How I Started My Handmade Jewellery Business in Ireland – Step by Step
I absolutely love jewellery - unique pieces that I can wear for months but also mix and match every day. I’m not into plastic stuff at all. I’m creative, I like numbers, and most importantly, as a mum of two little girls, I really value the freedom to work from home or my office whenever I want.
Why I Started My Own Business
Being a mum of two means I know exactly how tricky it can be to juggle work hours with school and preschool runs. Spots in preschools are limited, and the fees can be pretty steep. So, working for myself from home, on my own schedule, was the perfect solution. That’s what motivated me to follow my dream and open my own handmade jewellery shop.
If you’re thinking about starting your own business, don’t be scared. You can take it one small step at a time, just like I did. Imagine I’m your best mate, here to guide you through the early days, showing you where to start and what to watch out for - so you don’t feel lost.
The Formal Stuff and Running Costs
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First off, I found an amazing accountant who manages all my books for about €300 a year (or €25 monthly). She also sorts out my husband’s accounts since we run the business as a joint partnership.
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For an extra €150, she helped me register my business name - which itself cost €50 - and got everything officially set up with Revenue and the right departments.
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You’ll also need to open a business bank account so you can properly handle your payments.
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Finding your sales channels is the next big step. I sell on Etsy and also run my own website using ShopyFy.
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ShopyFi costs around €350 per year, giving me all the tools I need — from payment gateways to store management.
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Building the website was a whole learning curve. I did some of it myself but also bought a website theme for about €100 to make it look great. I’m still learning how to improve it and add new products.
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I also use tools like Canva for graphics and photo editing programs, costing around €20 per month.
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These are some of the biggest fixed costs I have. Luckily, unlike food or other perishable items, my stones and silver don’t spoil, so those costs are pretty steady.
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Marketing? That’s a whole other ball game and money pit. It’s essential but there’s no fixed budget - I’m still getting the hang of how to manage it all without breaking the bank.
If you want to dive deeper into the official steps, check out these great resources:
My Creativity and Challenges
I’ve loved crafts forever — making jewellery, soaps, candles for family and friends. Now I do it as a business and I’m proud of it! Of course, there are times I doubt myself or want to be a bit of a perfectionist, but that’s normal for everyone.
The toughest part? Marketing and standing out online. Don’t expect to have it all figured out immediately. Put your heart into what you do, be authentic, and don’t give up after the first bumps.
What Makes My Jewellery Special?
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Every piece is hand-crafted and truly one-of-a-kind -I test everything myself and with my family.
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I focus on quality materials, no plastic, just durable things you can wear every day.
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Minimalistic, comfy jewellery perfect for daily wear, even when cooking or running errands.
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I’m also big on eco-friendly packaging and avoid repeating popular designs.
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To Sum It Up
Starting your own business today is easier than you think, especially if you have support and a willingness to learn. Break it down into small steps, get moving, and remember: working from home as a mum means freedom and flexibility. Your handmade biz can be your passion and a real source of joy.
I’m here to share my journey and help you take those first steps. Don’t be afraid - every little step gets you closer to your dream!
Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll be sharing a detailed breakdown of my expenses and earnings from the first six months running the shop - the real numbers, so you get a clear picture of what it’s really like financially.