Annalies Webb joined Jennifer Zamparelli on RTÉ 2FM to discuss her journey to becoming a jeweller, and her role on BBC's Make It at Market. Listen back above.
In Make It at Market, host Dominic Chinea works with a team of business and craft experts to help a group of budding entrepreneurs make a living from their crafting hobby. Representing Irish talent on the show is Dublin woman Annelies Webb, owner of Me Jewellies.
Speaking to Jen on RTÉ 2FM, Annalies said that although she was always a lover of jewellery, she never thought of pursuing it as a career until she was at a wedding and saw that the mother of the bride had made her daughter's headpiece after taking a beading course.
A flight attendant at the time, Annelies was looking for a new direction and decided to give jewellery-making a go.
"I booked onto a part-time course, just an evening course, and did that for about six months and then invested in my own jewels. The first ring I made, I just became obsessed, and was like 'this is what I want to do'. I say it was love at first saw because you have to use a saw for cutting metal."
With a year of experience behind her, Annelies was ready to take the next step but, unfortunately, a string of COVID lockdowns put things on hold. Using the time to refine her skills and practice as much as possible, she eventually decided to make the move to Scotland with her then-boyfriend.
Now out of restrictions, she hopes to build her own business under her brand, Me Jewellies, and go full-time as a jeweller.
"I make silver and gold jewellery. I kind of like organic style, I'm a little bit bohemian, I do stone setting as well. I teach, and I'm currently in a jewellery school over here called Vanilla Ink, so I'm still getting up-skilled from them. I still have a lot to learn and everything but my pieces are pretty awesome."
With her appearance on Make It at Market, as well as getting some expert advice, Annelies hopes to bring her work to a bigger audience. She told Jen that she is still working part-time but hopes the show will allow her to "live her dream".
Reflecting on what advice she has for those hoping to turn their hobby into a career, Annelies told Jen that she believes everyone should focus on their own work, avoid comparison, and try to resist imposter syndrome.
"Always say yes to opportunities, even if you think you're not good enough, don't let imposter syndrome beat you. Always say yes and you'll figure a way. Just keep going."
