Saskia Teje Jenkins and Paris Nicholson Dish on the Creation of Womenswear Brand Amelie Teje
It's clear that plenty of love and care go into every stunning piece from Australian womenswear brand Amelie Teje, so it comes as no surprise that founders Saskia Teje Jenkins and Paris Nicholson aren't just hard-working style entrepreneurs, but also best friends.
The slow fashion brand takes quality seriously, designing each piece with both lasting wearability and sustainability in mind. Their pieces are made with ethically sourced materials and delivered in sustainable packaging while being versatile and timeless enough to never retire from your wardrobe, ranging from sweats to elegant pieces that'll have all eyes on you. Even Hailey Bieber is a fan! We were delighted to be able to chat with Saskia and Paris to learn all about their histories with fashion as well as the brand in the interview below.
Names: Saskia Teje Jenkins and Paris Nicholson
IG handles: @saskiateje and @parisnicholson_
Hometown: Gold Coast, Australia
Zodiac signs: Pisces and Libra
1. Paris has always loved fashion—though she never saw herself in the industry.
"I spent a lot of time focusing on my studies over the years, so I thought I could apply my business skills to my love for fashion and make something out of it that I really enjoy. The defining moment that made me realize this would be my future was in 2020 when Saskia and I sat down and registered our business name. On that same day we thought of our first ever top design and logo, and it was all so real from then on. The best day ever."
-Paris Nicholson
(Image courtesy of Saskia Teje Jenkins and Paris Nicholson)
2. Saskia's also had a lifelong obsession with fashion, falling in love with the outfits she'd see on TV and in the movies.
"I would go to every clothing store I would walk past and read every magazine I saw. I fell into modeling at 15, and I think the initial attraction to the modeling industry was the fact I got to play dress-up and get paid for it, more than the actual job itself. When COVID hit and the modeling industry slowed down, it gave me a chance to stop and reflect on where I was, and I knew my passion for the modeling industry was slowly decreasing. I always dreamed of having a clothing brand but I never thought I would be in a position where it could be possible, considering I didn't go to university or study fashion at all. But I have always believed that you can learn the most through real-life experiences. I had been around fashion houses, designers, shoot production teams, creatives and stylists for the past five years, listening to their advice and watching them work. That's when I realized I could really make this dream a reality."
-Saskia Teje Jenkins
3. The name Amelie Teje is about two best friends creating something special together.
"It's our two middle names combined. It represents our friendship and our strength when you combine the two together. We really are a yin and yang duo, you couldn't have one without the other. True girl power."
-Saskia and Paris
(via Amelie Teje)
4. Amelie Teje also represents confidence and self-assurance.
"Our mission statement is to deliver unique outfit options to help girls feel ultra-feminine and their most confident selves—standing out from the rest and lasting forever."
-Saskia and Paris
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5. Saskia's favorite item in her closet is the brand's off-shoulder top.
"It comes in so many different colors so I never have a problem with finding one that fits my vibe that day. It is super comfortable but still has the feminine edge with the decolletage showing and the ribbon trimming."
-Saskia Teje Jenkins
(via Amelie Teje)
6. Meanwhile, Paris's favorite is Amelie Teje's Barca Multi-Way Top.
"It's one of the most versatile and complementary pieces in my staple wardrobe. I love how it can be worn to work in the day and then to dinner at night."
-Paris Nicholson
(via Amelie Teje)
7. At the moment, Paris's favorite Amelie Teje piece is the Nara Ruffle Dress, while Saskia wears her Harmony Pant in cream at least three times a week. Saskia's also a big fan of the Bambi Set from the brand's Mi Amor collection.
8. Saskia's favorite piece of advice is "You can do a lot more with love than you can with hate."
"I saw it in a movie and it stuck with me. It's so true, we will do so much for the people and things we love. Hate will swallow you up in the end."
-Saskia Teje Jenkins
9. Paris has two favorite messages that have stuck with her for a long time.
"The first one is 'Learn to be flexible and accept change,' and it was from my dad. This industry is very volatile. Therefore, it's so important to accept when things don't go to plan and be willing to change course quickly. Secondly, 'Always invest in yourself first, business second.' There is no more profitable investment than investing in yourself. When I am feeling my best, I'm able to put 100% into my business, and that's when it's most successful."
-Paris Nicholson
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10. Saskia says the habit of making lists has gotten her to where she is today.
"I cannot get anything done without a list. The joy of checking everything off is the best feeling. Also exercise and healthy eating, I would be so lost without those."
-Saskia Teje Jenkins
11. Paris attributes much of her success to strong self-discipline.
"Especially in high-pressure times or times where I am lacking motivation."
-Paris Nicholson
12. Saskia's current favorite fashion trends are ballet flats and capri pants, while Paris is loving the resurgence of low-rise shorts.
13. Saskia says the most rewarding part of her work is seeing people wear her designs for special occasions when they want to look and feel their best.
"It's an honor to be able to be a part of someone's special memory. All we want to do is make someone feel confident and cool."
-Saskia Teje Jenkins
(via Amelie Teje)
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14. Paris also loves hearing from customers who share how much they love the brand's pieces and how confident they make them feel.
"Also, seeing celebrities like Hailey Bieber wear our pieces was a rewarding moment, too."
-Paris Nicholson
15. Saskia wants the world to know that she's worked extremely hard for what she wants and everything she has.
"I believe in girl power so much. We are truly capable of anything. I hope people can see that through Paris's and my work so far."
-Saskia Teje Jenkins
16. Paris has also been hard at work. After graduating from university in 2020, she juggled three jobs while working on building Amelie Teje with Saskia as a side hustle.
"Up until the end of 2023, I made the leap to take on Amelie full-time and I wouldn't change a thing because I gained so much experience and work ethic from working in so many different industries over the years."
-Paris Nicholson
For more on the stories behind our favorite style brands, click HERE to learn all about Becky Anzaldo and Playa Yama.