Five Questions With Molly Coombs Marr

Written by Molly Coombs Marr
on 07 December, 2017

Australiana Earrings – designed and made by Molly Coombs Marr

Molly Coombs Marr With Francis the cat. Image credit Kat Parker Photography

Molly Coombs Marr is an Australian designer-maker based in Sydney. Her handmade collection is inspired by the nostalgic, unique and beautiful parts of Australia and ranges from native flora and fauna, to everybody’s favourite childhood ice-creams. We are super pumped to host Molly for the first time at our Sydney market this weekend. Read on for more. 

How did you come to be a seller at Finders Keepers? 
My childhood has had a huge influence on my design style today. I grew up in a country town in Northern NSW on a small farm. My family spent weekends traveling down red dirt roads to secret beaches and stopping on the way home for hot chips and ice-cream – the quintessential Australian Dream in my opinion. I couldn’t have grown up the way I did without developing this love for all things Australiana.

I developed a love for jewellery design at university and began making big colourful earrings for myself. Some friends began asking for their own and suddenly it clicked that I could start my own business from my love of design, so I gave it a crack and focussed my spare time on building my brand.

My handmade, collection is inspired by the nostalgic, unique and beautiful parts of Australia, ranging from native flora and fauna, to everybody’s favourite childhood ice-creams. Influenced by my love of wearable art, the Australian landscape and our unique plants and animals, my designs explore what it is to be Australian.

Bandy Bandy Snakes Earrings – designed and made by Molly Coombs Marr

Cockatoo Earrings – designed and made by Molly Coombs Marr

Talk us through a typical day in the life of Molly Coombs Marr. 
My workspace consists of a long desk in the living room of my little one-bedroom apartment so each morning I’m able to move straight from brekkie to work. Each day is different, but generally I’ll sit down with some music or an addictive crime tv series in front of me and I’ll begin sketching or I’ll dive straight into creating.

I’ll be joined by my cat, Francis, who insists on sleeping on my jacket at the other end of my desk while I work. Other than him, I design, make and manage everything myself (with the exception of my cute mum and partner helping me out at markets) throughout the week, which can be tough, but extremely rewarding.

Native Bird Earrings – designed and made by Molly Coombs Marr

Rainbow Lorikeet Earrings – designed and made by Molly Coombs Marr

Who inspires you and your creative process?
I’m inspired hugely by the colourful Australiana style of the 80s and 90s, pioneered by Australian artists like Ken Done, Jenny Kee, Linda Jackson and Reg Mombassa. The freedom to use such bold colours and really relatable, Australian motifs has had a massive impact on my personal style and they way I design.

Waratah Earrings – designed and made by Molly Coombs Marr

Seagull and chip earrings – designed and made by Molly Coombs Marr

Tell us about your inspiration for creativity? Is there a Finders Keepers designer who you admire?
Obviously I’m a sucker for anything and everything Australiana, so it’s no surprise I can’t take my eyes off Edith Rewa’s amazing botanical illustrations and the growing collection of clothing by Magpie Goose. Both inspire me to step outside and take in the amazing landscape, plants and animals we have in Australia and they both make me incredibly proud to be Australian.

What has been your proudest moment to date?
That’s a toughie. I’d say it was probably the moment I resigned from my day job to pursue my own business full time. It was only in September this year and it was one of the most gratifying feelings. I am so grateful to the people who have followed my progress and supported me so much that I am now able to live off my designs and the work I love.

mollycoombsmarr.com
instagram.com/mollycm

Rainbow Paddle Pops and Bubble O’Bill Earrings – designed and made by Molly Coombs Marr

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