Tessa is a totally self-taught jewellery designer. Born in Brazil and brought up and raised in Britain, Tessa studied Fine Art and History of Art at school and university before launching herself into the London commercial art world. After four years in a gallery environment Tessa decided to fulfill a childhood pipe-dream and turned her attention to the world of jewellery. In 2013 she launched Tessa Packard London, a fine jewellery label with statement design and storytelling at its very heart.
WHAT DOES BRITISH LUXURY MEAN TO YOU? Heritage, craftsmanship and integrity.
WHAT’S YOUR VISION FOR THE COMPANY?
To be the next Hemmerle meets JAR.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Barrel racing in a national rodeo.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
Happiness.
WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
Taxidermy.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Playing with coloured pens and paint.
LEAST?
Playing with spreadsheets.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST REGRET?
Printing catalogues with prices.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
The great outdoors.
WHAT WAS YOUR BIG BREAK? Not sure I've had one!
WHAT IS YOUR GUIDING PRINCIPLE?
Always write a thank you letter.
WHICH LIVING PERSON DO YOU MOST ADMIRE?
Any woman at the head of the table.
WHICH WORDS OR PHRASES DO YOU MOST OVERUSE?
One, I suspect, that is unprintable.
WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT?
Too much red wine.
WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
Good humour and eccentricity.
IN A PARALLEL LIFE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?
Working as a cowgirl on a ranch.
WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE ENTERING THE LUXURY INDUSTRY NOW?
It's easy to start a brand, but it's a hell of a lot more hard work to make it successful.
www.tessapackard.com
