We believe teachers are trendsetters, many of whom love to play with textures, colours and shapes. One such trendsetter is our very own gorgeous customer and teacher by day, Hannah. When we first met Hannah we just couldn't go past this amazing lady's impeccable taste in skirts; consistently wearing all the colours of the rainbow, paired up so beautifully with our jewels.
Hannah is a devoted mother, a huge support of her community, and has the most eloquent way with words. We just LOVE Hannah's style and how she expresses herself in her own distinctive way.
We had a little chat to Hannah just after she jumped in front of our camera at our latest customer photoshoot.
RO: Tell us a little bit about yourself...
Hannah: I wear many hats that I constantly juggle in an attempt to find the ‘just right’ balance for both my family and for me. Primarily I identify as a wife and mum at this stage in my life. While I am a teacher, I no longer teach full time as my husband travels extensively with his work and we have 3 Primary school aged children who keep me very busy when I’m not in the classroom. I am also the P&C President of my kids’ school and love being able to support the school and the children.
RO: How would you describe your style? Is there a defining moment that helped shape your awesome style?
Hannah: My style, I think, is a bit of a mash-up of classic lines, bright colours and florals. I honestly believe the biggest contributor to my style has been my own mum. She has always taught me the value of classic clothing and dressing for what suits my body rather than for what is in fashion. This has been an invaluable lesson for me as 7 years ago I was diagnosed with a condition called Lipoedema that means I have to wear medical compression tights every day! I’ve always loved skirts and dresses, but now that I wear compression, skirts and dresses are my every day wear!
RO: Have you always loved colour?
Hannah: I have always loved colour, especially when I look back at photos from the 1980’s, but I haven’t always worn a lot of it. For many years my teacher wardrobe was dominated by black, grey and navy. When I was a SAHM my ‘uniform’ consisted of denim and black with occasional pops of colour. I trace my love of bright colours back to when I was dealing with the mental and emotional impact of wearing medical compression. It’s not a lot of fun to wear tights through a Brisbane summer, so I needed something to make me smile and distract both me (and others) from my somewhat unusual ‘accessories’. Wearing colour, and in particular Ruby Olive colour, was the perfect answer!
RO: What do you love about Ruby Olive accessories?
Hannah: My 6 year old son asked me today, “Mummy, why do you love Ruby Olive so much?” After assuring him that I do love my children more than my Ruby Olive accessories, I explained to him that my RO makes me happy. It might sound a little superficial, but when I put on my RO, I feel like I’m putting on an essential part of my ‘armour’ for the day. On days when I’m feeling down, the bright colours remind me that life is more than this. On days when I have a difficult meeting or a challenge to face, I love that I can use my RO to help me ‘power dress’ and walk with confidence. In the school context it never ceases to amaze me how RO will often serve as a conversation starter with children, parents and staff! Once someone comments on my RO, the conversation is sure to flow from there!
RO: Why did you say YES! to being a RO superstar model?
Hannah: I was both shocked and honoured when Skye approached me about having some photos taken wearing my RO. I’m not sure why I said yes. I think it probably had something to do with seizing the opportunity to do something extraordinary. Besides, who doesn’t want to play dress ups with jewellery! I have to say that honestly it was completely outside of my comfort zone as, like most mothers, I am usually the one behind the camera. I loved it, awkwardness and all, and especially the opportunity to spend some hours behind the scenes at RO HQ with my fellow ‘RO superstar model’ Sue, and the beautiful women who make it all happen.
RO: What does being part of the RO Community mean to you?
Hannah: This is where the true beauty of Ruby Olive shines. I adore my RO accessories, but my heart for RO is found within the RO community itself. There is no telling what stories, anecdotes and hilarious selfies will be shared, but in amongst the light-hearted banter, the RO community encapsulates the beauty of what happens when women support other women. We share our celebrations and our struggles, we share our loves and our dislikes, we learn from each other about different cultures and customs from around the globe and, most of all, we have each other’s backs. This friendship, love and sisterhood is what sets Ruby Olive apart for me. We come from all over the world, we have vastly different lives and ambitions and yet, though a common love of RO, the bonds of friendship have formed and we support each other, learn from each other and build each other up.
RO: What are the top three things, or 'rules' you choose to live by?
Hannah: I found this surprisingly easy to answer, which was a shock to me.
- The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
- Living BIG: Boundaries, Integrity, Generosity. This is from ‘Rising Strong’ by Dr Brene Brown. I love her work and how she encourages us to live wholeheartedly and to practise compassion and empathy.
- “Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.” CS Lewis.
RO: Last but not least, if you were to introduce RO to a person who's never heard of the brand before, what would you say to them?
Hannah: It is not uncommon to have someone ask me about my RO jewels. When that happens, I explain to them that I love my jewels, I adore the colours, I can’t get enough of the styles and how RO makes me feel, but that it’s the faces behind RO who make it what it is. I find it so incredibly unique the way that Skye and her team invite us so generously into their RO tribe. They seek input and feedback, and yet they are so genuinely interested in the day to day wellbeing of their RO sisters. There are plenty of jewellery and accessory brands out there, but the loyalty that exists among RO devotees is there because of the passion, love and generosity of Skye and her beautiful team. They, and the beautiful group of women who are part of the RO sisterhood, are what has set RO apart.
Top image: Hannah wears Wonderland Hibiscus Necklace Blue Mix