Ford + Harris (also known as F+H Jewellery), is quickly becoming a pioneering force in the fashion industry. Launched in early 2014, F+H Jewellery has already gained an incredible reputation asΒ Australia’s tough-luxe jewellery brand, and has been wornΒ by numerous celebrities such asΒ Margot Robbie, Lara Bingle, Jessica Gomes, Jennifer Hawkins and Jesinta Campbell.
Created in Thailand by artisan jewellers with over 50 years experience, F+H Jewellery epitomises high-quality craftsmanship andΒ uses the highest qualityΒ materials to enforce pure luxury. With a focusΒ on designing modern designs with a strong clean-lined aesthetic, F+H Jewellery is carving out a strong name for itself in the fashion world, and is definitely a brand to watch.
I chatted to one half ofΒ F+H Jewellery, the gorgeous Sharona Harris, who gave meΒ an inside look in to her life as a jewellery designer, her tips on how to make it as an entrepreneur, and how to look stylish all the time!
E. Xx
1
Tell me the F+H Jewellery story. How did you begin? Did you always know you wanted to be a jewellery designer?
I have always loved fashion and worked in fashion-related industries however never thought I would go down the path of jewellery designing! A good friend who I was actually working with when I began the business was the one who suggested starting a jewellery brand and so here I am! I was very excited about the idea as I saw a gap in the market for luxe statement jewellery that wasnβt bohemian, or a copy cat brandβ¦ so to create something original with a strong, tough-luxe aesthetic was not only a great creative outlet but a good business idea.
2
Who is theΒ F+H JewelleryΒ woman?
She is strong, independent and effortlessly cool. She loves going out on the weekend, wearing her favourite leather jacket with some bold statement earrings with messy hair, minimal makeup and a wicked sense of humour.
3
What have you learnt about business and entrepreneurship since startingΒ F+H Jewellery?
That itβs tough! Owning your own business is a dream in that you can set your own hours and follow your own ideas, however this comes at a price. You work everyday and so you need to be really passionate about what you are doing. Also donβt be afraid to ask for help and advice, people are generally very generous and you can learn most things by just asking a lot of questions!
4
What is the best advice you can give to someone who is aspiring to start their own business in the fashion industry?
I come across a lot of people that start small brands but actually donβt know anything about marketing or running a business, so unfortunately they donβt last very long. The key thing to remember the product is only a small portion of what will make you successful, there is no point having a great product if no one knows about itβ¦ so spend some time thinking about your marketing and distribution before you embark on starting a brand.
5
Your typical day looks like?
I wake up at 6am and head to yoga (which keeps me sane). When I get home I check emails and pack orders. After that every day is different, I could be researching designs, updating my website, styling a shoot or sending out press releases. I try to take a break around 5pm for a swim or walk and then flick over emails and Instagram when I get home. By 8:30pm I am in bed early reading a book or watching a movie and asleep by 10pmβ¦. Ready to do it all again!
6
Do you get to travel much for F+H Jewellery? If so, whereβs the spot youβre dying to go back to the most?
Travel is mostly interstate for quick meetings, so no glamorous jet-setting yet! I would absolutely love to do a New York trade show next year though⦠fingers crossed.
7
Where do you get your inspiration?
Everywhere⦠watching old movies, Pinterest, Instagram, magazines, nature⦠once you get an idea there are so many ways you can now research it which is fantastic.
8
Your favouriteΒ F+H JewelleryΒ piece at the moment is? How would you choose to style it?
The βRichie” cross earrings are a must-have. They are super-cool and can be styled by day with a t-shirt and jeans for a casual look or by night they look amazing with a little black dress. They give your look just enough tough-luxe styling, without being too risquΓ©!
9
What is your ultimate style advice?
Avoid following trends. Find a style that you love and that suits your lifestyle and body type and invest in good quality pieces and accessories to last a lifetime. Who wants to look like everyone else anyway?
10
Is there a particular businesswoman you look up to and admire?
I look up to so many young women that are giving it a go! I have an amazing networking of young, strong and confident friends that have their own businesses (Peony Swimwear, All That Remains, Vale Denim) and they are all amazing!
11
What does the future look like forΒ F+H Jewellery?
Itβs looking good! We will be working on national distribution for 2016 and then next the USβ¦ bring on New York!
For more information on F+H Jewellery
Image credits: F+H Jewellery
Laura Marie (@lauramariescott) | January 6, 2016
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Gorgeous jewellery! Everything is very unique! http://www.shehearts.net xx
Ellese | January 5, 2016
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The jewelry looks fabulous! I love what the designer mentioned about trends. I agree! Find what fits your body and style, and go for it! Thanks for sharing dear. XO, Ellese
Rock.Paper.Glam.
tiffanytales | January 2, 2016
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This is an amazing idea for a feature! I love it, great interview. x
Tiffany Tales β A British Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
Nati (@Artdicted2) | December 27, 2015
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Lovely interview. I couldn’t do yoga in the early morning XD
Nati xx
http://www.simplyartdicted.com
Claire | December 27, 2015
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Fabulous interview!
God bless,
XO, Claire
http://www.littlemissfashionqueen.com
Katarina Ahlsson | December 26, 2015
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Such a great new category on your blog! I have to admit that these statement pieces really blew me away! Such gorgeous jewellery!
Katarina x
http://www.katarina-ahlsson.com
Sabrina Tan | December 24, 2015
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Love the interview and STUNNING PICS!!!
Sabrina | http://www.gypsytan.co
Emma Spencer | Author | February 3, 2016
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Thank you so much Sabrina!! So glad you enjoyed π xx
Whitneys Wonderland | December 23, 2015
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What a brilliant interview! I love what she says about trends, I feel the exact same way! I love some trends but not all and I find it much more unique to inject your own style to an outfit that just look like everyone else!
Love,
Whit
http://www.whitneyswonderland.com
danielle | December 23, 2015
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the jewelry looks amazing, loved reading this!
http://www.avecdanielle.com
carolinapage | December 23, 2015
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Very interesting read! I agree 100% with her style advice.
http://carolinapage.eu
patricia | December 23, 2015
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Great! The rings are amazing!
xoxo
http://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/donkeycool-4487669/
Nadia | December 23, 2015
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I love the idea of The Emasphere Talks! I will always make sure to keep up with those (and your other posts, let’s be realistic, I am here to stay lol) π Such a great and professional interview, babes! Sharona is so successful yet sounds very down-to-earth and easy-going!
I have read many times how successful people are up super early. There must be something about that. I might give it a go. The problem is I am a 100% night owl π I wonder what time they go to bed at. See, random late-night ramblings lol π Hope you are having the best time ever in ‘Stralia, love!
Have fun & come back soon! <3
Merry Christmas, sweets!
xox Nadia
http://mielandmint.blogspot.co.uk/
fancycorrectitude | December 22, 2015
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It was a great babe! And the photos were stunning!
Adi xx
http://www.fancycorrectitude.com
randomstein | December 22, 2015
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Emma!! Your interview is amazing! I absolutely love Sharona’s attitude! xx
Mari
http://www.randomstein.com
Anne | December 22, 2015
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Great interview! The jewelry pieces in the photos look lovely!
http://www.annescribblesanddoodles.blogspot.com
Emma Spencer | Author | February 3, 2016
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Yeh their pieces are amazing!! So happy you enjoyed Anne π xx
Gemma | December 22, 2015
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Amazing interview. Love these posts. Gemma xx
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Alice | December 22, 2015
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What a wonderful post!
Fashion Soup
Emma Spencer | Author | February 3, 2016
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Thank you so much Alice π xx
Natalie | December 22, 2015
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Love this jewelry! The photos do the jewelry justice!
xoxo,
Natalie
Trending In Fashion
Emma Spencer | Author | February 3, 2016
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So glad you like Natalie!! I love the photos too!! Xx
Claire | December 22, 2015
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Amazing interview!
God bless,
XO, Claire
http://www.littlemissfashionqueen.com
Emma Spencer | Author | February 3, 2016
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Thank you so much lovely!! π Xx
missmontenegro | December 21, 2015
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Love this jewelry, so chic and outstanding xoxox
http://thefurthestthingfromperfect.blogspot.com/
Emma Spencer | Author | February 3, 2016
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I totally agree lovely!! So happy you like π xx
Gabrielle | December 21, 2015
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Margot Robbie is a fabulous name to have featured on the brand’s ‘seen on’ list π It’s so impressive that F+H has only been around since 2014 – and it’s already so well established! This interview was certainly very inspiring.
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
x
taniaatthelondonthing | December 21, 2015
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Amazing interview Emma and they have some great pieces in their collections. I will check them out xx
http://thelondonthing.co.uk/
May Cho (@maaaaycho) | December 21, 2015
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In love with the pieces F+H offer, Emma, and I think you’ve laid out a fantastic set of questions for Sharona. “Avoid following trends” is definitely a mantra a live by.
Thank you for this one, Emma!
May | THE MAYDEN | Bloglovin’
Emma Spencer | Author | February 3, 2016
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How incredible are their pieces?! I can imagine you’d really suit them May!! So happy you enjoyed the interview π xx
Kay | December 21, 2015
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Great interview, this lady is so inspirational! Getting up at 6am to do yoga?! Wow!! I can barely motivate myself to get out of bed just in time to get to work! x
Kay
http://shoesandglitter.blogspot.com
theemasphere | December 21, 2015
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Hahaha I know me too Kay! It’s now my new years resolution to train myself to get up earlier!! So glad you enjoyed the interview lovely xx
Daianastories | December 19, 2015
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Wonderful post!
#Daianastories-visit my blog.
https://daianastories.wordpress.com/
theemasphere | December 21, 2015
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Thanks so much Daiana, so glad you enjoyed! π xx
Siffat Haider | December 18, 2015
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What a great idea, and such a fab interview!
xo
Siffat
https://icingandglitter.wordpress.com
Emma Spencer | Author | December 18, 2015
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Thanks so much Siffat!! So glad you like π xx
Sophie | December 17, 2015
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Such gorgeous pieces! I wish I had this lady’s motivation! Yoga at 6 and time to fit in a swim later. Amazing!
http://www.sophieslittlesecrets.co.uk
Emma Spencer | Author | December 18, 2015
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They are sooo gorgeous aren’t they Sophie?! I know Sharona is incredible isn’t she?! I wishhh I had the drive to get up that early and work out!! Xx
Courtney | December 17, 2015
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This rings are absolutely gorgeous!! I love this interview!
http://thecourtneydiaries.com
Emma Spencer | Author | December 17, 2015
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Aren’t they fabulous Courtney?! I’m so in love with everything in their range! Xx