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Of Gold and Dust  By  cover art

Of Gold and Dust

By: Samantha Wills
Narrated by: Samantha Wills
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Publisher's Summary

I tried so hard to find balance between my creative career and my personal life, but the more I tried to separate them, the more balance eluded me. It was only when I began to fuse the two that I realised there is no such thing as having a creative career and a personal life - there is only a creative life. That realisation and the freedom it gave me remains one of the most significant of my life.

Samantha Wills started her self-titled jewellery company on the kitchen table of her share house in the eastern suburbs of Sydney when she was just 21 years old. While her rise to the global stage looked meteoric to many, Samantha has said 'It took me 12 years to become an overnight success.'

Following Samantha's journey, from being named a breakout star by The New York Times to barely being able to breathe on a hotel room floor, Of Gold and Dust is so much more than a business memoir. In her unique, confessional tone, Samantha tells the intimate details of her life and business, sharing her truths with a rare rawness and vulnerability.

Funny, down-to-earth, revealing and heartfelt, Of Gold and Dust is a must-listen for anyone who has a desire to start their own business or a passion to live a creative life and follow their dreams. Her story is an inspiring blueprint for getting out there and finding the magic that awaits you.

©2021 Samantha Wills (P)2021 W F Howes

Critic Reviews

"Breakout star." (The New York Times

"A tycoon of her times." (The Sydney Morning Herald)

"Wills is not afraid to talk about the challenges she faced...the good and the bad." (Forbes

What listeners say about Of Gold and Dust

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This book is exquisite!

Of Gold and Dust is truly the loveliest, deeply heartfelt, and inspiring book I’ve ever listened to. Samantha’s narrative voice is as beautifully articulate as her written words.

A wealth of enduring personal and entrepreneurial strength, wisdom, passion, experience, and ultimate creativity encompassed and captivated my heart from beginning to end.

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Loved this book! Couldn't put it down.

I loved this book so much! Such an inspiring and real story of her journey through starting a company and building a brand.

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Divine. So damn divine.

I want so badly to write a full review, but find myself speechless. As a jewelry designer who’s been selling and making jewelry for a decade now, but haven’t felt my heart in it the last few years, who shares so many similarities to Samantha Wills, I felt like this book was written for me. And though I have no strong answers as to what’s next, I’m just glad Samantha shared all that she did. I’ve got the keys I need to follow what’s next and what feels divine.

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Real & Insightful

A really interesting book. I listened to it all in one day. I found her story very inspiring and excited to see what she does next.

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  • Miss Belinda Mann
  • 09-19-22

Absolutely loved this book!

I listened this book in 2 days. Samantha narrates beautifully. I didn’t want it to end and found it inspiring on a lot of levels.

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 04-27-22

Amazing

Absolutely loved this, couldn’t switch it off. Definitely recommended this to friends. Samantha is an inspiration.

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  • Dee
  • 09-24-21

Such a beautiful book

I really enjoyed listening to this memoir; it is so well written. Being from the UK, I had not heard of Samantha Wills before, but somehow came across her book as I am starting my own jewellery brand. I’m so glad I did as it was exactly the inspiration I needed to keep following my heart and keep creating. Her story resonates with me so much, and I’ve now signed up to her Masterclass- I can’t wait to see where that takes me!

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  • hollie
  • 06-11-21

I literally did not want this book to end!

What an amazing and inspirational journey, thank you for sharing it with us! this is up there with my favourites.

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  • tracy moorhouse
  • 05-30-21

Came to me at the right time in my life!

If I could give more stars for this book I would!! This book came to me when I needed it!! After catching snippets here and there because of busy schedules I have finally managed to listen properly and it resonates so well with me. I am at that crossroad mentioned and I know which direction I need to go. Thankyou for this very inspiring book, it gave me tingles and made me cry at the sheer sameness we both share. I hope you are well SW xx

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  • jane
  • 04-23-21

Loved every word of it

totally engaging and moving. a journey through her creative ness her life and of love. a must read

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  • lc
  • 04-23-21

Wow!

What am amazing listen. Written and narrated beautifully by Samantha I was hooked from the get go. I will be listening to this again

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  • Anonymous User
  • 12-13-21

Loved it

Must read, what A fascinating journey, especially great for small business owners. Easy to listen to, SW is easy to relate to

1 person found this helpful

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  • Anonymous User
  • 09-29-22

Surprisingly sophisticated and raw

I (wrongly) assumed it would be a pretty story of large success. I really enjoyed this book, Samantha’s voice is also very pleasant listening. I took a lot away from this book and will most certainly listen to it again down the track. It is very creative writing, I think this new career path will serve you well. Well done SW!

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  • Caitlin
  • 04-22-22

Incredibly raw and inspiring

I could not stop listening. Such an open and honest recollection of an incredible brand, built by an incredibly talented and inspiring women! I highly recommend this to any creative soul, especially those starting on their own entrepreneurial journey.

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  • Rachel Trevarton
  • 12-11-21

Highly recommend

Loved this book, so authentic & inspiring. I read it in two days. Highly recommend it!

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  • Anonymous User
  • 11-10-21

Hands down one of the best

Such an incredibly written memoir. I’ve read it once and listened to it as well. Samantha has an incredible style of storytelling - it’s raw, real and inspiring. Will read again for sure.

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  • Buyer
  • 11-07-21

Truly loved it!

Very authentic and inspirational book. I’m recommending it to all my friends! Thank you Samantha for sharing your story!

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  • SophieXXHenry
  • 11-05-21

Fun to listen to

Samantha shared openly and explored her interesting life events with the listener. It was super enjoyable and an easy listen that I appreciate it very much 😍

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 10-27-21

Loved this !

Firstly I would like to say this is the first book I’ve listened to from start to finish ever!

Thank you for sharing your story Samantha. What made it even more magical was you narrating it & making the listener (myself) feel really connected to it. Your story has ignited the spark in me which I let go dim for far too long. You’re a true inspiration. Thank you for sharing your gifts with the world. Much gratitude, Tanya x

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  • Anonymous User
  • 08-29-21

Brilliant

Beautiful and inspiring. Definitely in my top book list. I’ll be recommending this to many. Thank you for being so honest xo PS I’m crying writing this. I loved it so much.

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  • Milena
  • 08-28-21

Loved it!

I was pleasantly surprised as I didn't know much about Samantha Wills before listening to this book. She's funny, strong and candid about love, friends, business and her journey along the way. A very good read especially for those starting out in a creative industry.