A Co Down woman who started her own jewelry business a year and a half ago has talked about the success so far.
Laura McBride, 30, who is from Kilkeel and lives near Saintifeld, says she “had an obsession with jewelery even as a child”.
She launched her business Monday’s Child in 2021 and recently began offering “the first and only permanent jewelery experience” in Northern Ireland.
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Because of the responses she’s had so far, her company will be moving into its first permanent home in early June.
Laura, who is also a housing consultant, tells Be: “[As a child] I dragged my family to vintage fairs and marveled at the amazing antique rings and necklaces for sale. More recently, I’ve even been tasked with helping my friend’s partners choose engagement rings.
Some pieces from Monday’s Child(Image: Submitted)
“I launched Monday’s Child in December 2021 after a year of research. I was tired of paying for jewelry that would discolor or turn my neck green, but I didn’t want to pay for solid gold. After my friend bought a pair of designer earrings which went tarnished after a month, I set to work to find an affordable and sustainable alternative.
“Monday’s Child pieces are vacuum coated with gold on a stainless steel base, creating a much stronger and greener alternative to traditional plating methods. Because of this method, Monday’s Child jewelry will never tarnish, is waterproof and also hypoallergenic.”
Jewelery curation and design led Laura to create her ‘Linked – Permanent Jewelery Experience’ which launched in March this year.
(Image: Submitted)
She said: “Paired permanent jewelry is an exciting new way to celebrate milestones, memories and friendships. Linked is something you can enjoy with your bestie, mom, partner, or to treat yourself.
“The process involves welding together a dainty chain on your wrist or ankle to become a permanent piece of jewelry. Linked, seamless chains are the ultimate friendship bracelet.”
Due to the great response so far, the company is moving to a building in East Belfast.
Laura added: “In the past year it has now grown to the point that I am moving into Monday’s Child’s first permanent premises…
“We will be based at the Portview Business Center on Newtownards Road, East Belfast, along with some other great local businesses.”
The 30-year-old says the response to her permanent jewelry was “incredible”.
‘Linked’ permanent jewellery(Image: Submitted)
She added: “I was so excited to be reaching a wider audience in Northern Ireland and beyond. It has created invaluable brand awareness for me. I pride myself on staying ahead of the jewelery trends while being timeless and sustainable stay I took a risk… launch [the] first and only permanent jewelery experience in Northern Ireland but I am so glad I did.
“The feedback on Linked permanent jewelry experience has been amazing. It’s such a fun thing to do with a friend etc. Short time to offer the experience It really means a lot to share these special moments with customers.
“We are currently sold out of appointments, but will release new ones for June from the end of the month.”
Laura says Linked involves welding a dainty chain around your wrist or ankle to become a permanent piece of jewelry(Image: Submitted)
The entrepreneur told how grateful she is for the support she has received so far.
Laura said, “Honestly, if you had told me I would have gone part-time in my job and been able to pursue my passion for jewelry this way last year, I honestly wouldn’t have believed you! I’m so thankful for all the support and good wishes I received. I may be biased, but my clients are simply the best!”
The Co Down woman added what her other bestsellers are apart from the permanent jewelry experience.
“My best of all time [sellers are] definitely the Stella necklace or Chloe hoops.
“They’re so easy to wear every day and you never have to worry about taking them off,” she continued.
For others in NI who want to start their own businesses, Laura says “just go for it”.
She added, “You can talk yourself out of anything, so long as there’s a clear need or demand for your product, it’s worth the risk.”
You can view Monday’s Child’s website HERE.
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