Statement jewellery is back in a big way, and so is the love for handcrafted pieces, those little treasures that reflect the care, passion, and creative spark of their makers.
Louise O’Hara, the designer and maker behind Culu Design, knows this world inside out. She’s been working with polymer clay since she was a teenager, creating bold, colourful, and timeless jewellery that helps wearers express their individuality. We talked to her about her work.
Describe yourself in three words.
Creative, determined, overthinker.
In one sentence, tell us about Culu Design.
Culu Design is a bold colourful collection of handcrafted statement jewellery, intentionally made in tiny batches in my home studio in Co. Wicklow.
20 years climbing the corporate ladder, you then left it all behind, aged 40, and took a leap of faith to follow your creative calling, why?
I lost my job in 2020 due to the pandemic and had some time to really think about my life and where I was going. I realised that my heart was always in making and creating so that was just the nudge I needed to finally go for it and turn my passion for jewellery into a business. I wanted to do something meaningful, something that felt like me, and Culu Design was the answer.
What does a day in the life of this jewellery designer look like?
It’s a bit of everything, often total chaos! Because work is so busy, I like to start the day with a clean slate and make a plan. Just ten minutes in the morning where I have an idea of what the day will look like keeps me sane, even if it looks nothing like that in the end! My mornings usually start with packing and shipping orders, that’s my bread and butter so is always my priority. Then, it is followed by some admin – emails, website updates, social media, you name it. Then I get to the fun part, designing and making. I try to spend some time each day making, that’s where the joy for me is. I’d love to say I spend all my time being creative, but unfortunately, that’s only a small part of running a business solo.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
Definitely juggling everything as a one-woman show. It can get overwhelming trying to balance the creative side with the business side while also staying on top of family life. And it can feel lonely at times, especially when you’re second-guessing yourself. My husband bought me a little sign for my desk, ‘Hold on, let me overthink this’.
What does your own jewellery box look like?
Lots of bold colours, fun shapes, and textures, it’s definitely not minimalist. I love having pieces that remind me of my creative journey and the amazing people I’ve met along the way, it’s more like a memory box than a jewellery box. The global jewellery market hit a massive €347 billion in 2024, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
What is driving the surge?
More and more people want pieces that feel personal and have a story behind them, rather than just something mass-produced. There’s a real appreciation now for handmade designs and supporting small businesses, which is amazing to see. The e-commerce boom has also completely opened up the industry, giving people access to independent makers from all over the world. More people are treating themselves to jewellery, not just as a gift, but as a way of expressing themselves.
What next?
On the back of a successful trade show at Showcase Ireland, my head is down, and I’ll be in full production mode for the next couple of months, keeping up with demand and planning ahead. I’m also excited to launch a new collection of hoop earrings. I’d love to expand Culu Design internationally too.