Birdie Hill
Birdie Hill is both fashion and art; one of a kind jewellery for today’s modern woman inspired by the nomadic tribes of the Sahara desert, the bohemian spirit of Byron Bay and the catwalks of Milan.
Sarah Hudson is the designer, maker and sole business operator behind the brand and passionate about helping women feel beautiful in their own skin. By choosing to wear a piece of her unique jewellery Sarah hopes women will feel empowered to embrace their individuality and celebrate their own personal style. Her Facebook page has gathered a devoted following as she posts daily inspirations of quotes, fashion and travel – all of which inspire her jewellery making but also encourage her followers to live a truly authentic, happy and fulfilling life. Sarah sources her beads from all over the world and wherever possible, uses Fair Trade suppliers and supports local businesses. Many of these beads and artifacts have been traded across continents and are hundreds of years old; others have been found in European auction houses, high street bead stores or the suburbs of Ethiopia. As well as unusual and ethnic materials Sarah also uses gemstones and pearls, seeds, wood, bone and horn – her bead collection has every colour, type and material available and her studio is bursting at the seams! No two pieces of Birdie Hill jewellery are the same just as no two people are the same – each has it’s own story; it’s own journey and it’s own unique beauty. Sarah hopes you enjoy her jewellery. |
How long have you been creating your work?
A little over 3 years How did you get started? By accident! I was visiting my sister in Brisbane and she had a secret stash of beads in her spare room which I instantly fell in love with. After showing me the basics I made the first version of what is now my Multiwrap. When I got back home I experimented with some beads and made a few more necklaces. I wore them to work (I used to be a teacher) and they caused quite a stir. People loved them and kept pestering me to sell them so one day I literally dumped them on the Staff Room table and ran out - I was so embarrassed but when I came back in after recess there was a pile of money on the table and no necklaces! Long story short – those necklaces got admired as people wore them out and about, word got around and with the amazing support and encouragement of my family, Birdie Hill was born. What is your greatest inspiration? Apart from the creative inspiration I mention in my bio it would have to be my customers. They are the most supportive, beautiful, wonderful women in the world and they inspire me every day. They love what I do and are passionate about my business. They keep me going when it all gets a bit tough and they wait enthusiastically for each new piece before it comes out. I love them! What is the greatest challenging to owning and operating your own business? All the things which take me away from my studio! I'm a typical artist and totally hopeless at selling my work. I've had to learn about marketing, social media, admin, photographing, networking, editing and all the other aspects of owning a business. It’s a constant challenge but I'm slowly winning the battle. What is the best thing about owning your own creative business? Flexibility for sure. Having been a teacher for nearly 40 years my life was ruled by bells, meetings, timetables and enforced holidays. Now I get to choose how my working life looks and I couldn't be happier! |