Living the dream
Jewellery designer and keen gardener Melissa Berta has found paradise in Palm Cove.
How would your friends describe you?
After they’ve gotten to know me, most of my friends have said I’m very different to how I come across. I think I seem aloof to people, stand-offish, but I would say that’s because I’m very shy and not very good in social situations where I don’t know people. But I have a bit of a wicked sense of humour when I let my hair down with friends.
What’s something your parents have taught you?
I grew up in Sydney where both my parents worked long hours, so I learnt that it’s normal to work hard for what you want and the harder you work the better your life gets.
What experience has changed the way you view the world?
Travelling to India has had an incredible influence on my outlook. It made me put things I have always taken for granted into perspective. The country is a mass of jarring contradictions – insane beauty, extreme poverty and crazy happiness all mixed up together. I will never forget the kilometres of blue plastic flying into Mumbai, which are the slums. I’m keen to take my children there – I think everyone should visit to realise what’s important in life and how great it is to live here in Australia.
What are you passionate about?
I love beautiful things, which is how I ended up designing opal jewellery and having a shop (Tropical Style in Palm Cove). Unique jewellery gets me every time. I can’t resist anything that stands out, which is why opals feature in most of my jewellery. I also love classic accessories. You can’t go wrong owning good-quality fashion accessories and jewellery because they can be worn for years.
What’s a favourite pastime?
A banana lounge in the tropics with a page-turning book in my hand is one of my favourite pastimes. This is how I love to do nothing. I also like thinking about the next direction we will take for stock in the shop. I’m always changing my mind and being inspired by new things.
What are people surprised to discover about you?
Most people would probably be surprised at how much I love gardening. Moving to the tropics, I am mad about the plants that I can grow here. The way everything flourishes here blows me away.
What are your hopes for the future?
My life if pretty good right now so I just hope my future holds more of the same.
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www.melissaberta.com.au