1). Where did you business name come from?
Rae & Lilly is named after my two incredible daughters. 
One carries the middle name Rae, the other Lilly — and both are bright, headstrong, creative souls who inspire me every single day. I wanted my business name to honour them, because they are a huge part of why I keep showing up, dreaming big and creating boldly.

Both of my girls are vibrant, unique and unapologetically themselves…
Just like my earrings. 

 2) Tell me about free delivery / Pick up
All orders are shipped from Brisbane, QLD. I happily offer pick-up. Just select the option at checkout or get in touch to arrange a suitable time (I do work shift work, so we’ll coordinate something that works for both of us).

If you choose pick-up, your postage fee will be refunded.

 
3) Do you ship overseas?
Yes, I do!
Because I ship from Australia, international postage costs vary depending on location. If you’re purchasing from overseas, please send me a quick email via the contact page before checkout so I can confirm accurate shipping rates for you.
I love knowing Rae & Lilly pieces are travelling the world

4) Where do you get your inspo from?
Honestly? Everywhere.
As a photographer, I see the world in colour, composition and layers. My earrings are no different. I’m drawn to bold and bright colour combinations, abstract shapes and stepping outside the box.

Travel has also shaped my creative eye — from the breathtaking scale of the Grand Canyon, to the New Zealand Alps, to the electric energy of Manhattan… and of course, the incredible beauty right here in our own back yard.

I’ve seen enough darkness in my “real job - colour lightens my world and Rae & Lilly is my way of creating brightness on purpose.

5). Can you share a bit about your PTSD story?
For a long time, I didn’t talk about it. Up until recently, I worked as a first responder, and like many in emergency services, I believed struggling with trauma meant weakness. It doesn’t.

I was diagnosed with PTSD after being deliberately run over by an offender while on duty, sustaining serious injuries. Years later, I attended another incident that deeply impacted me as both an officer and a parent. That was the moment I knew I needed help. With the support of incredible professionals and loved ones, I began the long (and sometimes gruelling) journey of healing.

Rae & Lilly was born during that process. Creating colour, painting, layering joy — it became my therapy. My counterbalance. My reminder that light exists.

I share this now because strength isn’t pretending you’re fine. Strength is doing the work.  If my story helps even one person feel less alone, it’s worth telling. You can learn more about this side of me *here*

 6). I am not coping and need someone to talk to, can you help?
First — I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way. And please know you are not alone. 
While I’m not a mental health professional and can only speak from my own lived experience, I strongly encourage you to reach out to trained support services who are equipped to help.

Here are some trusted Australian support organisations:

• Lifeline – https://www.lifeline.org.au
• Blue Hope (for emergency services) – http://www.bluehope.org.au
• Black Dog Institute – https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
• Beyond Blue – https://www.beyondblue.org.au
• DVConnect (Domestic & Family Violence support) – https://www.dvconnect.org

Reaching out is brave. It’s not weakness. It’s strength. And there is support available.

If you are in immediate danger or at risk, please call 000.

Reaching out is brave. It’s the first step.

 

 7). How often do you release your products?
Rae & Lilly began with monthly releases, and that’s still my goal!
After undergoing spinal surgery following another workplace injury and relocating to Brisbane, I took some time to recover and reset. I’m now easing back into creating beautiful, bold pieces.

My intention is to return to regular monthly releases — so keep an eye on socials and sign up for updates so you don’t miss out.

 8). Did you say you also run a Photography business ? 
Yep I am a professional photographer and specialise in wedding / portrait photography sessions. I have photographed weddings all over the world! I’m proudly self-taught and deeply passionate about storytelling through imagery.

You can view my work on instagram @sharondawnphotography)