Beachy and bold: Meet Briwok, the jewellery label we’ll be wearing all summer
IMAGE VIA @briwokjewellery/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY DAISY HENRY
“I really dove into jewellery as a way to keep my brain busy and work through my grief.”
Inspired by natural elements, Briwok jewellery epitomises the feeling of summer. Which is fitting, considering that its founder, Taryn O’Flynn is based in a small coastal town on the eastern coast of North Stradbroke Island in Queensland. From chunky shell necklaces to freshwater pearl earrings, every piece is handcrafted by Taryn and made to order.
Taryn moved to Point Lookout from a snow-covered town in Canada where she was a competitive alpine skier. Although much of her life was about sports, Taryn’s passion for design and reworking thrifted materials has always been there. “Through university, my best friend and I would scour Savers for great pieces and then rework them to fit with whatever was trending,” she tells me.
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After her best friend, Brianne, passed away, Taryn used jewellery as a way to work through her grief. “Brianne is who the brand is named after. ‘Briwok’ is a nickname I had for her.”
Briwok has since evolved into an independent jewellery label with unique pieces you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. However, starting the label wasn’t without its challenges. “I’ve been able to grow it by putting back everything I make back into the business. This is obviously a huge challenge and until a few years ago meant I had to have a ‘real job’ in order to pay the bills,” Taryn explains.
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Tell us about you. What’s your fashion background?
I grew up as a very girly tomboy. I alpine ski-raced until I was 23 at a very competitive level so my life was sports, but my passion was always fashion and design. I didn’t miss an episode of Fashion Television with Jeanne Beker. I wanted to go to a university with a fashion program but I was offered an athletic scholarship to one without, so I took marketing instead.
After college, I worked for a bit as a sales rep for some outdoor apparel brands which helped me understand fashion and wholesale calendars. Beyond that, it’s all been figured out as I go!
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How did Briwok get started? Talk us through the process and the challenges.
I’ve been creating since I was a kid, constantly reworking thrifted materials. Through university, my best friend and I would scour Savers for great pieces and then rework them to fit with whatever was trending. My friend, Brianne, is who the brand is named after. ‘Briwok’ is a nickname I had for her. She passed away before our senior year and I was devastated. I really dove into jewellery as a way to keep my brain busy and work through my grief.
My business has always been bootstrapped without any outside investment. I’ve been able to grow it by putting back everything I make back into the business. This is obviously a huge challenge and until a few years ago meant I had to have a ‘real job’ in order to pay the bills.
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How has your label evolved and what are you trying to achieve now?
I think the goal has remained the same: I want to create jewellery you can’t find anywhere else, that has a unique look to it and an authentic feel. I want people to go ‘ah!’ when they see it and work it into their own unique style.
How would you describe Briwok to someone who’s never seen it before?
Cool girl costume jewellery. It’s beachy, chic and bold, with pieces you can effortlessly wear.
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What are you most proud of in your work on your label?
That I made it this far! I feel most proud when someone writes to me telling me how much they love the piece they bought or how it makes them feel when they’re wearing it. There are so many jewellery brands, so when someone chooses to spend their hard-earned dollars on Briwok… I will never lose appreciation for that or take it for granted.
Who do you think is most exciting in Australian and New Zealand fashion right now?
There are so many cool, women-led brands out there really doing their thing. There is also a sense of community among them, rather than competition. I love to see the push to support small makers and creatives.
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What about the local fashion industry needs to change?
Overconsumption. Purchasing quality over quantity can go a long way. Supporting local boutiques instead of shopping the online mass retailers when you can. I’m personally trying to buy less in general and get creative with what I already have.
Dream Australian and New Zealand collaborators?
I actually have a really exciting collaboration coming out with a cool new label La-Lu at the end of November!
What music do you like working to?
I love something upbeat and fun to get the energy flowing like Harry Belafonte or Calypso Rose, mixed with something groovy like Harry Nilsson. I’m also no stranger to a bit of country.
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Who is in your wardrobe right now?
Random vintage and thrifted pieces. And my Ohti socks. I also just bought a surf suit from New Zealand brand, Climax Surf Wax. I’m feeling very ambitious about learning to surf this summer now that my post-postpartum haze has lifted. I also have my eye on an Elas Crochet bag.
How can we buy one of your pieces?
You can buy them online or at one of my wonderful retailers located throughout Australia! I don’t have any in New Zealand yet, so if anyone has any I should be pushing for, DM me.
Follow Briwok here.
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