. It took me to college in the States to race NCAA. I know how to work hard, I thrive when I’m busy, and I stay focused. I guess I’m driven?
Biggest challenges and lessons from building Briwok?
Everything is a challenge! But key lessons: trust your instincts, listen to advice, but don’t always take it, do your research, don’t give up, take risks, and have fun with it. Success in anything—sport or business—comes easier when you’re having fun.
How do you merge your Canadian roots with your Aussie island life in your jewellery?
To be honest, I don’t overthink it. I just design pieces I’d wear.
Of all your pieces, is there one that holds special meaning for you?
If I’m really honest, no. To me, jewellery isn’t necessarily about the physical piece but what it carries. Where were you when you bought it, who gifted it to you, the feeling it gives you when you wear it.
How do you ensure each Briwok piece feels personal to the wearer?
Each piece is designed, assembled, and packed (with a love note) by me or Lily in my home studio on the island. My designs stand out—they don’t look like anything else—so it naturally becomes a personal form of self-expression.
Advice for aspiring jewellery designers?
Stay true to your vision and just keep going if you really want it.
Environmental and conscious practices?
I don’t buy much, and when I do, 80% is 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 change one thing in your life, what would it be?
Nothing. I’m too happy where I am today, I wouldn’t want to change anything that might change the course.
Your proudest achievement outside of work?
My babies <3
What nourishes you?
Spending time with my friends from back home. It’s so nice to go back and be with people who know everything about you.
What are you currently working on?
Well, I’m about two months behind on SS'24 and starting on FW '25. Since I’m working toward more international, major retailers, I have to play to the fashion calendar. It’s a challenge.
What do you think we’ll see more of in your industry?
We’re already seeing it—brand storytelling. You can’t just have a jewellery line anymore. You have to build something people want to be part of. I also think things will get more exciting and niche. A lot of cool women are leading brands right now.
Your journey to making your passion your everyday?
Short version—I’ve always had to work a full-time job while running Briwok. When I got pregnant, I had to stop my day job but didn’t qualify for government support (too Canadian at the time), so I kept making jewellery to survive. Briwok became my full-time job instead of taking mat leave. I had a baby, but weirdly, I had more time and energy to put toward building my brand.
Favourite moment in your business so far?
Seeing my manifestations come through. I wrote down a list of retailers I wanted to be stocked in—one in particular. She reached out to me, and we’ve been stocked there for over a year now.
What’s next?
Japan!
Describe your day-to-day work life
Wake up, coffee, emails, pack any orders for the boat/DHL, 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, pick up daughter, fill DHL orders. A few random things daily.
Biggest goal for the next five years?
Hit 7 figures sustainably, comfortably, and without working weekends.
Your core values?
Authenticity. I’m transparent in all aspects of life. What you see is what you get. I stay true to what is uniquely Briwok. I’m working on balance. We need to normalise boundaries and not reply to every text or DM within 5 minutes.
How do you balance personal life and business?
I close off weekends. I say no. And I make lists.
A song or movie that represents your life?
I'd like to live in Darjeeling Limited.
If you could have any superpower?
Endless energy.
Favourite hobby?
Skiing.
Favourite book?
Rant by Chuck Palahniuk.
Most embarrassing moment?
I don’t have them. I do embarrassing things. I once flashed my boss at a Christmas party in his family home in front of his wife, then spewed in his toilet. It was one of those space-age toilets and I couldn’t figure out how to flush. Had to go announce it.
If you could have any animal as a pet?
Two pygmy goats.
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