In my new campaign simply titled REAL WOMEN, REAL WORDS, I’m celebrating real and uniquely authentic women in a series of stunning portraits and poignant interviews.This campaign features both joyful and solemn portraits of five, 100% authentic Cathy Pope Jewellery customers, as opposed to typical models.
The effervescent and multi talented Willa Cameron and I have been friends since our early 20s when she was better known as Willa O’Neill. Recently reunited through our mutual appreciation of gemstones and jewellery, it’s Willa’s unforgettable smile, energy, sincerity, freckles and uplifting outlook on life that make her so perfect for this campaign. An award-winning actress and now playwright, Willa is best known for her roles in Hercules, Topless Women Talk About Their Lives, Scarifies, The Price of Milk and An Angel At My Table. These days Willa has turned her talented hands to creating Concertina plays for children. Schools commission Willa to write and direct plays using their curriculum and school values. Her plays are unique because they’re based on fun and involvement, performed by 20-200 children and are focussed on participation of everyone as opposed to the old structure of some performing to an audience. Willa is also the creative director of Beop Studios in central Auckland, where we also shot this campaign.
What attracted you to Cathy Pope Jewellery?
A few years ago I was taken by the beauty of a stylish and modern lapis lazuli necklace. The stone was very pretty and the chain big and chunky. I then realised I recognised the name of the designer. Cathy and I knew each other in our 20’s! I was delighted when I received not only the necklace from my family as a gift but also the rekindling of a friendship. I love gems and generally will have a stone or two in my pockets. Now being able to wear good quality stones in fantastic modern settings is fantastic. I have given Cathy Pope Jewellery as gifts because the timeless quality of the pieces suit many occasions. Bonus points for me that I can support my friend’s business
What would you tell your 20 year old self?
Get two pairs of those jeans!
Keep it up! I have had many ups and downs but from these lofty heights of 44 I would have to say there aren’t many regrets.
What are the most important things you’ve learned in life so far?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt in life is that love really is all you need, the connection to your own personal heaven within never fails to solve problems and work miracles when you get out of the way and let it!
Forgiveness is key. By letting yourself forgive you get the blessings, the biggest one is the freedom from the pain you’ve been carrying from the past. As you forgive yourself and others your energy and emotions grow more positive. You are then able to live the life you choose without the heavy energy of resentment and anger weighing you down.
Keep an eye on my social media pages for more stunning images of Willa over the next few weeks.
Watch our behind the scenes clip here and shop Willa’s style below.
