November 2, 2016
Wolf & Moon
Maker Spotlight + Giveaway
Wolf & Moon is a handcrafted jewelry label by British designer Hannah Davis. A bold, yet well-balanced marriage of colors, textures and geometric forms are brought together to create elegant and wearable pieces. Hannah juxtaposes architectural inspiration near her East London studio with the wild, natural world, which she tries to escape to as often as she can.
Wolf & Moon has graciously offered up a £30 voucher to pick one of your favorite pieces from #RenegadeLondon! To enter, follow Wolf & Moon on Instagram and tag a friend in our giveaway post. The winner will be chosen on Friday, November 4th!
Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting story behind it?
I’m afraid it’s not the most fascinating story! Wolf & Moon was actually named after one of the first pieces of jewelry I made; a wolf howling at the moon. I’ve always been really into nature and hiking, and my work back then was mostly inspired by this. I also knew that I didn’t want to name the business after my own name and I liked that Wolf & Moon could sound like two people.
Have you always been passionate about design?
Yes, I’ve always loved designing and making things (mainly fashion related items), however, in recent years I’ve become much more interested in architecture, furniture design, and homewares.
Why did you start working in this particular craft?
When I was 17, I came up with the idea of selling vintage clothes over Myspace. It felt amazing when something sold and I loved the idea that I could make my own money. At that point in my life I was starting to experiment with my own sense of style and I liked to be a bit different from many of my friends. I found these old, coloured, wooden building blocks that I had as a child and I decided to turn them into the necklace. I absolutely loved it, and I carried on making jewellery from anything I could find. Eventually I added it all to my Myspace shop.
What do you think sets your designs apart from others?
I really try to push my materials and develop interesting processes. When I first started laser cutting about 8 years ago, I was making pretty kitsch things, but that was all anyone was really doing with it. A couple years on and I started to develop my own style of geometric, inlaid pieces that I couldn’t see anyone else doing so it felt really exciting that I’d found my own “thing,” There are many jewellery brands out there now that use laser-cutting techniques to make geometric jewellery but I try not to look at what anyone else is doing and keep pushing ahead with my own creations; experimenting and researching as much as I can. My latest collection features heavily engraved and painted wood pieces which are inspired by interior and furniture design – so far I don’t think I’ve found anyone else doing something similar.
Have you had any major failures? If so, what were some important insights gained?
The main things that I’ve had problems with have been to do with accounting. It took me far too long to get an accountant, and when I did, there was a lot of work to do to get my accounts all in line. Then I had to start paying VAT and I ran into problems with my pricing being too low. The main thing I’ve learned is to always be on top of my accounts and to make sure I’ve included some of my fixed overheads within my pricing structure.
Have you sacrificed anything to create your business? If so, what was it, and do you have any regrets?
I’ve had to sacrifice some of my social/home life as I often have to work late or at weekends. But it’s all been worth it so I don’t have any regrets!
What has been your proudest moment since creating your business?
I’ve been working with ASOS for over a year now. When they first confirmed that they wanted to buy some pieces, it was so exciting! I really felt Wolf & Moon was being recognised as a brand.
How does the city you live in influence your work?
London is a fantastic city for celebrating independent designers. People are very open to wearing more unusual clothing and jewellery which makes me feel very at home (especially East London where I live/work). The city also has some great art and design exhibitions – I particularly love the Barbican centre and will often go just to sit in the cafe for some thinking time.
What valuable experience did you have before starting your business?
I started very young, and to be honest, had pretty much no experience or knowledge about running a business! I’ve always been very logical and a great problem solver which I think is what has got me through so far!
What made you take this leap into being your own boss?
When I moved to London for University in 2008, I got offered the opportunity to have a stall at a craft fair. I made about £150 that day and I couldn’t believe it! That was when I realised that selling my own wares was way more rewarding than my waitressing job.
What are some inspirations for your work?
I get inspiration from all sorts of places, but I do think traveling plays a large part in it – experiencing new cultures and landscapes. I also look to architecture and interior/furniture design for inspiration.
What are some tips or suggestions you’d like to offer to fellow makers?
Although relying on your gut instinct is often the best way, it does pay off to look at some stats and figures once in a while because sometimes things just pass you by otherwise.
