Ms O’Hara is listed in the Ones to Watch Category for the creative business she started in Wicklow nearly five years ago.
“Culu Design is my little creative haven where I make bold statement jewellery from my home studio. I specialise in colourful, eclectic designs, made from polymer clay, and I pour my heart and two-plus years of experience into every piece,” she told the Irish Independent.
“Culu comes from the Irish word for ‘retreat,’ and that’s exactly what this business is for me, a retreat for the senses and a return to my creative roots.
“I officially launched my business in 2020, but really it started as a spark of an idea back in my teens. I’ve always been obsessed with statement earrings, using them as a method of self expression.
“The bigger the better. I’d always been one of those people that had 10 different craft projects on the go, designing and making earrings was the one that spoke to me the most and that I stuck with into adulthood.
“In 2020 I was made redundant due to the pandemic and seized the opportunity to take the plunge and turn my passion into a business.
“Making jewellery has always been my happy place, and now I get to share that happiness with others. I wanted to do something meaningful and create something personal and more sustainable, a small rebellion against the throwaway culture of fast fashion and the lack of individuality it promotes.”
Sustainability is a no-brainer for Louise and she admits that she wants her business to “leave a positive mark, and not add to the mess we’re already in.”
“To keep waste to a minimum, I make all my earrings to order, which means no piles of unsold stock gathering dust and no unnecessary production. In the studio, I’m a bit of a hoarder when it comes to clay scraps, every little offcut gets sorted by colour and reused as the base for future pieces, so nothing goes to waste,” she added.
“I limit my designs, I’m not releasing a massive collection four times a year. It’s the complete opposite of the fast-fashion approach, which churns out trends at the expense of the planet.
“I use recycled, recyclable, and compostable materials in my packaging. And I’m always on the lookout for ways to up my game and make my processes even more sustainable. It’s a journey, but one I’m fully committed to.
“Small businesses like mine can often fly under the radar, but the effort we put in is massive. Many of us work alone most of the time, so it’s easy to get lost in your head and allow the imposter syndrome and limiting beliefs to take hold.
“Recognition is like a reminder that what we’re doing matters, and that there’s a place for slow, thoughtful creations in a world dominated by fast fashion.
“It can be a struggle. You’re wearing all the hats – designer, maker, marketer, photographer, accountant – while also trying to keep your sanity intact. But the flip side is the freedom to do what I love and choose my own hours to fit around my family.
“It gets lonely at times, and I know I can get stuck in my head, overthinking and doubting myself. One of the biggest game changers for me has been finding my community and interacting with my customers. Doing markets, meeting customers face-to-face, and also other creative business owners has been absolutely priceless, I’ve made genuine friends who just get it.
“Online communities like The Biscuit Factory and the support of my amazing business mentors have also been a lifeline. They keep me sane, focused, and remind me that I’m not in this alone.”
Shopping locally means so much to Louise as it’s about connection and supporting a community.
“I’ve met so many incredible makers and small business owners who inspire me every day and I know firsthand the love and care that goes into every handmade piece.
“Getting to know my customers is one of the best parts of what I do. Big retailers just don’t get this kind of personal connection.
“Hearing their stories, learning about their personal styles, and seeing how they bring my pieces to life is just incredible. When someone tells me how wearing my earrings makes them feel confident and how they are often complemented when wearing them, it honestly means the world.
“Knowing that something I’ve created resonates with them and adds a little spark to their day keeps me motivated and makes this journey so rewarding.”
Laura thinks it’s so important for small businesses that don’t have the marketing budgets of big fashion brands, to have a platform like Business of Craft Awards supporting them.
“Initiatives like this give us the chance to get our products in front of potential buyers, not just in Ireland but around the world.
“It’s such a brilliant opportunity to reach people who might not have discovered us otherwise.
“Being shortlisted feels like such a validation of all of the work I’ve put into Culu Design. It’s a little surreal but also so motivating to see that people are noticing and appreciating what I do.
“It’s like getting a big high-five from the universe. It’s a boost of confidence that pushes me to keep creating, keep growing, and keep sharing my work with the world.”
