In conversation: Samantha Wills

Founding one of Australia’s most popular jewellery brands (Samantha Wills) from her dining table in Bondi at just 21, Samantha Wills went on to be hailed as “Australia’s biggest export since Vegemite.” Since the closure of her beloved jewellery brand in 2019, Samantha has gone on to be an author, speaker and advocate for independent business owners, creatives and entrepreneurs.

Join Samantha for an intimate evening to talk about her latest book, Marigold’s Magic Stars. She will discuss her entrepreneurial journey, alongside how creativity has played a key role – and how that wasn’t always the case. This book came from Samantha feeling like her creativity wasn’t a key quality when growing up, that being ‘book-smart’ was prioritised by people/schools around her. It’s a love-letter to anyone that has felt their creativity questioned or like it’s not an important/practical attribute. It’s an invitation to all, to follow the path less taken, to follow your heart, your imagination, and your creativity… no matter your age. 

Marigold’s Magic Stars is a stunning book – and a perfect Christmas gift for aunties/uncles, parents and grandparents – Or simply a beautiful keepsake to remind yourself to connect with your inner child and embrace the creativity. Samnatha Wills will follow her talk with a signing/meet and greet. 

WHEN: Wednesday, 4th December, 2024, at Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore. Please arrive at 6:45pm for a prompt 7pm start.

TICKETS: 

1 x Admission + 1 x Book Bundle: $55.00 (excluding external fees), includes admission for one, a copy of Marigold's Magic Stars by Samantha Wills (RRP: $35.99), a glass of wine and nibbles upon arrival.

2 x Admission + 1 x Book Bundle: $75.00 (excluding external fees), includes admission for two, a copy of Marigold's Magic Stars by Samantha Wills (RRP: $35.99), a glass of wine each and nibbles upon arrival.

'One day, a teacher yelled in front of the whole class, “Not everything is about creativity, Samantha!” In that moment, I felt my spirit break. She was right in a sense that not everything is always about creativity, but the way it was delivered made me feel like the only thing I was good at was worthless, a waste of time. Her words imprinted on me, making me continually question my creative value and paving a later foundation for imposter syndrome that would follow me for years.' – Samantha Wills

About Marigold's Magic Stars:

Marigold’s Magic Stars is for every child who’s ever been told to stop daydreaming and for every adult who needs a reminder of the creativity they’ve carried since childhood.

Marigold loves crafting — threading beads, writing stories, and putting on plays for her family. However, she feels a tug of doubt when maths and science don’t come as easily to her as they do to some of her friends.

As worry casts a shadow over her colourful world, Marigold comes to discover that creativity’s true magic is just as much about solving problems as creating new things.

After all, as Marigold learns . . . you can’t spell “smart” without “art”!

In Marigold’s Magic Stars the key themes revolve around the importance of creativity, self-belief, and the idea that there’s more than one way to be smart, with the main message being ‘you can’t spell smart without art!’

About the Author:

Samantha Wills is an award-winning designer, author, speaker, and advocate for the arts. Founding one of Australia’s most popular jewellery brands from her dining table at just 21, which went on to be hailed as “Australia’s biggest export since Vegemite.” Her debut book, Of Gold & Dust, became an instant bestseller, chronicling her journey with raw vulnerability and humour, revealing the realities of a creative founder behind the highlight reel of social media and public appearances. Named a breakout star by The New York Times, Samantha's first venture into children's literature, Marigold’s Magic Stars, was created to inspire children to recognise the importance and intelligence of their creativity.

About Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore

Rated as one of the top 10 bookstores in the world by National Geographic, Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore is an oasis for writers, readers, and coffee lovers. Books overflow from the shelves of their store, featuring a mix of new, second-hand, antiquarian and rare books. Stay a while & enjoy some homemade chai, and amazing coffee, and unearth a book treasure or two. Read more about the bookstore's story here, and about the real Gertrude & Alice here.

"As a creative kid, I lived and breathed arts, crafts, and anything imaginative. Academic subjects came harder to me, but I loved English, especially the creative writing side, though I often found myself struggling with the technical elements. To compensate, I poured extra creativity into my projects." - Samantha Wills