Born and raised in Newcastle, Katie has been an earring and jewellery enthusiast for decades.

Statement earrings all started for Katie at her first part-time retail job as a teen where she was mesmerised by the accessories wall of retail giant Sportsgirl. Now, Katie lives in Melbourne and spends her time designing and manufacturing her own line of statement earrings under her brand, Fred & Ginger.

The line boasts 85 styles and business is the busiest it’s ever been. Katie’s earrings have attracted attention from people in the public eye, including Nikki Parkinson from Styling You, Shannon Dooley from Retrosweat and Melissa Leong from Masterchef Australia.

Fred & Ginger is currently only available online, however, Katie’s ultimate dream is a shopfront where people can get up close and touch the products, while getting lost in “a world of colour and sparkle”.

Family and Friends

My family means everything to me and this year, not being able to get back to Newcastle to see them, has been one of the hardest. I’m looking forward to a lot of walks along the foreshore over Christmas with my parents and sister. It goes without saying my fiancé Jeremy is my favourite thing.

Makeup

Not many are aware that I also trained and worked as a makeup artist for a few years. With not much to do in Melbourne’s lockdown, I have been picking up the tools again and experimenting with colour – it is great inspiration for my earring designs.

My Dogs

Hendrix and Joplin, our 10-year-old Huskies, are our best friends and have moved everywhere with us. They bring so much joy to our lives, they’re always happy and love nothing more than to cuddle on the lounge watching television with me.

Coffee

We’ve lived in Melbourne for just over a year now and the coffee culture has 100% rubbed off on us. I’m a wannabe coffee enthusiast, Jeremy is the serious one and is very good at it. I get to enjoy the espresso, pour overs, and cold brews he makes.

Hawaii

We have been there four times and can’t wait to go again. In my view, it’s the best place in the world and somewhere that brings me absolute happiness. It truly is a special place, and those that have been know what I mean.