A quick look back at Tracy Gilbert Designs

A quick look back

Tracy Gilbert Designs has come a long way in the last couple of years. In 2013, I launched the Growing Home collection in 2013 and won the Student of the Year award in The School of Jewellery in Dublin.

I had no idea that so many people would love the concept of Ireland as a tree. Each piece now comes with a card explaining the meaning of the piece:

Ireland – a tree with deep roots, strong and enduring that has withstood hardships but continues growing and giving shelter to new and existing generations. This collection is inspired by the strength of the Irish spirit.

The response the collection got spurred me on to create new designs inspired by traditional Celtic symbolism. I guess I didn’t realise that lots of people like the idea of handcrafted Celtic jewellery that is a little bit different. The fact that all pieces are imagined, designed and made in my home city of Dublin is something I’m very proud of. In my view, every small Irish business should be aspiring to create Irish jobs directly and/or indirectly and that’s what I’m doing and I hope to continue to do so.

My first experience of selling my pieces in a shop was in July & August 2014 in The Design Loft in Powerscourt House and Gardens in Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow. It was the most nerve-wracking thing I’ve ever done and I’ve never been somebody to avoid taking chances and putting myself out there  Sinead, the owner of The Design Loft, was very supportive and the chance she gave me (and continues to give aspiring designers) turned out to be a turning point for me and my business.

I think it’s quite normal that anybody creating something new is wracked with self-doubt and lacking in the confidence department. My first experience in the Design Loft (I’ve been back since and will be again!) toughened me up, gave me some much-needed validation and made me believe in what I was doing. It also gave me the kick “sa tón” I needed to take a few more chances.

The most important of these was exhibiting at Showcase in January 2015 with support from Fingal Local Enterprise Office.

A quick look forward

So how did Showcase go? Bhí sé do-chreidthe! It was unbelievable! But you’ll have to wait and see : ) Not sure it’s well-known but I’m a little bit (or maybe a big bit) on the superstitious side of life. So, in short, I’m not going to jinx it by filling you in before it has happened! Watch this space though – I’ve some very exciting news to share with you over the coming weeks and months……….