A Co Down woman who launched her own jewellery business a year and a half ago has told of its success to date.
30 year-old Laura McBride, who is from Kilkeel and lives near Saintifeld, says she "always had an obsession with jewellery even as a child".
She launched her business Monday's Child in 2021 and recently began offering "the first and only permanent jewellery experience" in Northern Ireland.
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Due to the response she has had to date, her company will be moving to its first permanent premises at the start of June.
Laura, who is also a housing advisor, told Be: "[As a child] I’d drag my family round vintage fairs and marvel at the amazing antique rings and necklaces for sale. More recently I’ve even been entrusted with helping my friend's partners choose engagement rings.
"I launched Monday’s Child in December 2021 after a year of research. I was sick of paying for jewellery that would tarnish or turn my neck green, but didn’t want to pay for solid gold. After my friend bought a pair of designer earrings that tarnished after a month, I set to work finding 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 jewellery will never tarnish, are waterproof and also hypoallergenic."
Curating and designing jewellery then led Laura to create her 'Linked - permanent jewellery experience' which launched in March of this year.
She said: "Linked permanent jewellery is an exciting new way to celebrate milestones, memories and friendships. Linked is something you can enjoy with your bestie, mum, partner, or to treat yourself.
"The process involves welding a dainty chain together around your wrist or ankle to become a permanent piece of jewellery. Linked claspless, seamless chains are the ultimate friendship bracelet."
The business will be moving into premises in East Belfast due to the great response so far.
Laura added: "Within the last year it has now grown to the point that I am moving into Monday’s Child first permanent premises...
"We will be based in Portview Business centre on the Newtownards road, East Belfast along with some other amazing local businesses."
The 30-year-old says the response to her permanent jewellery "has been incredible".
She added: "I was so chuffed to reach a wider audience in Northern Ireland and beyond. It’s created an invaluable brand awareness for me. I pride myself on staying ahead of jewellery trends while remaining timeless and sustainable. I took a risk... launching [the] first and only permanent jewellery experience in Northern Ireland but I’m so glad I did.
"The feedback on Linked permanent jewellery experience has been amazing. It’s such a lovely thing to do with a friend etc, or even just to mark a special occasion. I’ve celebrated birthdays, anniversaries and marked loved ones leaving to live abroad in my short time offering the experience. It really means the world to share these special moments with customers.
"We are currently sold out for appointments, but are releasing new ones for June onwards from the end of the month."
The businessowner explained how grateful she is for the support she has received so far.
Laura said: "Honestly if you had of told me I would have went part time in my job and been able to pursue my passion for jewellery in this way last year, I honestly wouldn’t have believed you! I’m so grateful for all the support and well wishes I’ve received. I may be biased but my customers are just the best!"
The Co Down woman added what her other best sellers are aside from the permanent jewellery experience.
"My all time best [sellers are] definitely the Stella necklace or Chloe hoops.
"They are so easy to wear everyday and you never need to worry about taking them off," she continued.
For others in NI hoping to start their own business, Laura says to "just go for it".
She added: "You can talk yourself out of anything, as long as there is a clear need or demand for your product, it’s worth the risk."
You can view the Monday's Child website HERE.
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