We had the chance to catch up with Amor Carandang —owner and half of the design mega-team behind Hunt Amor studio — right before the launch of her (and partner, Chris Provins’) new collection Kindred. Since creating her first pair of earrings in 2003, Amor has grown her following to include people from around the world, while still maintaining the personal connection that makes each Hunt Amor piece so special.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Amor! Tell us a little bit about about yourself…
Hi! I’m AMOR!! I’m a sucker for toasted sandwiches. I have a last name that no one remembers and a first name that people mispronounce.
How did you get involved with designing jewellery? What were your influences growing up? Who currently inspires you?
I love good design: details, simplicity, connection. I got involved in design by being curious, fearless and willing. Influences and inspirations start with people, their stories, and connecting meaning.
How did you come up with the concept for Hunt Amor? What was your inspiration?
Hunt Amor is the pursuit of love for the bold & fearless.
Do you have a company/self mantra or philosophy around Hunt Amor?
Stay Hungry.
When did you design/make your first piece of jewellery and what was it?
I designed and assembled some kick ass beaded earrings for my best friend’s 18th birthday about 12 years ago! Haha, I was super excited to give her something made for her and significant to who she is.
I got involved in design by being curious, fearless and willing. Influences and inspirations start with people, their stories, and connecting meaning.
Is there a particular unique custom order that stood out from the rest?
The most recent wedding and engagement bands have been pretty unique in the way that we take everyone through the same process, but everyone shares a different story for us to draw upon.
Getting the opportunity to design for someone after getting to know their stories, what they’re passionate about, and connecting who they are to something we can design for them is incredibly humbling and it brings a different experience with each and every individual or couple we work with.
It would be unfair to single out one particular story, because we learn so much from all of them and every custom piece turns out different and symbolizes something unique to them.
We see that your jewellery has been featured in Fashion Magazine’s coverage of The Works Golden Summer Gala, Edmonton’s biggest Art and Design Festival. If you had to name your proudest moment to date as a business owner, what would it be?
The moment we get to uncover who we get to work so closely with, is a total win and so crucial to the job we do. We get to be a part of this creative process with people where they trust us and share with us. We’re helping them create something that’s meaningful and symbolic of who they are. It’s crazy to think that these are pieces they could have for a lifetime, or even get passed onto the next generations.
be open to making mistakes, and spend the time to analyze and learn from why they happened in the first place.
If you would like to see your jewelry on anyone in the world, who would it be?
I love seeing people who make our pieces their own; when the piece resembles who they are and what they’re about. We try not to be fussed with which celebrity is wearing our goods, in the sense that we crave ‘trend’ or status. Though seeing our goods on individuals who are bold, fearless and defined as individuals always makes us a little proud.
How do you find balance in your life? Do you have any hobbies or activities you like to do outside of your work?
I balance things that help feed good vibes and a healthy perspective. LOVE my time with close friends + fam, travelling, fitness, knowledge and constant learning.
Are there resources or an app that help you in your daily life, or help you stay organized or in check?
Things that help keep me organized: Google Drive, Evernote and Clear. Totally recommended.
Is there a book that you would recommend that inspired, influenced or helped you in your life?
My sketchbook comes with me everywhere and it holds a collection of things that fancy and inspire me.
What words of wisdom or advice would you give to anyone looking to get started in the jewellery business? What is the one mistake you encountered when starting a business that you would warn others in the same situation of?
Mistakes: oh man, I made SO many, it’s hard to count them. I would just say, be open to making mistakes, and spend the time to analyze and learn from why they happened in the first place.
What is your favourite restaurant and/or coffee shop in town?
There are so many good ones to choose from! But one that stands out is Cafe Bicyclette in the wintertime! I love that they celebrate winter! Go in, and have a coffee or meal in the winter; you’ll see their patio all set up with a fire pit, heaters, a stage for entertainment, and trees surrounding —so awesome.
I also love the Red Goose in Hazeldean “oh happy day!”. The Red Goose is a restaurant that looks like a diner from the 50’s, family owned and operated and serves breakfast and some Korean dishes all day! Get the spicy beef with rice and an egg added to it. You will love it!
If you had to pick a favourite place in Edmonton to take a breather, let loose, or to soak up the city, where would it be? And why?
The Common. The place, the people, the vibe…the Common has soul and it just feels like home. Talk to the people who own it, work there, or go there and you’ll know why it resonates with “Edmonton”.
What are you currently excited about? Are there any new projects in the works? What’s next for HUNT AMOR?
We’re super pumped for our new line, Kindred. We finally get a chance to showcase some of the skills we’ve been growing since our rebrand in 2014, as well as celebrate some of the amazing people we’ve worked with along the way.
Online: www.huntamor.com
Instagram: @HuntAmor
Facebook: Hunt Amor
