Behind the Designer
I was born a creator.
For as long as I can remember, I was thriving when I was at the beach, a place that inspired me, or in my sewing room designing. It’s what brought me total happiness and fullfillment.
Unfortuantely, going to a private school, I never really felt like creative jobs were ever a choice, more of a hobby. So, I went to Uni studying phycology and it definitely wasn’t my happiest of days - I was doing something I felt pressured into and not what I actually wanted to do. After dropping out, I had a gap year, working full time. My job definitely wasn’t something you’d want to do forever, so I knew I had to refocus and think about my future goals. If I cut the thoughts and comments from other people around me out, what would I love to do? The answer was immediate. Creative industries - fashion design.
The next year, I started at Fashion School. Everyday felt wholesome - I was doing something I absolutely loved and it showed. After 1 and a half years of full time study, I graduated top of the class, receiving Graduate of the Year Award 2022.
Almost immediately after graduating, I applied to work in a local clothing factory. I wanted hands on experience and hoped I could climb up the ladder. At first, I felt like I was finally on my pathway to happiness. Unfortunately, this happiness didn’t last too long. I was stripped of all my creative energies and felt like a robot. Six months went by and it was time to get out.
Thats when the idea finally sparked - I’ll start my own fashion business. I had the qualifications and I’d teach myself what I needed to know. I knew starting a business would be very challenging. Its something a lot of us dream of but never do. For months I had billions of questions circulating in my head; What isn’t on the market yet that you could create? What’s your point of difference? What would I love to wear that I can’t buy in the shops? What type of market are you trying to reach? How will you afford it? What will you fall back on if it doesn’t work? It became very overwhelming.
Thankfully, I had a camping trip at Moreton Island booked. I could get away from the intrusive thoughts, be somewhere I love and hopefully feel inspired again. The first day, I remember sitting by the beach, really contemplating where I’ve gotten myself too - no job, not exactly the best qualifications (according to society anyways). It was a make or break moment for me. Do I trust the universe that I’m on the right path, or just do what society tells me is right?
It was as if the universe was actually listening in that moment. On the shallow shores of North Motreton Island, washed up a beautifully, untouched Nautilus shell. Little did I know how rare these shells are - especially finding one on Australian shores, completely full. I was in awe at its beauty.
That’s when I felt everything fell into place. I would start a brand, named after this shell, where all the garments would be beach inspired. Every item having a piece of natures beauty on it - shells.
A little take home message - If you have a dream, find a way to make it happen. There is always a way. Don’t listen to the voice of others or you will end up unhappy. No dream is too big or small. Like “ “ Dream big or don’t dream at all.