Jessy Cameron, Founder, Molten Store
Don't let perfect get in the way of better ...
A lifelong passion often winds its way into our dreams, and the moment when we let those dreams into the world to roam free can gratify our existence. Owner of Molten Store Jessy Cameron has always harboured a love for beautiful treasures, constantly adorning herself and her home with precious finds. Naturally, then, her decision to start her own online boutique with her partner Kevin Columbu in 2011 came easily to Jessy. What has followed is a journey filled with curious treasures, glittering jewels and opulent adornments sourced from all over the world. But Molten Store seems to be just the start of Jessy’s dreams, following the recent launch of her own jewellery label, Dawn is Mine. Precious eye candy, the Dawn is Mine collection embraces a stylish bohemian spirit. Welcoming The Weekend Edition into her office amongst the creative milieu of Newstead’s Lightspace, Jessy sat down to chat weekend rituals, inspirations and beautiful objects.
Describe yourself in ten words …
A bowerbird at heart who honours the importance of dreams.
What inspired you to start Molten Store?
Molten Store was born from the desire to travel the world, collect beautiful things and tell a story. Coming from a marketing background (I have a degree in advertising), I’m fascinated by the art of brand building. Launching Molten Store was the ultimate indulgence in just that; from the store concept to the in-house labels we’ve created, I’ve had a unique opportunity to create and experiment with a curated array of brand messages.
How did you learn your craft?
In addition to my university studies, I interned in public relations in Brisbane and in casting and production in New York City before working in fashion retail for sass & bide, in events and retail marketing for Brisbane Marketing, and as an e-commerce publicist for a respected Australian online retailer.
Describe a typical day for you …
I’m notorious for my late starts; if I’m in the office by 9.30 am, I feel like I’m kicking goals! As soon as I have a coffee in hand, I put pen to paper and prepare my daily game plan … I would be lost without my list. Emails take priority in the mornings as I organise everything from designer collaborations to the production of marketing collateral. Social media is a constant – I update our Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest accounts every hour or so. In the afternoon, I play the role of the buyer and check in with my suppliers. We receive new goodies online every week, so I’m constantly on the hunt for beautiful new things. I hit my work stride in the late afternoon and before I know it, it’s 8:00 pm.
What is your favourite piece in your new line of Dawn is Mine jewellery?
I love The Last Flight choker necklace. It’s weathered to mimic a time capsule relic.
What was your biggest challenge getting Molten Store started?
Aside from gathering my courage, the biggest challenge was finance. We literally built the business on a shoestring in the midst of an economic crisis, but in hindsight this made us more resourceful and clever with our pennies.
What is the most rewarding aspect of Molten Store?
The freedom. Molten Store sends me across the world and I can sleep in whenever I please (and often do)!
What’s next for Molten Store?
A bundle of good things – we have a blog launching this month, a new website launching in February and a host of exciting new labels on the horizon.
What design items are you coveting at the moment?
Digby & Iona’s Eyes & Stars signet ring will be mine. I met the designer, Aaron Ruff, at a market stall in Brooklyn years ago and my partner Kevin and I had the pleasure of popping by his atelier to take a peek at his workspace. It’s wonderful to see his business doing so well.
What influences and inspires your work?
The pursuit of a beautiful life.
How do you like to start your weekend?
With grand plans of adventure and a coffee at Jamie’s Espresso Bar.
How do you like to unwind?
I’m a treasure hunt kind of girl – I love heading off on a roadtrip to scour op shops in forgotten towns.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
A coffee machine that doesn’t switch off at 3:00 pm and time in the sunshine.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Check out Cai Guo-Qiang’s Falling Back to Earth at GOMA.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Catch up with pals for an ‘inspiration hour’. We basically eat cheese and plot our creative ventures.
What are you reading at the moment?
The Pearl by John Steinbeck.
What inspires you?
Assemblage art, clever words and strange relics.
What was your childhood dream?
To go my own way.
What is success to you?
Having a job you don’t need to escape from.
What are your words of wisdom?
Don’t let perfect get in the way of better.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO …
Perk up … Jamie’s Espresso Bar, Fortitude Valley.
Relax … New Farm Park.
Dine … Pearl Cafe, Woolloongabba.
Indulge … The new design section of the State Library of Queensland.
Shop … James Street, Fortitude Valley.
Catch up … Alfred & Constance, Fortitude Valley.
Be inspired … GOMA, South Bank.
