Interview with Adea Chung - Jewellery Designer at Billy Would Designs and Owner of Billy Would Shop

Can you please share a bit about your journey to embrace creating jewellery from recycled skateboards as a career. Were there signs when you were young that you would embrace a creative profession?

I grew up in a very creative family - both my parents are artists. My father was an amazing wood carver so working with wood was a comfortable medium for me. When I first started creating jewelry in 2007 it was to make gifts for friends and family. I purchased a few small exotic wood boards from Lee Valley and used an old scroll saw. I wanted to make something that I didn’t see anywhere else as well as something that felt like it was my own style. People quickly started asking to buy and had stores reach out to order. 

I realized I wasn’t able to source truly ethically harvested hardwood. I reached out to a few local Vancouver wood workers and made friends along with a steady supply of offcuts and salvaged ‘bits’. Working with recycled skateboards was an easy choice. I had, and continue to have, a great community of skateboarders in my circle who keep me supplied with broken boards. My workshop is filled with bits of beautiful material and stacks of colorful skateboards that will keep me busy for many years.

How did you learn your skills?

I’m self taught and continue to enjoy learning. Growing up with access to woodworking tools was a huge advantage.

Who are you as a designer? Aesthetic? Customer? Brand?

I continue to design and create with the ones I love in mind. I make pieces that I feel bring connection and appreciation to the material (wood) and with a fresh clean design to enjoy for years.

What comes easiest for you as a designer? What is hardest?

I love the actual making! Getting to see a design come to life is so satisfying. It almost always turns out better than anticipated. The hardest is everything that comes after - photography, marketing, selling...

Where do you source the broken skateboards you use? How much of your inspiration for new pieces comes from the material you get? Does inspiration come from other sources as well?

I am blessed to have many friends who skateboard and support what I do. They know to pass on broken boards for recycling or connect me with local skate shops that often have a steady supply. The colours and graphics that are already on the board often inspire the design but having a good supply of boards means I can also design something with a specific colour or feel in mind and chances are good I already have a board that will work for that specific design.

You began in 2007. Looking back over the last 15 years, can you share some of the highs or a funny moment that stands out. Do you have any pieces that stand as favorites?

The highs have always been and will continue to be the amazing people I’ve gotten to meet over the years. From wonderful customers to fellow artists, this gig has brought nothing but the best. I love meeting people who were supporters from the early years and still love and wear their pieces. Since my actual name is not the company name I’m often called ‘Billy’ and assumed to be a man lol.

In 2022 you opened a stunning Billy Would shop that includes not only your work, but offers the work of other local artists. What made you decide to open a shop like this? What was the process or vision used to help you so beautifully balance all the colors, textures and shapes?

 
I think its every creative person's dream to open up a space curated with all the things they love. In June of 2022, I opened the Billy Would Shop. An opportunity came up in East Van and I jumped! No business plan, no prep, just a dream. It was a chance to pivot from the unpredictability of markets and online sales to hopefully building something more long term. 

When thinking of what to bring into the store I knew it needed to aligned with my own values. Slow fashion, ethical, local, small batch, thoughtful and with intention. This means whatever you purchase in the shop is made in Canada (80% in BC). Curating the other featured artists was easy as I’ve met so many amazing designers and creators over the years. It was exciting to get to work together and share their work with others.

In closing, is there anything else you'd like to share with readers? A favorite quote?

 
I’m excited to again be participating in the District section of the IDS Vancouver design show this September 25-28th 2025. Otherwise find me most days at the Billy Would Shop :)

‘We can’t afford to buy cheap things.’  Support quality, local and handmade. xoxo

Links-

• Website - www.billywould.com
• Facebook - www.facebook.com/billywoulddesigns
• Instagram - /@billywoulddesigns