The HTF Hot Seat: Buena Vida

It’s always fun meeting new people, which is why we came up with the idea of The HTF Hot Seat – a regular post to introduce you to the creative dynamites behind some of your favourite hardtofind products. This week’s seller in the spotlight: Hannah Smith from Buena Vida.

I’m known on hardtofind for my… personalised jewellery with an elegant feel.

Right now I’m inspired by… everything new! I can’t get enough of looking at new designs for jewellery, art, style trends and looking at beautiful ways of making classic design modern and unique.

My favourite part of the making process is… feeling a connection with the customer through the jewellery. When I create a personalised piece for a customer, I love that it’s a continuation of the story of that product. Knowing it has had a journey from creation, then having customer input in the final design and seeing the piece going on to make someone’s wedding day or birthday or celebration is very fulfilling and special. I love the thoughtful and heartfelt messages that people write to go with the jewellery – it makes me honoured to be a part of that story.

I work from… a studio attached to my home. I’m very blessed to have a beautiful view of the ocean and a quick stroll over the road to the beach where I can have a quick dip or be inspired by the gorgeous sunrises.

A typical day for me involves… I don’t particularly have ‘typical’ days! Each day brings with it new surprises and challenges. I am a mum of two young boys, so we’re all up at the crack of dawn and things are busy and noisy from the get-go. I make lunches and get them ready and drop them at school and preschool before I get near the studio. Thankfully, I work with my husband and by the time I’m home he’s usually got a coffee ready for me. After that it’s filling orders, taking calls, answering messages and emails and a constant stream of couriers. I often have a million errands to run and, at some point each day, I love to look at new design, find new exciting trends and think about how I can incorporate that into the Buena Vida brand. I often have a quick lunch on the run or while doing some chores. Then the afternoons involve picking up the kids, homework and dinner. If we have time we like to spend time as a family going for a walk around the lake or down at the beach. Once the little ones are in bed, it’s more work, emails, invoicing and designing and a little time to indulge in a good book and a cup of green tea.

My proudest business moment was… being approached by prestigious art galleries to sell my jewellery in their gift shops and having my jewellery worn by celebrities (I’ve even had one piece go down the Hollywood red carpet!).

When I started my business, I wish I’d known… that the risk was worth it. It’s quite stressful putting all of your time and efforts into a business when you don’t know if it’ll work. It’s really wonderful to look back on the path I’ve taken to get here and know that the years I spent learning this industry and learning to trust myself have really paid off.

I’d describe my personal style as… simple, classic, fine with a splash of sassy.

My last purchase was… a coffee. #butfirstcoffee

The first thing I do when I wake up is… cuddle with my boys.

The motto I live by is… put your hair up in a bun, have a coffee and handle it.

I’m hoping 2017 will bring… some new tools to make more beautiful personalised products. I am looking forward to creating an expanded range and growing my business. Goals!

Everything tastes better with… bacon.