INTRODUCING BODEGA JEWELLERY

If you’re reading this, then that means that BODEGA has officially launched!!!

“Who are you and why have you started a jewellery brand?” I hear you say.

Well…

My name is Chelsie Collard, and I am a 24-year-old Noongar woman living on Gadigal Country (Sydney) with my partner, Jake.

Whilst it was definitely a “F#*! it” moment that got it over the line and a not so subtle push from my sister-in-law, there’s a bit more going on in my life beyond BODEGA. As I launch this brand, I continue to work a full-time job that I love in the native title sector, where I work for Traditional Owners, advocating for their rights and interests across Australia. My studies were in no way design-related, with my undergrad being in Social Science, majoring in Indigenous Studies. If four years at uni wasn’t enough, I'll also be starting my Masters of Social Justice and Human Rights in 2025..

When I’m not studying and working, I’m playing field hockey or convincing Jake to go on long hikes.

Despite the chaos of my life, there has always been this underlying itch to find a creative outlet. I often found myself picking up random hobbies. One hobby that has remained pretty consistent over the past 3-4 years has been my love for making jewellery—specifically beaded jewellery.

During some of the later COVID lockdowns (cue eye roll—I bet you’ve heard that sentence starter a billion times now, but hear me out), I was stuck at my sister’s place in Melbourne and bought a few beading supplies to keep me busy. At the time, it was plastic beads and the cheapest clasps and stretchy string I could find at the $2 shop.

I made a few necklaces and bracelets for my sister and I, and felt that although I wasn’t necessarily good at it, it fulfilled that creative void I had for a little while. As time went on, I started to get better quality beads, materials, and tools.

As I learnt more about jewellery making, I started to find it difficult to find already-made pieces that I didn't want to change.

That led me to start thrifting jewellery. Now I was looking at affordable pieces I could justify taking apart. I was combining recycled beads with new ones and making pieces that no one else had. Now, I’m not saying they were the most incredible pieces you’ve seen, but I wore them every day, and as people commented on them, I found myself wanting to share my passion in some way.

My sister-in-law, Ash, suggested I start a business. Initially I laughed and thought - there is no way I could do that, I don't know the first thing about running a business. That's when the 'F#*! it' moment came in, because there seemed to only be one way to figure it out, and that was by just starting.

Annnnnd, so that leads me here!

Whilst BODEGA is just a passion project for now, I truly want this to be a brand where everyone can find something that they love.

Thank you to those who have already shown love for this little dream. You are the purest humans I know, and I am so grateful for each and every one of you.

If you’ve read this far—THANK YOU.

I look forward to wherever this journey takes us.

XOXO - BODEGA.