Can you please tell us what you do and a little bit about yourself? 

I’m Arabella—lover of natural wine, PR enthusiast, adventure seeker, and business owner. I’ve always been connected to the ocean; it’s a driving force that influences every decision I make. I co-own Honeybloom, a jewellery brand, where I manage communications and art direction. Earlier this month, I took on an exciting new role as Marketing Manager for Everyday Wine, one of my favourite local brands. I am excited to prove to myself that you really can, in fact, do it all. This year will be full on… but I couldn’t be more excited. 

Tell us a bit about Honeybloom and the inspiration behind the brand

Before becoming co-owner, I was already a loyal Honeybloom customer. I fell in love with not just the designs but the concept of the ‘Honeybloom girl.’ Recently, we relaunched the brand with new products, a fresh logo, and a whole new vibe. It’s been a privilege to inject my creativity and expertise into this exciting new direction.

What sets your pieces apart in the jewellery world?

We specialise in bold, thick-statement beads. With so many brands already offering flawless minimalist pieces, we don’t feel the need to bring more ‘stuff’ into the world unless it’s truly special and unique. What really sets us apart is our price point. The jewellery brands that inspire us often come with aspirational prices, but we’ve found the perfect balance between quality and affordability. Our pieces feel luxurious and high-end without breaking the bank. As two women in our twenties, this was something we felt passionate about.

Can you tell us who the Honeybloom woman is? 

The Honeybloom woman is authentic, living life true to herself without pretence. We design our pieces with Papatuanuku, the Earth Mother, in mind, and they are for the intrepid souls who navigate the world with passion and purpose. Whether exploring the depths of the ocean or the corners of your own creativity, Honeybloom adds a touch of elegance and boldness to your journey. Every day is a blank canvas, and you, our muse, are the masterpiece.

Who is one person you would love to see wear one of your pieces? 

There are so many incredible women in my life who inspire me daily. I’d love to see my friends wearing our pieces, not just out of support but because they genuinely love the designs. Just recently, I bumped into a mutual friend wearing one of our necklaces. It made me so happy!

In terms of public figures etc… I am really inspired by international writers like Madeline Fass, Senior Market Editor at Vogue, and Grace Oneil, Editor of Elle Australia. Top tier would be Camille Charriere, Contributing Editor of Elle UK. To see one of these women in our pieces would be a pinch me moment. 

You have a background in marketing and PR, how has this helped you and Brooklyn with Honeybloom? 

My experience in the comms and advertising industry has helped me understand what sells and how to make a product feel ‘cool’ and desirable. In some ways, the design element is further down the list of importance. It’s one thing to have a create a beautiful piece of jewellry, it’s another thing to actually sell it. I have absolutely loved putting my everything into a brand that is my own, coupled with Brooklyn’s incredible sales skills. 

Can you tell us a bit about the events part of Honeybloom? What sparked that concept? 

The events concept was already in place before I joined forces with my business partner, Brooklyn, so I can’t take credit for it! Honeybloom Events offers customers the chance to design bespoke necklaces as timeless keepsakes—a treasured reminder of life’s most significant moments. We bring Honeybloom to events like hens' dos, Christmas parties, baby showers, and girls' get-togethers. We’ve even had a customer buy an event package as a Christmas present for his fiancée and her sisters! We work with incredible brands to create bespoke media, influencer, and ticketed events, too.

You’ve recently traveled overseas—did that experience influence the relaunch of Honeybloom or your next steps in life in any way?

I love to travel - like most people. But everytime I have the privilege of spending a decent chunk of time off shore, I become more and more grateful for the incredible country we live in. I know that Aotearoa is where I belong and I am really excited to truly settle into my life here.

 

What do you think has had the most profound influence on shaping the woman you are today? 

I’d have to say my parents. They live such a rich, fulfilling life, always surrounded by nature and their incredible friends. They’re also just genuinely good people. I’m incredibly grateful for the strong values they instilled in me from such a young age, which continue to guide me in everything I do.

 

Who is your current muse? And why? 

My muse is always evolving! Alexa Chung, of course, is a constant, and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy will forever be my fashion icon. The Instagram account @allforcarolyn is a lifeline for outfit-inspo. The women in my life are my everyday muses. Many of our latest Honeybloom pieces were named after our family and friends before the design process even began—they’re inspired by what we imagine these women would wear.

If you didn’t work in marketing/PR, and have Honeybloom, what do you think you’d be doing?

Honestly, it was touch and go whether I’d settle into a career or spend my life as a ski bum! I spent a lot of my youth training as a ski racer before moving into coaching. Skiing has always been my passion, but I learned the hard way that turning your passion into a profession doesn’t always end well. I fell out of love with the sport and am still trying to reignite that spark. If things had been different, I’d probably be chasing winters in the Swiss Alps!

OHEN is about giving women a little luxury everyday, how do you take care of mind, body and soul? 

I can’t start my day without moving my body—it makes such a difference! My Sala subscription is my go-to, offering the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Auckland. You’ll find me there most mornings, either in a Reformer or Chroma class. And in the evenings I love to cozy up at home with my partner, Oscar, our books and a tea (or chilled red).