Life adventure through art and connection.
Meet Millie, a talented jeweler with a lifelong passion for creating handmade treasures that hold sentimental value. Since a young age, Millie has been captivated by the art of crafting jewelry and the process of creating something beautiful from raw materials. Her journey into the world of jewelry making began with a sense of wonder and curiosity about the energy and intention imbued in every piece.
In her early 20s, Millie embarked on a life-changing adventure to South America with little money but an abundance of materials to craft her way through the journey. During her travels, she connected with local artisans, learning their techniques and concepts, and allowing her soul to fall in love with the process of crafting objects with profound meaning. It was during this time that the vision for her brand, Maweda, was born.
Maweda, derived from the aboriginal 'Mapuche' word meaning 'belong to the forest,' started as a brand that celebrated the land she explored and the materials she collected, such as stones and feathers. These unique pieces not only held significance for the buyer but also honored the artisans who poured their creativity into them.
After ten years of living in Sydney, Australia, Millie decided to embark on a new dream. She pursued formal education in jewelry design and manufacture at TAFE, constantly seeking to expand her skills and refine her craft. Her dedication and talent earned her a place in a prestigious jewelry company in Sydney, where she gained invaluable memories and experiences that would stay with her for a lifetime.
However, the call of the wild and her passion for connecting with the land and people through her craft beckoned her to take a different path. For two years, Millie worked tirelessly, transforming a vintage 70's Caravan, lovingly named Pistachio, into a mobile jewelry studio. This fully-equipped space allowed her to unleash her creativity and pursue her dream of traveling around Australia, and creating jewelry while listening to birdsongs and surrender by forest.
Currently, Millie is on a journey through Western Australia, conducting jewelry workshops to share her passion and love for jewelry making with others. The workshops are more than just learning the art of silversmithing; they are about creating sentimental pieces infused with personal intention and love. Millie believes that when people make jewelry with their own hands, they not only put their unique intentions into the piece but also create lasting memories tied to the creative process.
At the heart of Millie's brand is the mission to create sentimental jewelry that is built to last. Her pieces symbolize people's stories and intentions, and through her craft, she strives to connect individuals with the energy and beauty of handmade objects. As she continues her journey across Australia, Millie looks forward to forging meaningful connections with both the land and the people she encounters, sharing the joy of jewelry making and leaving behind a trail of cherished creations and memories.