Finding the right accessories and jewellery that fits your taste is not always as easy as you would think it is, especially in a world of copy cat concepts and cookie cutter bling. Getting a piece that is truly unique and looks great with your specific style and fashion is what many people are after. Gold, silver and platinum are very common for use when buying earrings, rings, necklaces and similar, but have you considered using bronze?
Saje & Sahara was founded here in North Vancouver by Amy Bell who makes custom pieces that she sells on Instagram and Etsy. You should check out her fashionable items that are constantly evolving by learning more about her below and contacting her business at the bottom of the article. If you have a local business that you would like covered on Lonsdale Avenue Magazine you can always contact us to chat.
How did you get started with Saje & Sahara and what do you like about operating in North Vancouver?
Saje & Sahara started out as a passion project. For as long as I can remember I have had this appreciation and love for vintage. I was inspired by the rustic nature and quality of products from the past. Most of the things we buy now are fast and cheap and I wanted to bring the handmade quality back to the goods we buy. I wanted to upcycle and reuse goods and materials and think about the impact of the materials I use. I started making jewellery and clothes for my own personal use and decided to make them available to the public. I operate out of my living room in North Vancouver. I am inspired by the nature that surrounds North Vancouver and the building I live in which was built in 1910.
What are the products that you offer to your customers?
I started by making gold rings for myself because I could never find anything that was organic looking and imperfect. As much as I would love to continue making jewellery out of gold, the price has nearly doubled in the last year. Bronze was a nice alternative because it is affordable and still has the same yellow tone. I was so excited I could make jewellery without it costing a fortune, so I made a collection of stack-able and signet rings as well as pendants which embody the vintage feel through design. Each piece is hand carved then cast out of recycled bronze. I started making linen clothes because I was inspired by a colour palette. I found it hard to find natural fibre clothing made out of earth tones. Linen is such a beautiful and versatile fabric, durable, breathable, and dries fast. All my clothing in the current collection is handmade from organic materials and natural fibres which are eco-friendly. Each piece is designed to be paired with one another and made to be comfortable and effortless.
If our readers want to purchase products from you what is the best way for them to do so?
Though my official website is still under development, when it is up and running it will be sajeandsahara.com, in the meantime I have setup an Etsy store and you can also follow my updates on Instagram by connecting with me using this username – @sajeandsahara
Before operating Saje & Sahara what were you doing for work or a career?
Saje & Sahara is still hobby at this point, my major source of employment is being a hairstylist in the film industry. Now that film has been shut down due to COVID-19 I have even more time to devote to extending my clothing line.
Outside of operating your local business what do you get up to for activities in your personal time?
I love the outdoors so in my spare time I can be found hiking with my dog or rollerblading the trails. I look forward to paddle boarding this summer and catching as much sunshine as I can. I love to travel and experience new cultures and explore areas that are off the beaten path. Some of my favourite spots were only discovered because of happy accidents.
Lastly, is there anything else you might want our readers to know about you or your business?
I just want to have a positive impact and provide affordable goods. I hope more people will think about the impact of fast fashion and support local small businesses in our community. We should all be buying better quality goods that will last a lifetime and are timeless pieces, repairing rather than replacing. Less is more in the long run and will help save our planet from the effects of producing and consuming goods that are bad for the environment.
If you would like to chat with her about her products for sale you can send an email to sajeandsahara@outlook.com or call 778-233-2964
