A Dublin based entrepreneur says she is having “notions” with her culchie necklaces.
Margaret O’Connor, who is originally from County Clare, recently opened her truly Irish store on 68 Dame Street in Temple Bar.
Margaret was known for her hats, but her business started taking off because of her relatable and hilarious necklaces.
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She told Dublin Live: “I’m from the countryside so that’s why I created a ‘Culchie’ necklace. I’ve been in Dublin since December.
“I started making ‘Notions’ necklaces a few years ago, they were so popular.
"I used to live in London and my father thought I’d notions any time I’d come home. I’m from a farm and they all think ‘who do you think you are with your big hats.'
“The ‘Notions’ necklaces were so popular, so I’ve a few different designs now. Me and my friends at home, throughout the 90’s and 00’s if someone was beautiful we’d call them a ‘ride’.
“If you’re going for a pint and if there was a good looking fella behind the bar you’d go ‘oh he’s a ride’, it’s a form of endearment.
“My parents are from an older generation and they think the word is so provocative but I don’t think my generation feel like that, it’s kind of funny, a slight cheekiness, so I made 'Ride' necklaces too.”
The designer has worked for big names but she admitted that there’s nothing more rewarding than the feedback from Irish people.
She said: “I started off in London, I worked for big designers and then I set up my own brand. I moved home about six or seven years ago but I missed the auld mammy and my family so I came home.
"I decided to start my own business where I design brooches, wallets, hats and jewellery.
“My hats are the best sellers, I’ve been making them since 2014, I made one for Lady GaGa and for the band Years and Years. I did a fashion show in China, I’ve collaborated with Derek Lawlor and I’ve been involved in fashion runways.
"I’m known for my hats but I started making headbands before Covid hit. I’ve been making glitter crowns, they’re cool for events and never go out of style.”
Margaret designs accessories with normal people in mind.
She says she loves to empower women and make fashion possible for everyone.
She said: “My new collection ‘Power’ is to do with the everyday woman, it’s all about empowering women. I made hats for real people for a year, I got people to write me letters about their mothers or anything like that. I gave them a crown for an everyday queen.
“After that, I made turbans for the Irish Cancer Society. I made stuff for cool celebrities and as I matured I realised who my customers were and my customers are the everyday people.
“I get more kicks out of people wearing my ‘Notions’ and ‘Ride’ necklaces, it’s more rewarding because I’m from a country, farming, normal background but it doesn’t matter where you’re from, anyone can be fabulous.”
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