Beach Book Club: Samantha Wills
For our first Beach Book Club of the year, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our muses: writer, creator, speaker, and educator Samantha Wills. Having recently published her first children’s book, Marigold’s Magic Stars, we chatted to Samantha to reflect on her career to date and the importance of creativity in life and work.
In a few short sentences, tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a writer and creative. When I’m not writing books, I’m helping other creative entrepreneurs through my work at the Samantha Wills Institute.
I am a Sagittarius. A feminist. And a lover of salted caramel.
What is your life mantra?
The universe only ever has three answers: yes, not right now, or I have something better in store for you.
Who or what inspires you in your life and work?
I love creating—it’s not a hobby or pastime for me; it’s my lifeblood. I’m inspired by human connection and curiosity. Since closing my jewellery brand, I’ve had so much more mental space to explore and follow what piques my curiosity.
What is the best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?
To know the difference between your thinking filter and your feeling filter. You can talk yourself in and out of anything, but you can’t fake a feeling.
What are the three things you can’t live without?
Three things I’m absolutely loving at the moment, in no particular order:
L’Oréal Elvive Bond Repair Shampoo & Conditioner—if you have coloured or damaged hair, I cannot recommend this enough (just a chemist buy!).
We Are Feel Good Inc. Kakadu Plum Sunscreen—my best friend this summer, and it smells heavenly!
Facials by Nicole Manning—if you’re in Sydney, you have to experience a facial with her. It’s transcendent.
Where are your favourite three places in the world to holiday?
I recently had the experience of going on The Ritz-Carlton Luxury Yacht Collection, and it was the most luxurious experience I’ve ever had—it was incredible.
I spent part of last summer in Mallorca, and it was beautiful!
I really want to explore Iceland and do a fully immersive nature experience.
You recently published your first children’s book, Marigold’s Magic Stars. What was your motivation behind writing this book?
Marigold’s Magic Stars is a story about a young girl who is creative. Her friends are very good at maths and science, and Marigold sees that their report cards say Lily is very smart at maths, and Daisy is incredibly intelligent in her science studies. Marigold wonders where she fits in. She has a very creative mind, but she starts to question whether that makes her ‘smart’.
So, she embarks on a journey where she discovers that there is immense intelligence in creativity—that problem-solving through creativity is how we shape communities and change the world. Ultimately, she learns that you can’t spell smart without art!
I wrote this for all the little creative kids who might feel that creativity is ‘just a hobby’. This book is to show them that creativity is powerful, their ideas are important, and there is a path and a purpose for them in the world.
While the book is written for children, what can adults take away from Marigold’s Magic Stars?
Many adults who have read it message me to say they ended up in tears because it struck such a chord with them—a reminder that as children, we pursue our passions so freely, but as adults, we often find ourselves following paths we think we should take.
It’s a reminder that creativity never leaves us. If we follow our intuition and inspiration—depicted as stars in the book—they will always guide us.
Your memoir, Of Gold and Dust, shares the story of your life and business. What inspired you to tell your story in this way?
I wanted to share my story by paralleling what the public may have seen on Instagram or in the media—the success of the jewellery business and my journey as a founder—with the reality of what was happening behind the scenes, both professionally and personally.
I feel this dual perspective is important in showing the true path of a female founder and the experiences that shape a business journey.
What can readers expect from your memoir, and what do you hope they take away from it?
A lot of vulnerability! I tell this story in a very raw way, and I hope that readers walk away from it feeling less alone—whether in business, life, or their own experiences.
What is your favourite UNE PIECE swimsuit?
The Classic Square Neck! I wear this so much, both as swimwear and as a bodysuit. I absolutely love it.
What do you think of the UNE PIECE brand and its vision to empower and build confidence in women?
I think the brand and its ethos are incredibly inspiring. I love the diversity in your campaigns and admire the integrity behind everything UNE PIECE does.
What are you excited about for the future?
I’m working on a new writing project at the moment, and I’m really enjoying this chapter (no pun intended!) in my career. Storytelling has always been at the heart of everything I do, and I hope the future holds opportunities to write stories for both the page and screen—focusing on strong and complex female characters.