5 minute read
TAKE A STROLL DOWN- ARTISAN LANE
Meet the makers at AGHA's Melbourne Gift Fair, 2023 ! Australia’s most exceptional artisans, the visionaries who breathe life into their creations. Immerse yourself in the brilliance of these extraordinary individuals, in a haven where passion and dedication merge seamlessly to create beautiful works of art. Lose yourself in the symphony of creativity as our artisans work their craft before you and where each creation tells a fascinating story.
Meet Elisa ELISA BARTELS | STAND AL1
Elisa’s career began with a Bachelor’s degree in visual art, with a major in ceramics. Her inspiration comes from the subverting perception that ceramics has in the broader community, and opening up a dialogue by producing works which are approachable, exciting, fun and sexy. Her work is now stocked in various retail stores in Sydney and a three Michelin Star restaurant in Paris.
Meet Nanzita NANZITA | STAND AL3
Nanzita always loves to make things that are simple and beautiful. Her love for colours, florals, nature and fashion are her inspiration in designing the baskets. Nanzita’ Le Panier bags are created and designed by Nanzita and are produced for all women who love to go out! The bags are fashionable, sustainably produced and can withstand rough usage.
Meet Tran GIFTFUL OF JOYS | STAND AL4
Tran Phung is the owner, designer, and maker at Giftful of Joys. She makes and designs quirky, fun and handmade wearable art accessories and giftware that are unique. After years in Engineering, Financial Planning, and Banking, Tran finally found her passion in creating candles, and then gradually grew into fashion accessories, lifestyle and home decor products.
Meet Alejandra KELKAY | STAND AL5
Born in Chile, Alejandra has always created things with her hands. After arriving in Melbourne and discovering language barriers would prevent her from continuing her career as a journalist, Alejandra turned to her other passion - jewellery design. Full of energy and colour, and inspired by her love of Frida Kahlo, Alejandra’s KELKAY collection includes bags, upcycled denim jackets and more.
Meet Vanessa COCOKANELA | STAND AL6
With a degree in Media and Communication, Vanessa Gatica’s passion for jewellery led her to adding silversmithing and 3D jewellery design to her skill portfolio. Vanessa is now CEO of CocoKanela Design, a bohemian-style jewellery brand inspired by her Mexican heritage, love of nature, and harnessing the healing properties of crystals and gemstones.
Meet Ceyda STUDIO BY CEYDA | STAND AL7
After completing a Fine Arts degree in her homeland of Turkey, Ceyda Oktem moved to Australia to pursue a Masters degree at RMIT. It was during this time that her own creative spark was reignited through her passion for candle making. Every candle Ceyda crafts is unique in its scent, shape, colour and texture. ‘I feel so happy when my customers engage with my candles with all their senses.’
Meet Pam PAMDESIGNED | STAND AL8
Born in Chile and arriving in Australia in 1996, Pamela is a jewellery designer and maker. Pamela painstakingly handcrafts intricate wire crochet jewellery using the Peruvian stitch technique, which she learned directly from its sculptor inventor, Juan Pacheco. Pamela’s jewellery is sold in stores in Chile, Sydney and Melbourne, and has been featured at Melbourne Fashion Week. She is passionate about her craft and loves to share her skills.
Meet Naz JEBELI | STAND AL9
Naz Jebeli fled Iran as a teenager in 2013. This traumatic experience was later triggered by the restrictions of Covid-19 lockdowns. ‘...I was inspired to launch my own small enterprise as part of my healing process.’ JEBELI is now a distinguished Sydney-based leather goods company whose forte lies in crafting bespoke, high-end products using only the finest materials and traditional methods.
Meet Macarena BONITA SHOP | STAND AL10
Macarena chose ‘Bonita’ for her business’s name as it’s Spanish for ‘beautiful’, a key word from her daily mantra during her cancer treatment - ‘you are beautiful yesterday, today, and tomorrow’. During her battle with cancer, her love for sewing resurfaced as a way to heal herself. ‘From turbans to headbands and bandanas, I love to create different styles of headwear for women to brighten their days and make them feel beautiful.’
