From Canada to North Stradbroke Island: The Story Behind Briwok Jewellery
Britt JamesSome brands just have a feeling about them.
For us, Briwok has always been one of those brands. We've worn Taryn's jewellery for years, featured it in countless Sol Sista shoots, and genuinely love the effortless way each piece becomes part of your everyday wardrobe. They're timeless, distinctive and made to be lived in.
But behind every piece is an equally inspiring story.
Originally from Canada, Taryn traded snowy winters for the laid-back lifestyle of North Stradbroke Island, where she now designs jewellery inspired by nature, travel and the slower pace of island life. What began as a creative passion has grown into one of Australia's most-loved independent jewellery brands - built with intention, resilience and a whole lot of heart.
In this conversation, Taryn shares what inspired the move across the world, how motherhood has shaped her business, where her creativity comes from, and the lessons she's learnt while building a brand that women genuinely connect with.
What first brought you to North Stradbroke Island, and what made you decide to stay?
I initially came to Straddie with my partner for what was meant to be a three-week holiday, which somehow turned into four months. After one more Canadian summer, we made the decision to move back for good.
While I was in college, I wrote a bucket list of about 20 things. One of them was "Live where it's summer all year round" and another was "See the ocean from my house." I was already asking the universe for it-I just needed to be patient.
I'm the type of person who doesn't really like to sit still. I'm most productive when I'm busy, and I'm least anxious when I have a lot going on. Island life is very slow and laid back-more so than I thought was possible. It took me a long time to settle into that slower pace, but now I absolutely love it.
How has island life influenced your creativity and the way you design?
When I first arrived, the island was a massive influence on my style. I think I've since come back to my pre-island aesthetic, or at least blended the two together.
More than the physical surroundings, I'd say it's the pace of island life that's given me the space to daydream. I'm always inspired by new settings and through travel, so moving here offered an entirely new world of inspiration.Briwok was named after your beautiful friend Bri. Can you tell us about her and how she continues to inspire the brand today?
Bri was the most stylish and unique person I've ever met.
When I first met her, she was wearing bright yellow MAC eyeshadow and a vintage silk Burberry scarf. We thrifted everything and loved getting ready. We'd go out four nights a week just so we had a reason to put together great outfits.
She was fun, free-spirited, welcoming and warm. She was my biggest cheerleader and honestly made me cooler-and definitely more confident in myself. She taught me not to care what people think.
Her memory is my reminder to have fun with what I'm creating and not take it too seriously.
Life is short. Wear what you want.
Briwok has become such a loved Australian jewellery brand. Do you ever stop and realise what you've built?
That is such a nice compliment.
I don't think I have yet. I have big goals that I'm focused on reaching, and I think any founder will agree that by the time you achieve one goal, you're already focused on the next, so you rarely stop to feel like you've made it.
That being said, I'm a very driven person, so I always knew what I wanted Briwok to become. Since day one, I've been building a brand-not just crafting jewellery.
Where do your best ideas come from?
My best ideas come when I'm out running or walking in nature.
I'll go for long runs without my phone so there are no distractions. That's where I dream up ideas before setting aside time to sketch or create them.
When I'm designing, I like a clear desk, three beverages and no phone. Otherwise, it gets too noisy in my head.
What's one of the biggest lessons you've learnt from building your own business?
There have been so many.
The biggest lesson has been to keep going, even when there are disappointing moments and things feel hard. That's all part of the journey, and so much comes down to perspective.
I recently read a quote on Substack that said, "My competitive advantage is I'm having fun." That really resonated with me, and I often come back to it when I'm feeling mentally down.
Why did I start this? Because I love jewellery. I love designing. And I genuinely have so much fun building this world.
(Now let's make some money.)
You're also a mum. How do you balance building a business while raising two young children?
This is a daily battle.
I lean on my friends, who are all feeling the same struggle, to help keep me balanced.
When my daughter was born, I hadn't been in Australia long enough to qualify for parental leave, so I had to keep working. Luckily, she was a very chilled baby and happily sat in her BabyBjörn bouncer while I worked.
When my second child was born, my business was growing rapidly and I simply couldn't take the time off.
I carry a lot of guilt for missing time with them because I'm working or stressed about work. I tear up just thinking about it. They grow up far too quickly.
I think, as mothers, no matter what we do, we'll always find something to feel guilty about.
I will say that being a working mum has taught me to truly value the time I have with them and to get as much done as I can while they're at school, so I can be more present when we're together.
