I was browsing the Internet last year looking for a present for a friend and found by chance Hannah Zakari‘s website. Launched in October 2004 by Glasgow-based Rachael Lamb to sell her own line of jewellery and bags, the site was soon expanded to feature also other talented independent designers from the UK and abroad. I enjoyed browsing the site, though on that occasion I ended up buying something for myself rather than for my friend (ops…). I had the chance of meeting Rachael last year and met her again recently as I needed a few presents for a couple of friends (no, this time I didn’t buy anything for myself, I can assure you…) and picked them directly from her. I’m posting here a Q&A with Rachael, so you can get to know her a bit better.
What inspired you to start Hannah Zakari?
I was already making jewellery as a hobby, and after a particularly bad day at the job I was in at the time I decided there had to be a more enjoyable way to make a living. I was right!
Can you tell us more about your background?
I studied fashion design at university, and I’ve always been a bit crafty, but I don’t have any formal training in making jewellery. I started to teach myself techniques by researching on the internet and trial and error, I quite like it that I’ve not been taught by someone else how to do things so I have to come up with my own solutions which requires some creative thinking at times.
Where do you get the inspiration for your creations?
I start off with something quite basic and see where it takes me. Very rarely do I think too much about what I’m going to make in advance and my ideas tend to form around a particular bead or pendant, or colour combination I like. I use that as my starting point and then try out different things until it ends up as a piece of jewellery and often will get inspiration for a matching or similar piece.
Can you describe us the environment you work in/your studio?
I work from home and have a big U-shaped desk I use for most things – it has an area for making jewellery, my computer, and space for packing up orders. Opposite that I have my sewing desk and fabrics and light box for taking photos. No matter how many shelves or cupboards I add I never seem to have enough storage space so it’s always covered in stuff. Every so often I can take it no longer and have a huge tidy then slowly watch it getting messy again and repeat the cycle!
What would you tell people who want to start crafting their own accessories?
Start small but aim high and make something you are proud of! Who knows where it will take you.
What is the best piece of jewellery/accessory you have made so far?
My favourite piece ever was an asymmetrical necklace of which the focal point was a huge 1930’s mother of pearl pendant strung with shiny black onyx beads, I was very sad to see that one go!
Is there a best selling designer amongst the one on the HZ site?
It’s tricky to answer this as I don’t want to upset anyone! It does vary from month to month, though Hoolala, FluffsStuffs and Eclectic Shock all have a constantly good following, which I think sums up the variety of the stock on Hannah Zakari and my customers perfectly.
Can you tell us more about the other designers on HZ?
I select designers based on how well I think they fit into Hannah Zakari and try to keep the range as varied and interesting as I can. What they all have in common is that they are independent, talented designers that put a lot of love, care and attention into the items they make. When I first started stocking other designers on Hannah Zakari, they nearly all came from the States as there was such a big craft scene going on there already, I’ve stocked designers like Giant Jewels, Frozen Peas for a few years now. However, the indie word is spreading and I am getting more and more designers from the UK, and from as far afield as Belgium and Singapore!
What do you think are more important, clothes or accessories?
Both are important and each should complement the other, but I think accessories can say a lot about a person, even if you work in an office and wear a suit all week your necklace/earrings etc can say a lot about what your real style is.
Are there any famous people among your customers?
Designers on Hannah Zakari have sold to people such as Destiny’s Child, Neve Campbell and Lorraine Kelly.
Do you read any fashion/accessories mags? Which ones?
I kind of gave up reading fashion magazines a while ago and tend to get all my style tips and inspiration online now either in forums or blogs. For the latest indie news I check out The Indie Quarter, I’m a sucker for pretty stationery so I look at Print and Pattern and I love online people watching at The Sartorialist. 
What do you do when you don’t work?
When your hobby becomes your job it’s hard to stop working, but I live in a really lively area with lots to do so there is always something going on to take my mind off work if I need to whether it’s a trip to the botanic gardens or an afternoon in the pub! I’ve recently started to relax at home by baking and am trying to learn how to crochet.
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