Interview: House of Bounty

Sammy Shah is the 25 year old owner and designer for the jewellery range House of Bounty. She has obvious dedication and a passion for what she does and it's clear that her ideas and plans are as big and bold as her jewellery. Check out the interview, then check out her fabulous range at incredible prices: www.houseofbounty1989.com

 

How long has House of Bounty been around?

We have been around for 4 years. We opened our online Shop in September 2010.  Our first products featured on the website were our Luxurious Lashes and some handmade necklaces and bracelets.

 

What inspired you to begin House of Bounty?

I have always been a creative person. I can remember taking apart and experimenting with jewellery from my mum’s collection.  Working 9-5 was not for me and I wanted to do something I was passionate about, I built House of Bounty to create an outlet for me to use my creativity and inspire people with my designs.

 

Explain exactly what your brand is and what you hope to achieve?

House of Bounty is an online boutique which houses all things glamorous. We want our designs to be worn by women who understand it’s better to arrive late and look good.  We are aiming high at House of Bounty HQ and want to take our Brand international, and worn by fabulous women everywhere!

 

Have you always been interested in fashion/accessories/beauty?

The fashion and beauty industry is my forte. I love keeping up with the latest trends and beauty products. Accessories is my main love though, there are so many ways to glam up a plain outfit with the right accessories. Whether it’s a funky set of arm candy or an elegant anklet, you can be sure to make a statement if you accessories correctly!

 

Who/what are you influenced by?

I must admit, my guilty pleasures are the Kardashians. They always look well dressed and they’re makeup is beyond glam!  

 

 

Your favourite pieces?

My favourite piece from my collection has to be the Hollywood Bracelet. Sparkly is an understatement. There are so many ways to work with this piece; I always layer it with some of our Swarovski & Pearl Bracelets that match the colour of my outfit!

My ultimate neck candy of the moment is the Picasso Statement Necklace, it’s just so funky! I love wearing it over a neon top however obnoxious it is!

 

Your top three beauty tricks?

 These are my 3 rules I live by!

 

I line outside my lip line with a nude lip liner to make my lips appear bigger. My all time favourite nude is the Naked Liner from Mac

 

I don’t have the patience to paint my nails with care, I apply my nail polish carelessly, wait for it to dry and just wash off the messy bits with warm water and soap! 

 

When I have run out of Makeup remover, I grab some cotton pads and baby oil and wipe off my makeup! It takes it off really well plus it’s moisturising too!

 

Your favourite autumn trends?

 My all time favourite autumn trends have to be Dark lips! I love Diva from Mac at the moment.  It’s a dark burgundy and it fits well with the Autumn Colour Palette! Another trend I love during autumn is definitely Sweaters! I’m always cold, nearly all year round too so I have a nice collection of Knits in different colours!

 

 

What's the best thing about what you do?

 I must admit, one of the things I like about what I do is choosing my working hours. As I said before, 9-5 is not my thing! However, the best part about my job is definitely the creative side of it. I love to experiment with different beads, styles and trends. My job role is so much fun, making pretty jewellery, finding pretty accessories to share with you and taking creative pictures to share with you on my social media always good fun!

 

And the hardest?

 The hardest has to be the paper work behind all the glam. I’ve never been very good with numbers and I’m ashamed to admit that I had to re-sit Maths a few times before I got a good mark. All I can say is thank god for calculators.

 

How hands on are you?

 I look after all aspects of House of Bounty so I’d say very hands on! I am the designer, photographer and accountant to name a few. It can get a bit overwhelming but the hard work does pay off!

 

Do you design your own accessories? (if not skip the next question)

 Yes, I design most of the items available in House of Bounty from head pieces to Bracelets. It’s the best part! I feel good knowing I’m wearing or your wearing a piece designed and handcrafted by myself.

 

Explain your design process? 

First of all, research is key! I’m always looking for the latest trends to work off whether it’s the in colour of the moment or a certain style! From what I’ve learnt through my research comes the designs. Sketching out my ideas on to paper and then working from that.After I have a few designs I like I’ll hunt for the pieces needed to create it, from local craft stores to online suppliers. Trial and error comes in here, as I work with different materials to create a piece I am totally happy with and voila we have our new jewel!

 

Where do you source your jewellery and what do you look for in a 

good retailer?

Most of our Jewellery is handmade and I also have a good amount of items sourced from fab suppliers that I have been working with for a few years! I am always searching in craft fairs for beads and pendants and definitely appreciate retailers with unique items!

 

 

What hopes do you have for the future of House of Bounty?

Definitely grow and take over the accessories market! I want Glamorous women draped head to toe with House of Bounty Jewellery.  I also want to expand our range and go into different aspects of accessories! It’s all in my future plans so keep your eyes peeled!

 

What trends do you predict will be popular next year in terms of accessories and beauty?

 I have feeling statement body jewellery and body art will be taking over next year and we’ve already started working around this trend but it’s a secret as of now so I will keep my lips sealed on that!

 

On a more personal level, how do you spend your spare time?

 To be honest, House of Bounty is my baby and I dedicate most of my time working with her. However I do enjoy catching up with my favourite TV shows like Keeping up with the Kardashians and The only way is Essex with a nice cup of tea. Of course, girly nights in and out with my besties, catching up with the latest gossip and not to forget shopping!