We have heard so many stories from our amazing customers over the last few months and have been blown away by the support we have received. We wanted to show our customers just how much it means to us by introducing the amazing team behind Lulu + Belle. Next up on our 'Meet the Maker' series is our amazing team member, Ciara. Ciara brings so much laughter and energy to the studio. Her experience as a dental technician working with similar processes and tools as jewellery making, made it easy for Ciara to transfer her skills to our workshop.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Ciara, I'm married with 3 children. Originally from the southside of Dublin but loving life in North County Dublin for the past 17 years. I qualified and worked as a dental technician for 10 years, then took a break to raise our children.
2. How did you get into jewellery making?
While working as a dental technician, I really enjoyed the whole creative process of fabricating dental crowns and bridges. I enjoy working with my hands and love trying anything creative. I was following Lulu + Belle online, always admiring their jewellery and at the same time so curious about what was involved in making the pieces. When I saw the job opportunity of a trainee position come up, I thought my skills would transfer well to jewellery making having worked with similar materials, tools and small components. So I took a leap, applied for the job and haven't looked back.
3. What do you do in Lulu + Belle?
I am a jewellery maker at Lulu + Belle. As part of the team, the day could consist of many different tasks such as cutting the silver or gold sheet into custom sized discs, some hand stamping, cutting the chain to custom lengths, drilling, finishing and giving the jewellery it's beautiful final polish.
4. What's your favourite piece of Lulu + Belle jewellery to make + why?
The karma necklace. I love the simplicity of this timeless piece especially the way the light reflects off the gently hammered finish.
5. Do you have a piece of Lulu + Belle jewellery that you love to wear?
I have a petite silver initial necklace with a disc to represent each of my children. I love it and wear it all the time.
6. What's your favourite part of working in Lulu + Belle studio?
My favourite part is getting to work with my hands and creating beautiful things everyday. I also get to work with a lovely bunch of ladies. The commute to work along the coast road is a fantastic additional bonus.
7. How do you spend your time off?
We recently moved house so I have plenty of DIY projects to keep me busy, which I love doing. When I'm not doing that, I love spending time outdoors with the family whether its running or enjoying one of the local beach walks.
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If you are a future bride - congratulations on your big day ! At Lulu + Belle we know how important the small details are and we are here to help with your wedding day jewellery. The right jewellery can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding outfit, while also serving as a cherished keepsake of your big day. For the bride, selecting the perfect jewellery is key to completing your bridal look. Your jewellery should complement your wedding gown and other accessories, while also reflecting your personal style.
Come behind the scenes with us as we give you a look inside the process of hand-making your orders, what's important to us at Lulu + Belle and the values behind what to we do and how we do it. Our hand-made ethos is important to us and we are constantly striving to do our best to balance what's best for our customers, our makers and our planet.
We are absolutely thrilled to have been nominated for the Irish Country Magazine's Irish Made Awards this year. This year their are 12 categories and Lulu + Belle is a finalist to win the jewellery category, along with one overall winner who will be announced at a special awards ceremony at the Morrisson Hotel in October. The overall winner will receive a prize worth €20,000 - and each category winner will be featured in Irish Country Magazine in the run up to Christmas this year.