Haute Style
When you discover Something Samarah’s souvenirs, you feel a connection with the treasure.
When in Barbados, savvy shoppers head to the inland parish of St. Thomas to snap up the classic tableware made by Earthworks. But next door to the pottery is a new and equally ap atelier of local designer Samarah Comissiong, who’s making a name for herself with her porcelain jewelry and handmade accessories. We caught up with her for the skinny on the island’s newest souvenirs. Creative Roots
“I grew up in a household where creativity was encouraged. And I was pretty terrible at academic subjects anyway, so I ended up applying to Central Saint Martins in London on a whim. Ceramics was the last thing I ever thought I’d do, but the course exposed me to the vast industry that is ceramic design. That’s where I learned to solve problems like a designer, one who just happens to use clay as her medium.”
Accidental Inspiration
“I’d been back in Barbados and working in retail for about a year when I realized that people were ready for a different kind of souvenir. So I started making hand-printed jute clutches on the side. When a customer asked me to make her some mala beads, I remembered a bag of porcelain clay that had been accidentally shipped back with my stuff from England. I rolled the beads out of it [and] had them fired and strung into a necklace. The finish wasn’t the best, but people loved them! I hired a friend to string the beads — she’s still stringing for me today — and from there my porcelain line has evolved into bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.”
Love at First Fire
The Love Necklaces take about a week to make. First the beads are rolled, and then they have to dry thoroughly to prevent cracking after firing, which takes about five hours. It takes about an hour to string each necklace by hand, with little knots in between each bead. I fire the ceramic hearts separately, attach them to beads, and then rub the whole thing down with coconut oil to deepen the color. The oils in your skin keep the unglazed clay from becoming brittle, so feel free to wear your beads every day!”
#ShopLocal
“Being from an island that has a high percentage of imports, it’s important to me that my products are made locally. I hand-paint and print my bags — even the leather straps are made here — and they’re put together by a seamstress who’s been with me since the beginning. We’ve been conditioned to think that everything from ‘over and away’ is better, but my mission is to prove that the Caribbean has a lot to offer and that our perspective and style is relevant.”
Daily Delight
“I believe jewelry should be a statement, not an afterthought. And I want my pieces to be everyday delights that you throw on as you’re heading out the door. My customers are conscious consumers who connect with the artisanal process behind the product. They aren’t afraid of color and they consider my accessories to be wearable art.”
Caribbean Pros and Cons
“With longer shopping times and high import duties on material, the back end of doing business from the Caribbean can be difficult. But it’s also much easier to create a niche for yourself here. We were color-blocking and print-clashing [in the islands] long before it was trendy, and now I consider those things my super powers! I like having limited materials to work with as it forces me to get creative with what I have. And the Caribbean culture — which is a really special thing — constantly feeds my work. I wish I’d moved back home sooner!”
I’m With The Brand
“I named my brand Something Samarah to allow myself space to create whatever I want. And I always want to be a brand that people feel they’ve discovered for themselves. Always handmade, something you treasure, and really connect with. I want my brand to be authentic to who I am, and vice-versa. After all, I am Something Samarah.”