A Love Letter to the Sea: The Story Behind Baby Blue Jewellery

Born from a deep reverence for the ocean and a passion for natural beauty, Baby Blue Jewellery is more than just a brand—it's a soulful expression of artistry, sustainability, and timeless design.

What began as a creative outlet rooted in nostalgia and organic form has evolved into a conscious jewellery label that balances understated luxury with ethical craftsmanship. Inspired by the fluidity of the sea and the raw elegance of materials like baroque pearls and shells, each piece tells a story—crafted with intention, care, and a commitment to preserving the world it draws from.

At the heart of Baby Blue lies a creative spirit that embraces imperfection, celebrates individuality, and invites wearers to connect more deeply with the jewellery they choose to cherish.

Join me as I speak to Creator and Founder Rachel Berntsen about the process behind her creations and Baby Blue Jewellery. 

What inspired the creation of Baby Blue Jewellery, and how did your initial vision evolve into the stunning, sustainable brand we know today?

Baby Blue Jewellery was born from a love of the ocean and the effortless beauty found in nature. I wanted to create pieces that felt organic, unique, and personal, carrying a sense of nostalgia while remaining timeless. Over time, sustainability became an even greater focus, shaping how I source materials and design each collection.

Nature plays such a key role in your designs. How do you incorporate the elegance of the ocean and natural textures into each piece, and how does creativity fuel your collections?

The ocean has always been a source of inspiration—its movement, textures and sea life. Baroque pearls, shells, and raw gemstones reflect this beautifully, each carrying its own character and natural imperfections. Creativity is at the heart of every collection, and I love experimenting with organic forms to craft jewellery that feels both refined and effortlessly undone.

Your curation of materials, such as baroque pearls, shells, and gemstones is stunning. How do you ensure they are sourced responsibly while preserving the beauty and integrity of nature?

Sustainability is a priority, and I work with suppliers who share that commitment. Our baroque pearls are ethically sourced, ensuring minimal environmental impact and fair working conditions. I also focus on small-batch production, with zero waste and making sure every piece is treasured rather than mass-produced.

In a world dominated by fast fashion, Baby Blue Jewellery promotes timelessness. How do you design pieces that encourage mindful consumption and remain cherished for years to come?

I believe jewellery should tell a story and be worn for years, not just seasons. I design with longevity in mind—choosing high-quality materials like sterling silver and gold-filled hardware along with classic yet modern silhouettes that transcend trends. By offering custom sizing and thoughtful craftsmanship, each piece becomes a meaningful keepsake rather than a fleeting purchase.

Your aesthetic and understanding of luxury feel both modern and timeless. How do you achieve this delicate balance in your designs?

It’s all about restraint—letting the materials speak for themselves while focusing on balance, proportion, and subtle details. I love the contrast of refined simplicity with organic elements, creating jewellery that feels effortless, yet intentional.

Jewellery can be such a personal form of self-expression. In what ways do your designs mirror your own personality? And do you ever find yourself completely absorbed in the creative process, losing track of time as you bring your ideas to life?

Absolutely! Creativity is my greatest joy, but also my greatest struggle. It’s all I want to do, and when I’m not creating, it almost feels like a physical ache. I often get completely lost in the process—you have an idea and just hope you have the pieces and skills to bring it to life. That deep immersion is what makes the creative journey so rewarding.

How does working toward goals that reflect your values and contribute to a greater purpose bring you a sense of meaning and fulfilment in life?

Building Baby Blue Jewellery with sustainability and authenticity at its core gives my work a greater sense of purpose. Knowing that I’m creating pieces that people cherish—while making conscious choices to respect the environment—makes the journey fulfilling beyond just aesthetics.

How does achieving personal growth in your business and setting purposeful goals enhance your sense of fulfilment and overall wellbeing?

Running a business is a constant learning experience, and that growth is deeply rewarding. Setting meaningful goals—whether it's improving sustainability practices or refining my designs—keeps me motivated. Seeing Baby Blue Jewellery evolve while staying true to its essence brings a sense of balance and fulfilment that extends far beyond the brand itself.

To learn more about more, visit Rachel’s beautiful creation at https://www.babybluejewellery.com.au/shop and follow her work on https://www.instagram.com/babyblue.jewellery/ and inspiration on https://au.pinterest.com/babybluejewellery/

In conversation with Australian Actress Cassie Howarth

Cassie Howarth is a talented Australian actress whose career continues to rise with standout roles in major projects like Life After Fighting, Deadly Price for her Pretty Face (Lifetime Movies US) and Home and Away (7 Plus), among many others. Cassie has earned a reputation for her versatility across television and film, captivating audiences with her performances and her ability to bring depth to every character - she brings authenticity and nuance to every role. I recently had the chance to chat with Cassie about her journey in the entertainment industry, her approach to wellness, and the challenges and rewards of maintaining balance in such a demanding profession.

Cassie, you've had some incredible roles in recent years, including your work in Life After Fighting, Deadly Price for her Pretty Face (Lifetime Movies US) and Home and Away (7 Plus). What was it like stepping into those characters, and what drew you to these particular roles?

For Home and Away, my original storyline, which evolved over the course of three years, focused on my character, Hannah, rescuing her niece and nephew from a cult. I was drawn to her courage and loving instincts. As the character developed, I was fortunate to explore different sides of her, which kept me challenged and pushing my boundaries as an actor. It was such a fun and rewarding experience.

For my most recent project, the action film Life After Fighting, I played a single mother escaping a domestic violence situation. I was drawn to the character’s courage and perseverance, as well as her maternal instincts and deep love for her son. I love portraying women who display tremendous strength in real-life situations, but who also aren't afraid to show their vulnerability, fear, or self-doubt. I think it’s important for audiences to see real, well-rounded depictions of women in all their glory and imperfections, as it allows them to relate to the characters more authentically.

You’ve been part of Home and Away for many years as well. How did being on such a long-running series shape your career and your approach to acting?

It was a fantastic experience. I learned a lot about acting – it was almost like attending a three-year acting school. But I also learned how to be part of a large ensemble cast, which has been invaluable for my career moving forward. I’m incredibly grateful for that opportunity.

Given the physical and emotional demands of acting, how do you mentally and physically maintain your wellness? Are there specific practices or routines you follow to stay grounded?

Staying physically active is key for me during any acting job. It helps me stay focused, and in between roles, it supports my mental well-being.

I started out as a dancer, and that physical discipline has stayed with me throughout my career. If I can do a dance or yoga class after a really emotional day on set, it helps release any built-up tension and allows me to let go of the character and reconnect with myself.

I also practice daily meditation, which I started in my early twenties when I first moved to New York City. I was introduced to it there and haven’t looked back since. I’m always recommending it to people!

Balancing work with personal life can be challenging in the acting industry. How do you find time for yourself, especially with such a busy schedule across multiple projects?

I learned a while ago that it’s essential to keep my priorities in order, because they dictate how I spend my time. Work is a priority, but the relationships in my life will always come first. When I’m spending too much time working and not enough with family and friends, that’s when I start to feel stressed. Everything suffers if you’re not clear about what’s most important to you.

What grounds you most in your wellness routine, and have you implemented something new recently?

Physical activity grounds me the most because it takes me out of my head and back into my body. When I was younger, I did a lot of yoga, but then I stopped for a few years. Just this year, I started attending regular classes again, and it feels amazing! I’d forgotten how much it’s both a physical and mental necessity for me.

What do you like to do outside of your career to recharge and stay balanced?

I love being in the saltwater – whether it's surfing or swimming – it recharges me and helps me stay calm. Perhaps it’s because I grew up near the ocean, but I find it incredibly healing.

Do you have any favourite hobbies or activities that help you fuel your creativity, and why do you think these are important?

In addition to what I’ve already mentioned, I love going to see live theatre. It’s a form of art that’s truly present and in the moment. Good theatre is a wonderful reminder of what it’s like to be fully alive in a scene, reacting in the moment. I always feel inspired to work harder as an actor after watching a great play.

With your background in dance, you must have a unique perspective on movement and body awareness. What advice would you give to others about the importance of movement, whether it’s for personal wellness or enhancing a skill or craft?

I may have already touched on this, but I believe human beings are designed to move – we are physical creatures. We’re not meant to sit in front of a computer or stare at screens all day. It’s not only degenerative for our bodies, but it also stifles our creative minds. The less we stay in our heads, ruminating on unhelpful thoughts, the better.

The human body is made for strength, agility, and flow. Anything you can do to reconnect with your physical being is going to benefit not only your body but also your creative mind.