The Monthly Wrap Up... plus, what’s to come in March & other little bits.

As each month wraps up, I love to reflect back on all that has happened. Apart from capturing memories and creating connections through 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).

I've added some new bits to this email too - some jewellery related tips, spotlighting Irish brands I am buying/enjoying, and some random reflections.

I feel like February disappeared in a blur.

I was privileged to turn another year older and I felt all of the love. One of the beautiful gifts I received was from one of my besties - a set from Oxmantown, a gorgeous Irish brand that I am excited to indulge in.

My husband and I celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary. Marked with a copper-themed gift from Kopper Kreation. This is a brand I have followed for years so I was delighted to have an excuse to buy from Emmet.

We had a gorgeous few days in Connemara for the tail end of the mid-term break, and other than that February was filled with the day-to-day life stuff and delightful moments.

Billy wrote his name for the first time and his family portrait drawings continue to make me laugh.

We managed to get another day out in Coole Park between all of the rain and cold. I am continuing to enjoy our local drive-thru coffee hut (the joys of not having to leave the car!), Jack and Harry's. The team are so friendly and the coffee is a treat.

I purchased a new suitcase after reading about Rollaer in The Gloss Magazine and I am delighted with it. Of course, I had to buy it in Sadie's favourite colour. Now I just need somewhere to go :)

For the first time since launching By Leahy I have created a survey. When I receive a notification 'bing' of a survey being completed I find myself doing a happy dance. It's as good as receiving a new order. The insights have been very rewarding.

If you have four minutes to spare I’d love your feedback. 

Here’s the survey link (thank you!)

Inspired by a customer experience before Christmas - Ray tried to capture the fingerprint of their little baby and, in his words, 'failed miserably' - I tried to do the same with little Matty to see how I could help the process. It was a hilarious experience. Apart from Matty trying to eat the paper and crawling all over the messy prints, I think I have a solution. Keep an eye on Instagram/Facebook for the funny video and on byleahy.com for a new service.

In the Know...
A spotlight on what is going on in the industry and jewellery tips.

Every jeweller is deeply concerned about the continual increase in the price of gold. Since the start of the new year silver has jumped dramatically too - which was an additional shock to everyone.

I was approached about a corporate opportunity a few weeks ago and pricing the one design resulted in a 16% price increase since I last reviewed the price of this particular piece. My jaw dropped.

Since launching By Leahy in 2019 I have had one meaningful price increase (last Summer). That's one price increase in six years. It was something I delayed doing for far too long - to the point where some items made no sense to keep making. But I made the decision to increase prices as I had to be viable but also because I have invested significantly in increasing the quality of the items, which comes with a cost. Thankfully my customers appreciate high quality - it is one of the major feedback themes in the survey.

For now I am holding off on another price increase (I am going to compromise my margin instead) but if anything changes I will give plenty of notice. In the meantime enjoy the technical discount 🫣.

Random Reflections...
Something that gave me pause for thought...

I just mentioned a corporate opportunity. I received an email last month from a highly reputable and much loved Irish brand. They are celebrating a truly epic milestone for their brand this year and invited By Leahy to be considered in their customer gifting. To me, By Leahy is such a small brand. I love what I do but I do it while raising three little wild beauties, so what I can achieve is limited right now. But this opportunity really gave me pause for thought. That I was on this brand's radar and invited to be considered for the opportunity blew me away. I was up against gorgeous jewellery brands that have decades on me. Honestly, that email alone had me on a high for a week. I guess, we never know what's around corner and it's a case of keep building, even if it's taking baby steps right now.

As for what is ahead in March…

I am launching the next two Zodiac Constellation engravings. A perfect choice for your Zodiac loving friend or family member.

I am finalising the design of a new ring (which might end up being three new designs that interconnect!)

I shared the second video in the 'Show & Tell' video series. Have a look here. This one spotlights the popular Story Necklace. There will be another coming soon.

Lastly but most importantly, beautiful little Matty is turning one! I can't believe it!

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.

As always, I am grateful.

Here’s to capturing memories and creating connections in March.

Laoise x