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. First up on our 'Meet the Maker' series is our incredible team member, Karen. Karen joined the team 3 years ago with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the jewellery industry. She always has a smile on her face. We are so lucky to have her as part of the L+B team.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Karen. I have two sons and live in North County Dublin. From a very young age, I fell in love with jewellery. As a kid, I would play with my mams jewellery box for hours. I loved walking around Dublin city looking at all the jewellery shop windows. My dad is a metal worker and would make me rings out of copper wire and coins; I loved watching him make them. As a result, working with metal came very naturally to me.
2. How did you get into jewellery making?
I started my jewellery journey almost 19 years ago. I did a FAS course in Jewellery Skills during the day and I attended a stone setting course at night. I attended FAS for 4 months and then got offered a placement for 6 months in a jewellery workshop. Whilst working there, I perfected my skills and learnt so much. After I completed my training and finished my course, I got offered a job at a jewellery manufacturers who specialised in fine jewellery. The company eventually moved location and I was unable to continue working there.
3. What do you do in Lulu + Belle?
I am a Jewellery Maker at Lulu + Belle. As a jewellery maker, I work through all aspects of the making process, from start to finish. From cutting discs or hearts out of sheet metal, to hand stamping the customers personalisation details. This could be a date, a message or initials. I also work with wire wrapping and making the earring wires by hand. Everything is hand made and hand stamped in the workshop. I then finish all of the jewellery by polishing each piece to make sure they are perfect. Each piece of jewellery is carefully inspected before it is boxed up and sent to the customer.
4. What's your favourite piece of Lulu + Belle jewellery to make + why?
I really enjoy making all the products are Lulu + Belle jewellery. I especially enjoy making the new Guiding Star collection because I love stars.
5. Do you have a piece of Lulu + Belle that you love to wear?
Yes, I have the silver date and initial necklace with my two sons dates of birth and initials on it.
6. What's your favourite part of working in Lulu + Belle studio?
My favourite part of working in the Lulu + Belle studio is working with the other members of the team. We all get on really well. It really is a great environment to work in.
7. How do you spend your time off?
I spend my time off watching films, going for walks on the beach with our dog Roxy and having fun with my family.
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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.