In the Bag: Gabriella Pereira

Growing up in an environment where I watched both of my parents work incredibly hard instilled in me that you can enjoy working very hard if you can find passion and fulfilment in what you do. My role within Beare Park doesn’t feel like work, but rather an extension of myself where I’m lucky enough to seek creative fulfilment and purpose. I’ve never consciously tried to find purpose in my work, instead, I have built a job around a purpose to create objects that hold emotional and physical value.

At school and university, I studied Science and Maths and I thought my career would follow that path. I was working in a job, that I loved, in finance when I had the opportunity to start Beare Park. While it was a risky career change, it was always percolating in the back of my mind. I was twenty-six and simply figured “Why not?”—I could always go back to a 9-to-5 if it didn’t work out. In many ways, not coming from a traditional design background has been an advantage as I am super focused on details and delivering a product that I would be excited to purchase (and I am a very discerning customer).

It is impossible to describe a ‘typical day’ when you’re involved in a young business—but that’s the best thing about it! There is never a dull moment running Beare Park. My time is split between designing, managing production and marketing (in all of its forms), amongst other things. Each day is varied and involves a lot of face-to-face time with our growing community of makers, and suppliers, not to mention our incredible team in-house. I love the amount of talking with makers and puzzle-solving that is required in my job—both of these things are guaranteed in a typical day in my role.

I would describe my style as classic and simple. I have never enjoyed overcomplicated dressing, and will generally try on a few outfits before leaving the house before settling on the first thing I tried on—usually consisting of the staple Beare Park pieces I wear on repeat. I tend to gravitate toward relaxed tailoring and oversized silhouettes, but I’m always guided by what I feel comfortable in and go through style phases of being attracted to a particular look or individual piece (I think that’s normal). I always feel great in black, so that’s my go-to if I’m ever feeling wobbly about what the day ahead may have in store. My style has evolved through growing confidence in knowing what I love and having fun with decisively simple styling and sourcing (and also creating) classic pieces.

My most cherished pieces are my Grandmother’s rings. She was super glamorous and loved exotic gemstones set in yellow gold (I may have inherited that penchant). Most of them were handmade in Sri Lanka which is where my Dad’s side of the family is from. I feel so close to her when I see her rings on my fingers!

We are so lucky to have such a close relationship with our community of crafts people and suppliers, the majority of which are just a short drive from our Redfern studio in Sydney. They all have a profound understanding and commitment to quality and true craftmanship; something that can be appreciated and enjoyed when wearing each piece. I feel so grateful to spend time with the artisans who are such a treasured part of the Beare Park identity. I am most inspired by these creators in our own supply chain—I learn so much from them every day.

I love routine! I rise early—I just got a standard poodle puppy so I’ve been walking him first thing down to a small café, Richies, in Darling Point. They heap the good type of chocolate on their cappuccinos and also make excellent fresh juices. After my coffee and juice, we stroll home and I’ll have a long shower. I get so much thinking done in the shower, I just love it. Most mornings I’ll even have a second coffee in there. I also value my morning skincare routine and would feel very unsettled if I didn’t complete it (consisting of at least: La Roche Posay Effaclar Cleanser, Tatcha Face Polish, Emma Lewisham Face Crème Riche, Skinceuticals Ultra Facial Defense 50+). Then, I’ll try on ten outfits, go with the simplest black one and rush out the door—because by this point I’m usually running late!

Right now, for me, work and life are fused. I’m so passionate about my work and we are deep in a growth phase. It has been such a valuable lesson to learn that you can’t schedule creativity and good ideas. Sometimes the best concepts will pop into my head while I am driving, walking, or having a conversation with a close friend. My mind is always ticking away on Beare Park, but I don’t chain myself to the desk 24/7 by any means. To invite true inspiration it is important to switch off from the day-to-day and spend time with a calm and clear mind. My happy place is my home, in the kitchen. I love my space and spending time amongst all my favourite things, food, and people.

I don’t consider myself as ‘organised’ in the traditional sense. I get a lot done but not always in a straightforward way... I feel it’s the nature of the beast which is running a young business and working in a creative field with lots of different plates spinning.

My everyday bag is the Yu Mei Teresa Tote in Coffee Suede. It’s the perfect size and shape, and the best carry-on handbag because it’s perfectly rectangular so you can organise its contents neatly like Tetris. I travel a lot and it’s by far my favourite long-haul companion.

In my bag, you will always find BYREDO Camomille d’Anjou lip balm (it’s the perfect not-too-glossy lip hydrator and the packaging is chic), the Chanel hand cream that’s shaped like an egg, Khaite Oval Sunglasses, mints, Nurofen, laptop, notepad, a few loose pens, keys, and a debit card. I usually travel pretty light and I don’t have a wallet.

My biggest tip for travelling is to use packing cubes—they changed my life! And I always take a portable steamer, regardless of whether I’m going to Melbourne for twenty-four hours or Paris for two months. Ahead of time, I love to look at the tips and seat maps of any aircraft I’m travelling on via SeatGuru to make sure I’ve picked the best seat available. A bad seat choice can make all the difference to a long trip.

The piece of advice that I would like to pass on is: always know what you don’t know, and never feel stupid to ask basic questions. Usually, everyone can tell you don’t understand anyway, and I always admire people who pause and ask, “What do you mean?” I feel that takes true strength.