Wicklow based jewellery designer Louise O’Hara, is the hands and heart behind Culu Design, a colourful and eclectic collection of handcrafted statement earrings.
Using mediums such as polymer clay and resin, Louise is inspired by a love of colour and texture to create these bright little artworks for your ears. Born from her own obsession with earrings, and a burning need to create something beautiful and uplifting, Culu Design earrings will certainly lift your spirits.
What’s a typical day in the studio like for you?
The first thing I do in the morning is turn on my computer, reply to emails and DMs, and update my production list so I’m organised and my head is ready to get going. On a production day, I’ll stick on a podcast then and get lost in clay for a few hours, pure bliss. There are also lots of admin days, an unfortunate necessity!
On those days, I’ll listen to music to help me focus and power through my to do list. There are calendars, notebooks and scrum boards galore. I wish it was all creativity but as I’m a one woman business all the other bits like social media, photography, stock takes etc have to be kept on top of. And many many cups of tea.
Being self employed is harder than I ever imagined but endlessly rewarding.
Louise O'Hara
Culu Design
What do you like most about your work?
Creating freely, with a vague end goal but no solid direction, then a new design comes together, it’s like magic.
What do you like least about your work?
Honestly, social media. I know it’s necessary and a wonderful way to connect with my audience, but I do manage to waste an awful lot of time scrolling without even realising!
How do you switch off?
Swimming, listening to a podcast or reading, eating with my family and friends, I LOVE to eat!
What advice would you give someone who is considering this craft career?
I would say go for it! Being self employed is harder than I ever imagined but endlessly rewarding. When you’re mostly working alone, it’s so important to find a community, like at markets or the Biscuit Factory online, and to engage with the DCCI and your LEO. And always remember, done is better than perfect.
How do you start your day?
