THE DESIGNER: Samantha Callender
I’ve always loved jewellery, especially handmade pieces or those made from natural materials. My mixed British-Caribbean heritage and love for travel meant that I have always kept an eye on ‘what else is out there’. I fell into designing and creating my own pieces mainly to have my own jewellery and to share with friends during harder times when buying gifts wasn’t possible. From there the passion for designing new pieces, sourcing the materials and making them by hand grew into a full time hobby, to say the least, of which I am very proud. With BajanBeads I am able to create jewellery that embodies the things I love from my Barbadian and Caribbean roots to the wider African Diaspora. And I hope you love them too! x
#BritishBajan
our roots
BajanBeads’ handmade accessories are designed to bring a small piece of that sense of release that is synonymous with the islands of the West Indies. The vibrant colours and eloquent simplicity of the pieces mirror the natural beauty and creativity of the Caribbean while offering the chance to walk with your own piece of freedom.
the process
BajanBeads’ creative process takes on a spiritual significance for designer Sam Callender, through the channelling of her Higher Power, Mother Nature. Using this energy, her designs bring an originality, emphasised by being self-taught evoking the natural, carefree creativity of the Caribbean, making each piece an event, without “bussin’-a-hole” in your pocket.
our beads
BajanBeads’ pieces are made from an assortment of materials that include ceramics, wood, seeds, plastics, glass, textiles, a variety of shells and others. All materials are carefully and sustainably sourced from markets as far afield as Brazil, Greece, Ghana, Canada, and of course, Barbados bringing a variety that makes for a flexible and assorted design approach. Each piece is created with the intention of either representing the peoples of the Caribbean Diaspora, or depicting a positive feeling or vibration that is reminiscent of island life.