A month to remember... Hello August, and thank you July

I have started a new email series, where I will be sharing more of what goes on behind the scenes with me, Laoise. Not everyone receives the email and not everyone gets the full picture on Instagram, so I will be sharing everything here, for whoever would like to follow along.

Building a brand and balancing family life with a 2 year old and a soon-to-be 4 year old is a fun juggle. As each month wraps up, I love to reflect back on all that has happened. Apart from jewellery, so many of my memories are captured in photos. Many of which I share below (and more on Instagram if you would like to take a look).

July... Another month full of creating beautiful memories. And what an incredible month it was. Each month is becoming busier than the last, and July was no exception. The biggest month for items purchased so far this year, I was absolutely blown away by people's support. Thank you to everyone who chose a piece - I hope you love yours. As always, feedback is most welcome.

There were some delightful self-gifts, some very poignant gifts, and beautiful occasions celebrated, such as birthday's, important milestones, and the arrival of precious little ones.

The most popular designs were the Signature Envelope Necklace, the Connect Bracelet, and the Slip Necklace. The beautiful buttery yellow solid 18ct gold was the most chosen precious metal.

I received the first corporate purchase - an order from Europe to celebrate a staff event in Spain. While slightly pressurised (the order needed to be turned around in 24 hours!) it was a delight to make the pieces and they arrived just in time for the event. Also a delight was the fact that they were all gifts for men.

It was also brilliant to see By Leahy featured in Stellar Magazine, and in gorgeous company too.

Some photo highlights of the month, below...

L-R: A piece of feedback that I'm tempted to print and frame.

My very happy head after getting last month's email out the door (and only a week behind schedule... there might be a trend forming).

Our two little cuties helping to pick gifts in the magicalWooden Heart.

A snapshot of a recent Q&A on Instagram - 43% of respondents saying they had their expectations exceeded when they receive their By Leahy - this makes me so incredibly happy to know.

A DM from a customer on Instagram giving the most amazing feedback - you couldn't pay for it. Thank you so much, Caroline.

A gift on its way to London, to someone who I really admire. I am so excited to spot her in her personalised Slip Shortie Drop Earrings.

Billy and Sadie all geared up for the All-Ireland Football Final. While the loss was disappointing, at least we have one winning team to celebrate in the house - Up The Banner!

The delightful Stellar Magazine feature, '7 Irish Jewellery Brands We're Adoring ATM.'

Saying 'hello' to our neighbours - forever appreciative of the beautiful surroundings we live in, in Galway.

L-R: A Connect Bracelet in silver and Sunburst Yellow, engraved with the name 'Eric'. 

Making the most sentimental of Signature Envelope Necklaces - a gift for his wife and three daughters - it was a moving experience to make them, given the circumstances under which they were chosen. 

An 18ct yellow gold Slip Duo Necklace gifted to his wife to celebrate her birthday – the Bespoke Engraving was absolutely gorgeous. Read more of the story behind this particular piece in the Signature Storiesblog.

A Landscape Slip Necklace in 18ct yellow gold, engraved with the sweet names of her two children. 

An 18ct yellow gold Signature Envelope Necklace engraved with the 'I love you' Sentiment Slip. The first purchase from Prague - a delight.

A beautiful combination of rose gold and Pastel Pink, chosen for this Connect Bracelet. 

Another Connect Bracelet in Chocolate Brown and 9ct gold, engraved with the name 'Steve'.

Making a Slip Necklace, Slip Shortie Drop Earrings, and a Landscape Slip Bracelet - all handmade, and engraved from my bench in Galway. 

Lastly, a Slip Necklace with Bespoke Engraving. The two sweet signatures of her children were engraved on one side of the Slip, with a third name on the reverse side.

As for what is ahead in August…

Our sweet Sadie turns 4. How time flies! So far she has requested a chocolate cake covered in orange sprinkles & dinosaurs on top - the making will be fun.

I am closer to finalising the new design that I mentioned last month. The idea behind it is to capture even more of your most precious memories. I hit a challenge with one element of the design but I found a solution that I am excited to bring to the next sample stage.

An Instagram Q&A during the month gave me great insights, specifically in relation to future pop-ups, your positive experiences with By Leahy, and new designs. Thank you to everyone who gave feedback. I had requests for more design options - particularly a new ring. Is there anything else you would like to see added to the collection?

For now, thanks for spending some time with me here. I hope you enjoyed the read. And I can't say it enough - 'thank you' so much to everyone who has chosen By Leahy, and to those who recommend it to family and friends. I am so grateful.

Here’s to capturing memories and creating connections in August - despite all the rain in the West Coast, at least it's good for our gorgeous countryside!

Laoise x