Meet the Maker – Nuala Christina (O’Donoghue) Beatty
1. Please tell us a bit about yourself and one interesting fact.
Originally from Dublin, Ireland, I am now a long-time York Region & Muskoka (Ontario, Canada) resident currently living in Aurora in the winter and Port Severn in the summer, where I design & make my jewellery creations.
I’m always interested in learning and making something new, so I make an eclectic selection of jewellery. This has worked out well as it accommodates many tastes and appeals to many different groups of people!
2. Where did your business idea come from?
My business idea came from my love of designing & creating. Even while working in the financial industry I was able to use these skills, so it seemed natural that as my first hobby, then later little business, I would choose to do that with beautiful, eye-catching materials that appeal to me.
I began making jewellery for myself as yet another creative outlet as I had already tried knitting, crocheting, embroidery and sewing. That first pair of earrings I made felt better than anything else! Out of that grew making jewellery as gifts for family and friends until people started asking me if I sell it. I thought, why not?
3. How Does your work reflect your personality and overall approach to life?
It makes a statement; I don’t usually make tiny delicate jewellery. It also ‘reflects’ my many interests in life. There are so many varieties because there is so much to enjoy in life, not just one thing.
4. What would you say has been your biggest learning curve since beginning your business?
Learning and remembering the names of materials! I’m a much more visual person in regards to my jewellery than concentrating on the properties of the items. I know lots of people like to know the name of a stone, for instance, and its energy properties, so I’m working on it!
5. How long does the average item take for you to create?
That depends on what it is. Some can take 20 minutes and others 2 days!
6. What is the story behind your business name?
Reflections – I love water and all the colours associated with water, oceans, beaches etc. I also wanted a name that demonstrated that what I create is a ‘reflection’ of me. After all, one meaning of the word is the return of light or sound waves from a surface, so my pieces are the return or incorporation of my thoughts/energy/essence into a physical object.
What is your bestselling item? Why do you think it is the most popular?
Lava jewellery has been a best-selling trend as well as ‘wellness’ pieces. I think because people want to feel good and these items help them to do that, especially the lava beads that can carry the scent of essential oils. My Celtic-inspired jewellery also does well which makes me very happy as I love to celebrate my Irish roots.
7. What do you want your jewellery to say to people?
Be Unique – express Yourself – be You!
When I began making jewellery, I was a full-time working mother, i.e. very busy and still did not have excess resources to spend on expensive jewellery. I wasn’t even that interested in the fine precious jewellery so much as being able to have fun, funky pieces that I could match to my outfits or those multi-functional pieces that could go with everything. Dress them up; dress them down. I didn’t necessarily want to have pieces exactly like everyone else either. I wanted my jewellery to say ‘Look! Isn’t this fun? Isn’t this mysterious? Isn’t this meaningful? Doesn’t this remind you of the sea?’ I want jewellery to show the delight you feel in wearing it. I want you to feel the joy and pleasure of wearing it and to feel good about yourself in doing so.
8. How is your jewellery different from others on the market?
Every maker brings something different of themselves to the creative process, so each artisan’s offerings will have a uniqueness you don’t find in mass produced or commercial jewellery, mine included.
I offer a very affordable price point and FREE SHIPPING in Canada. (There is a very low nominal fee for international delivery.)
So, my customers get a good deal and a satisfying product that they can feel good wearing to express their own uniqueness.
9. My Products
Features Benefits
o Unique o Express your individual style
o Beautiful o Feel good
o Versatile o Dress it up or down
o Affordable o Can purchase multiple pieces to match outfits
o Eclectic Mix o Show what you enjoy and/or care about
10. Sunlight or Moonlight?
Definitely Moonlight. It’s so much more beautiful and mysterious – the moon has always called to me. My mother tells me that ‘moon’ was one of my first words. Either that or I’m just looney!
Follow Nuala and see more of her creations on her social channels.
Etsy: www.etsy.com/ca/shop/HandmadeJewelrybyNB
Facebook: www.facebook.com/reflectionshandmadejewellery
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nualabeatty
Pinterest: @nualabeatty
