Meet the maker – Beyond Biasa
Beyond Biasa designs and manufactures jewellery inspired by tribal and vintage pieces from around the globe.
Founder, Annie Mundy, has been collecting antique jewellery during her travels in India and south-east Asia for many years and the influence of this jewellery can be seen in her current collections.
Beyond Biasa works with small family workshops in many countries and benefits from their particular skills, whether it is setting beautiful stones (which the company select personally) or embellishing simple pieces with handmade granulation and filigree work. The collection is continually evolving and Annie and her daughter Jessie (who is now very much involved in the business) oversee everything personally.
We caught up with Annie to learn more about Beyond Biasa…
How did it all start?
I started the business back when I was travelling in India. I discovered a passion for old tribal jewellery when visiting the small villages of Rajasthan. When I returned home I started selling it on a stall at Camden Lock market.
One day I was approached by various retail stores who wanted to stock my jewellery and Liberty became one of my main stockists for many years.
Of course, things change and evolve and the sources of old jewellery started drying up so I started travelling further afield to Bali. Here I developed relationships with small family workshops who were happy to make designs inspired by these tribal pieces and embellishing them with the traditional granulation and filigree work for which the island is famous.
The story behind the name…
The word ‘Biasa’ means ‘ordinary’ in the Bahasa language which is spoken in Bali so when Jessie and I decided to set up a website, it seemed fitting to call it ‘Beyond Biasa’.
Where are you based?
North London, not far from Camden Lock market where it all began.
What inspires you?
Travel. From the colour and energy of India, to the handmade temple offerings of Bali and the intricate doorways of Morocco. And of course, all the people you meet along the way.
What is your creation process?
Playing around with antique pieces from my collection and working out how to incorporate them into new designs.
What makes you, your brand or products unique?
We are inspired by antique tribal pieces which we rework into wearable contemporary jewellery.
What is your next project?
Revisiting my collection of vintage pieces for my next collection.
What is your biggest achievement?
Creating a collection that is unique to Beyond Biasa and being as passionate about what we do now as I was when I started the business.
What is your best-selling product/line?
Our extensive range of hoops.
What do you love about Country Living Fairs?
Meeting all our lovely customers who have supported us over many years and seem to be as excited about our jewellery as we are!
Your top tips for crafters and makers…
Start small and keep it personal.
Any advice for fledgling businesses…
Follow your passion!
Read more about Beyond Biasa and shop Annie’s products at: www.beyondbiasa.co.uk