INTERVIEW with Tahlee Woodland || Jadewood Design
From Tahlee’s instagram
SD: Hi Tahlee, for my readers who don’t know you yet, can you please introduce yourself?
TW: Well, my full name is Tahlee Jade Woodland. I combined 2 parts of my name to form my label Jadewood Design. I am a multidisciplinary artist and designer. Obsessively creative I am all about the detail, designing and handcrafting bold statement earrings, wall art, and other accessories. I have a colourful aesthetic and an experimental approach to design I am currently part of an artist collective in Maroochydore. As an ambassador for ethical fashion, I create limited numbers and one-off pieces out of new, vintage, and repurposed materials. Currently, I am using my skills to curate a collection of other Australian artisan goods to sell in the storefront at Club Creative and to run creative workshops from my studio there.
SD: What first led you in the direction of making jewellery?
TW: It was actually a gift I made for a friend. We were both obsessed with a collection of massive tassel earrings that Dolce & Gabbana released at the time. No way could we afford them, so I decided to make her some for her birthday. The pure joy and happiness on her face when she unwrapped them was just so priceless. She wore them almost daily to work and was asked so many times where she got them from that she suggested I make more. It didn't take much convincing as I loved making them so much. And it quickly spiralled into what Jadewood is today.
SD: Tell us about your design style. What makes your collections unique in the industry?
TW: My design style is big, bold and surprising. I try to incorporate as many different textures and materials as possible to complete my work, using unconventional ways to make jewellery.
Photo by Woodland Photography
SD: As a jewellery designer, where do you draw your inspiration from?
TW: Anywhere and everywhere. I'm constantly on the lookout for new ways to do things. I can find inspiration in ceremonial adornment, craft techniques and adapting art forms that aren't traditionally meant for jewellery.
SD: What does a typical day look like for you?
TW: Well, I do have two young children, so it can look different from one day to the next. But my ideal studio day has a dash of everything in it, from design work and making to styling, photography, social media and computer work. I am a one-woman show, [with loads of support from my husband] so I have to wear a lot of hats.
SD: What’s your favourite piece of jewellery that you’ve made before and why?
TW: I think my favourite piece that I've made to date would have to be a pair of hand-stitched sequin chandelier earrings that were a remake of a vintage clip-ons I borrowed from my friend Tarsh. They belonged to her grandmother, and it was a thrill to nut out how they were made. They take almost two days to make though, so I don't make them often.
SD: What advice would you have for aspiring jewellery designers?
TW: Find your niche and have fun with design. Research and inspiration can only get you so far, sometimes you have to let the materials do the talking and open yourself up to the experience of experimentation. The key to social media is interaction, authenticity and consistency [don't be shy to get in front of the camera]. If you do take photos of your work on models, it is worth paying a professional model. They will do the work you need in a fraction of the time, saving you money, and you will be guaranteed quality. I could go on and on with advice, but those are my main points.
SD: If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career what would it be?
TW: Be prepared for a wild ride. My journey hasn't been the smoothest, and I've certainly had an ebb and flow in business due to raising a family. But I would not, and could not have done anything differently. I tend to focus purely on the present and try to plan what might come in the future. But you can never really plan all that much, you have to adapt to what comes when it comes. There have been things I've done that I never planned for or dreamed of, and I think it's important to always be open to opportunities. I don't regret anything and I could never know what I know now without all the experiences that led to this point. Ten years ago I would never have thought that I would have my own jewellery business, I kinda just fell into it. And I'm so glad I did. It's given me a wonderful opportunity to connect and collaborate with so many different, amazing creatives.
SD: How do you want women to feel when wearing your jewellery?
TW: A sense of joy. I try to create happy jewellery that connects to the wearer on a creative and personal level. I want to uplift people and spread a message of self-confidence. I love to see the smile on the faces of my Jadewood ladies when they put on their earrings. It warms my heart whenever I get tagged in a photo on Instagram, and I get to see my designs in the wild.
SD: Three things you are grateful for today.
TW: Family.
Creativity.
Community.
Follow Tahlee on her:
Website: http://www.jadewood.com.au/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jadewood.au
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jadewood_design/
Personal Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tahlee_woodland/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jadewood_design
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jadewood_design
