We spoke to Sydney based Global Brand Manager at Faithfull the Brand, Tarra Chong about her jewellery stories. Equipped with a disposable camera, she took us on a day in her life.
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Tell us about yourself
My name is Tarra, I am half Chinese / half Australian living in Bondi, Australia with my English husband and our cavoodle pup, Chip. I am the Global Brand Manager at FAITHFULL THE BRAND heading up their marketing department with a team based between Sydney and Bali.
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How did you get started in the fashion industry?
I would say my first introduction to the industry was when I was 13 years old on a family holiday in Thailand and we met the Deputy Editor of VOGUE Australia. We were quick to become friends and it went from there where I was given my first internship at VOGUE at the age of 16 assisting on fashion week and the launch of VOGUE GIRL to Australia. From there I interned at many magazines including Yen alongside Imogen Barron and Madison alongside Stevie Dance.
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What do you think makes Aussie style unique?
It’s not complicated, over styled or too much, it is laid back with a sense of ease.
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Who inspires you?
People inspire me both close and far, past and present and for all different reasons. My mother inspires me to always love myself and others and never stop caring. The directors at FAITHFULL THE BRAND Helle Them-Enger and Sarah-Jane Abrahams inspire me to continue to learn, grow and educate. I have some girlfriends who also continue to inspire me both personally and professionally – a close and supportive network or girlfriends is paramount in my life. My father is also a huge inspiration not just for me but I know for almost everyone he meets – the most positive, fit (both mental and physical) person I know. A little quote from him ‘Mind over matter’ is ingrained in me and with this in my head, nothing is impossible.
Lastly my brother and husband, constantly inspiring me to be my best self, supporting me through life and loving unconditionally.
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Faithfull the Brand works with manufacturers in Bali to hand make your pieces and put an emphasis on community - why was this important for the brand?
When founders, Sarah-Jane and Helle set out to launch FAITHFULL THE BRAND they had community at the forefront with an ethical emphasis on people and the environment. Still today, Sarah and Helle continue to speak with each and every employee like they are an extension of their family, listening to their needs and respecting the surroundings in which the business runs.
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What is your first jewellery memory?
A signet ring from my parents with my birthstone and initials engraved when I was about 7 years old.
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Is there a piece of jewellery that is particularly special to you?
I am currently typing this answer looking down at my mother’s wedding ring stack (a 3 piece ring set consisting of her engagement ring, wedding band and an eternity ring to seal). My mother gave me these rings just before my wedding three years ago as they no longer fit her and she wanted me to always wear a piece of her and my father. At forty years of marriage, I also feel like wearing these rings bring me luck and a long and loving marriage with my husband.
- How does jewellery play a part in your everyday life?Jewellery makes me smile with special memories, it makes them with me and it becomes a part of me. I have pieces I never take off and others I love putting on for special occasions.
