Nicole Fendel Celestial Tides Spring Summer 16/17 Interview

Nicole Fendel Celestial Tides Spring Summer 16/17 Interview

A collection inspired by exotic places from afar. Celestial Tides invites you on a journey through the deserts of India, streets of Santorini and the beaches of Morocco.

Celestial Tides is all about gemstones, soft shapes and rich summer textures.

Designed and handcrafted with love using the finest materials sourced from across the globe.

@nicolefendel
www.facebook.com/nicolefendeljewellery

Interview with Nicole Fendel

South African born Nicole grew up in coastal Perth under the influence of a highly creative family, before moving to Melbourne as a young adult. Describing her mother as -spiritual and earthy', Nicole spent many hours on craft projects and activities with her; it was from this upbringing that Nicole knew her life would have a creative focus.

Self-taught, Nicole loves working with her hands and has always loved the immediacy of jewellery design as a creative medium. After studying Interior Design and Architecture, Nicole worked in the Architecture industry for a short time, before deciding to follow her dreams and commit 100% to her jewellery business.

Initially selling her pieces through local stores and jewellery parties, Nicole was able to fund her dream trip to New York, where she visited Barneys jewellery department and found inspiration for what would become her biggest selling pieces for years. It wasn't long before Nicole was inundated with calls from both strangers and high-end boutiques wanting to view and purchase the range!

The label's association with Channel Ten Wardrobe, and Offspring's -Nina Proudman', was a real turning point. Even now that the show is off the air, the Maya Teardrop Earrings and Bar Pendants"Nina's most worn pieces on the show"are still the label's best sellers.

Nicole's greatest challenge to date, has been starting her label with no capital. It was a slow process to begin with, as all funds were going straight back into the business and there was nothing left over for outside help. Now, after years of blood, sweat and tears, Nicole has a dedicated team working for her, from operations and production, to admin, marketing and sales. Nicole still manages the creative side of the business, but now allows herself more time for her two beautiful children"Zac 3 and Aria 1. She places a strong emphasis on the need to maintain a work life balance that she didn't have before.

The label's most recent ranges have been inspired by many exotic locations that Nicole has crossed in her travels. Nicole aims to instil a sense of timelessness in all of her jewellery, and many of the pieces are engraved with inspirational sentiments designed to connect, inspire and empower the wearer. Nicole wants to maintain the handcrafted value of her original designs and to this day, every piece of Nicole's signature jewellery is handcrafted by a team of dedicated artisans from across the globe.


Question: We love your new collection! What has been three of the most popular jewellery pieces in the collection?

Nicole Fendel: Our 'Sentiment" bar pendants and the 'Maya" teardrop earrings are a Nicole Fendel staple, with the iconic 'Discover Your Dreams" and 'Breathe Believe Become" bars continuing to sell out- especially after the success of Offspring (Nina wore these pendants & earrings religiously throughout the series).

The 'Geneva" has been our most popular new season range (featuring earrings, cuff, ring and pendant)… with the signature cut out designs and hammered texture that we are now famous for, the response has been overwhelming!


Question: What inspired the Nicole Fendel Spring/Summer collection?

Nicole Fendel: Journeys, dreams, love and exotic destinations from afar. The dreamy sea-sides of Santorini, bustling streets of Morocco and the tropical coast of Costa Rica are an endless Summer inspiration!


Question: Have you travelled to these places?

Nicole Fendel: Yes, I feel so fortunate to have travelled to these places and have met incredible people along the way.


Question: What do you hope this collection embodies for your wearers?

Nicole Fendel: This collection is for women living in the moment. Free spirited, assertive and passionate women. Women who believe in themselves and the power or their dreams. My pieces are designed not only to transform any outfit and make you feel glamourous, but to empower you and all those around you!


Question: How has becoming a mum changed your daily outlook?
Nicole Fendel: It definitely is a juggling act! Like all mums it is about being organised and finding the perfect balance. Having a baby has definitely given me perspective and constantly reminds me to focus my energy into things that are truly important.


Question: Can you talk us through how you juggle life as a working mum?

Nicole Fendel: Since having kids prioritisation, organisation and time management have become key to juggling career and motherhood. This is not always easy when you are sleep deprived!

It has definitely made me more efficient in many areas of my life because I have a better appreciation for the value of time. I also try not to sweat the small stuff and have had to learn the art of being patient, which helps when negotiating with two head strong toddlers!


Question: What has been the highlight of your career, so far?

Nicole Fendel: Seeing Nicole Fendel develop from a hobby, to a successful global enterprise.

Being able to walk into the office and see a room filled with passionate and inspiring girls all working towards the same dream.


Question: What originally inspired your passion for design?

Nicole Fendel: For as long as I can remember I have been interested in art and design. I grew up in a very artistic family which have always been a source of inspiration for me.
I also love to create pieces about about my journeys, dreams and important themes of independence and empowerment - all things that are important to me.

I love how the engravings and inspirational quotes hold meaningful connections and create tangible reminders of important moments in one's life. For girls to be able to express themselves through my jewellery is one of my biggest accomplishments.


Question: What is your first memory of crafts?

Nicole Fendel: I remember as a young girl watching my grandfather create beautiful, hand carved, acrylic jewellery in his workshop. This is where my love affair with jewellery started.


Question: Can you share with us, a typical day, in the life of you?

Nicole Fendel: Wakeup call at 6.30am by my baby girl, coffee, breakfast, creche drop off, rush to the office, catch up on emails, meetings, rushing out to pick up some fresh fruit and veg on the way to creche. Followed by dinner, bath and bed. Busy busy!


Question: What's next for Nicole Fendel

Nicole Fendel: The whole Nicole Fendel team are so excited to be working on many new things.

Not only are we expanding (and growing) our office and retail space, but we are also expanding on our collection to include leather, soft goods and homewares!

There will be a huge focus on export this year, so we can share more Nicole Fendel with women all over the globe. Life can be so unpredictable, all I know for absolute certain is to follow my heart and live for this moment.


Interview by Brooke Hunter