Milame Design {interview + giveaway}

The jewelery design industry has been overflowing with geometric designs lately, a trend that might stick with us well into 2014, or beyond. At the forefront of this favourable fashion is Emma Atkinson, designer and creator behind the Milame Design. But geometrics aren't the only focus of the Milame Design stall.

Emma explains that all items are handmade and individual in their outcome, allowing the buyer of a piece to feel they have purchased something special. The Sun House finds out more about the person behind the brand.

Emma, working for yourself is sometimes tough, but oh-so-rewarding. Why did you start Milame Design?

After starting my degree studying fine art at Stellenbosch I changed to Jewellery Design in my second year and my love of metals began. When I finished studying in 2010 my dream was to start up my own little jewellery design company. Milame Design was born at the beginning of 2011 and has been the most exciting adventure which has grown into a shop and workshop space where creativity is the main aspect.  I love love love making jewellery. 9

Your passion for jewelry making shows in your products. Where do you get your inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from all over really. Each new range I do grows from a new idea that I have and then build on. I recently created a range of jewellery that came from doodles which I have been drawing for the past seven years for example. I don’t really plan much as I love the idea of pieces and ranges growing quite freely into what they were meant to be without over thinking too much.     

What has been your proudest moment since you started?

I think building my store from scratch, mostly on my own, and then opening has been my biggest moment so far. 

Who is your favourite designer?

That’s quite a tricky one. There are so many amazing designers out there at the moment, but if I had to choose one right now, off the top of my head I would say “Maiden Name.”  I am crazy about ceramics and their little ceramic bokkies and owls are just my best.

What are some of the challenges of being your own boss?

I think one of the biggest challenges of being your own boss is the commitment and dedication you need to continuously put into your company. You soon realize that you are the only person there to really get things going and make things happen. At the age of 25 this can sometimes be a bit scary, but it’s my dream and I love what I do so the rest doesn’t seem to matter too much.  What's your favourite material to work with and why?

18 carat gold is just wonderful, but it’s rather expensive so I only get to work with it when making commissioned engagement rings and wedding bands. Sterling silver would be my next option. I love the colour of silver, it is just too pretty.  

What would you do if you won the lotto?

So many lovely things.  

If you're in Cape Town, make sure to visit her studio Milame and Friends at the Palmhof Centre in Union Street, Gardens. 

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Emma has kindly agreed to give one of her precious creations away to a lucky The Sun House reader. I have chosen to use rafflecopter for the giveaway today, so just follow the prompts on the entry form below and stand a chance to win this Tribute to the Cats of Morocco ring below, worth R450.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway