With New Zealand jewellery brand Zoe & Morgan turning ten this month, designer Zoe Williams marks the celebration with a unique range of bespoke jewellery that speaks to occasions. From engagement to cocktail rings, Beauty EQ caught up with Williams in her newly renovated Auckland City Works store to find out how she juggles, work, and wellness while frantically creating a beautiful new collection.
What’s a typical working day for you?
Well - when you run your own business each day has a different theme. Two days a week I work with my bespoke clients, on drawings and develop ideas. A day a week I work on the books (finances) and the rest of the week my team and our customers. One constant is as a team we sit down for a shared lunch daily.
What are Zoe & Morgan’s brand values?
Treating people well, our customers and our stockists. We value our close friendships that have formed in the business, and we also value good design. Success for us is not just in monetary value - it's in everyday life, like family. A successful day at work is connected time with family, business, and fun.
What will you never compromise on with the brand?
I don't like using fakes stones or materials. I would prefer to make less jewellery, using interesting and rare materials, rather than heat-treated stones in a base metal.
Where do you get your design inspiration?
From all around us, we travel for work so it's always inspiring to step outside your usual routines and see how other people live. I feel inspired by flowers, and nature, antique jewellery, art, architecture and good conversation.
What has been your career high to date?
It's very satisfying making engagement rings, the women receiving the ring often doesn’t know her man is about to propose, so there is a real magic in the planning and surprise element. Often we have been on a journey with our customers, from nervous proposals through to happy commitments. And it's exciting seeing our jewellery being worn by celebrities too, like Miranda Kerr, Kate Moss and Claudia Schiffer.
How has your career influenced your style?
I like my clothes to be beautifully designed and hang well. My style is feminine, with a non-traditional edge. I also like buying block coloured dresses, they are the perfect canvas to show off jewellery.
What is your one fashion indulgence?
I like to wear a good watch, handbag, sunglasses and shoes! It's all about accessories for me. Any outfit is finished well, with the perfect accessories.
What does beauty mean to you?
I do believe beauty comes from within, so I am very regular with my exercise and health. A healthy and happy person radiates beauty through their face and general energy.
What would we always find in your beauty bag?
I'm a fan of Synergy and Coola sunscreen for my skin. As for makeup, I am a liquid eyeliner, and mascara girl- these are my staples.
What beauty advice do you find yourself sharing?
Eat a healthy diet, and use natural skin care. Face yoga is also a trick to lovely skin.
What is your wellness philosophy?
Well being to be super-important to me, I've created a busy lifestyle for myself and enjoy it, but I need good energy to survive, so I stick to three main rules.
I eat well, I exercise regularly and enjoy a varied routine, yoga, l walk with friends, and go to the gym and Barrefigure classes in Grey Lynn (a fusion of dance, pilates, and ballet). Also, chatting with friends, emotion can flow over a cup of tea or glass of champagne, and that is also part of a healthy lifestyle.
What do you go to recharge and destress?
I do an annual yoga retreat with a dear friend, and I go to Bali for an annual holiday with my family. I also visit my father-in-law in Te Puke and hang out on his orchard.
What are your heath and well-being tips for other busy, working mothers?
Regular ‘check in’s’ with yourself. And I like to have a health care check with the change of each season, to keep me motivated, healthy and happy and to make sure all my minerals and vitamins are topped up.