Memories of a childhood spent playing in the bush inspired Anna Anagno to rediscover her passion for nature, through her jewellery brand, One Happy Leaf.
“I had a brilliant childhood—I loved being outdoors as I had an intrinsic love for nature,” says Anagno. “However, as an adult working up the corporate ladder, I felt stressed and that I was losing touch with myself and how I used to be. I was spending less time in nature and fewer moments experiencing the richness of the world.
“I started making jewellery in the evenings as an outlet for stress and walking in bushland on weekends. I found the experience of creating wearable art both rewarding and relaxing. So, in 2013 One Happy Leaf was born. I no longer create jewellery to de-stress, but now I create jewellery that is designed to remind the wearer to reconnect with their authentic selves and with nature.”
Anagno displayed her jewellery at Sydney Life Instyle in February, and was able to connect with retailers who understood the One Happy Leaf approach. “I was very fortunate and honoured to be surrounded by talented stallholders in the First Instyle section—I found the retailers I met to be incredibly supportive of my business and I received lovely feedback. A lot of the retailers really understood the One Happy Leaf ethos—minimalism, uncomplicated and naturally stylish. I am proud and excited to say that I am currently fulfilling many orders that I received at the exhibition.”
To create the jewellery, Anagno hand sketches ideas, often after being inspired by something she has seen on a bushwalk. She then draws the image digitally, before laser cutting it from eco-friendly bamboo wood and assembling the pieces in her home studio.
“My designs are simple and organic, allowing the natural element of the wood to shine through,” explains Anagno. “I believe we are surrounded by beautiful moments in nature, however, we often miss these moments as we are caught up in our busy lives. One Happy Leaf jewellery has been designed to remind the wearer to just stop—to stop being so serious, and to relax and enjoy life.”
Along with a love of nature, Anagno is also passionate about animal welfare, and decided that a percentage of profits from One Happy Leaf should go to animal charities including Animals Australia, World Animal Protection and Free the Bears. “I’ve always been an animal lover, and in 2011 I volunteered at the Elephant Nature Park in Thailand. It‘s a park that cares for elephants that have been abused by the tourism industry. It was an incredible experience, and since then I have believed firmly in being a voice for animals who cannot speak. I wanted One Happy Leaf to reflect these values.”
