A proud moment for Siobhán Daly Designs as I join the Kilkenny Design Makers Academy, celebrating Irish design, creativity and the future of Irish-made jewellery and accessories.
I have some very exciting news to share!
I'm absolutely delighted to announce that I've been selected to take part in the Kilkenny Design Makers Academy 2026, and I couldn't be more thrilled.
On 23 July, we came together for the official launch of the Academy, marking the beginning of what promises to be an incredible opportunity for learning, collaboration and growth.
For me, this is about so much more than taking part in a programme. It's another milestone in a journey that began with a love of making things, a little bit of curiosity and absolutely no idea where it might lead.
From a Love of Making to an Irish Jewellery Design Business
One of the things that makes this opportunity particularly special is that I didn't take the traditional route into design.
My background is in Environmental Biology. I don't have a degree in fashion or jewellery design, and I'm entirely self-taught when it comes to making jewellery.
But creativity has always been part of who I am.
I was the teenager who loved buying beads and experimenting with jewellery, long before I ever imagined that it could become a business.
In 2016, I founded Siobhán Daly Designs, and what began as a creative passion has grown into a multi-award-winning Irish jewellery and accessories brand.
Today, I design and handcraft statement earrings, necklaces and unique headpieces from my studio in Co. Meath. My designs have been worn by thousands of women, and my work has brought me opportunities and experiences I could never have imagined when I first started.
But one thing hasn't changed. I still absolutely love making.
Why the Kilkenny Design Makers Academy Means So Much
Being selected for the Kilkenny Design Makers Academy feels like a wonderful recognition of how far Siobhán Daly Designs has come, but also of how much potential there is for the business to grow.
As a small Irish design business, you wear so many hats. You're the designer, maker, marketer, photographer, salesperson and everything in between.
And while there's enormous satisfaction in building something yourself, there's also huge value in learning from others, being challenged and looking at your business from a different perspective.
I'm particularly excited about the opportunity to develop my knowledge, strengthen my business and connect with other talented Irish designers and makers.
I firmly believe that we never stop learning, and that surrounding ourselves with people who inspire and challenge us is one of the best things we can do.
Celebrating Irish-Made Design and Sustainable Creativity
Sustainability has always been central to Siobhán Daly Designs.
With my background in Environmental Biology, I've always been conscious of the materials I use and the impact of the things we create.
My jewellery and accessories are handcrafted in Ireland using materials including premium Italian leather offcuts, brass, glass and semi-precious stones.
Much of the leather I work with comes from offcuts sourced through Irish handbag designers and suppliers, allowing me to transform beautiful, high-quality materials into something entirely new.
I also work with a near-zero-waste approach, passing on surplus leather to schools, artists and other creative projects.
For me, sustainable design isn't about compromising on style. It's about being resourceful, making thoughtful choices and creating beautiful pieces that women genuinely love wearing.
From colourful statement earrings to sculptural necklaces and distinctive handcrafted headpieces for weddings, race days and special occasions, my aim is always the same:
To help women look good and feel good, while making more environmentally conscious design choices.
I'm excited to continue exploring how sustainability, creativity and commercial growth can work together as part of my Academy journey.
The Power of Learning and Creative Connections
Something I've learned over the years is that building a creative business doesn't have to be a solitary experience.
Some of my greatest opportunities have come from meeting other designers, sharing ideas, collaborating and being willing to put myself forward.
Through organisations and communities such as the Council of Irish Fashion Designers, Meath Made and the wider Irish creative industry, I've seen first-hand just how powerful those connections can be.
Being part of the Kilkenny Design Makers Academy is another opportunity to learn from people who understand the challenges and possibilities of running a design-led business.
I'm looking forward to the conversations, the new perspectives, the practical knowledge and, hopefully, the friendships that will come from this experience.
A Proud Moment and an Exciting Future
When I look back at where Siobhán Daly Designs began in 2016, I'm incredibly proud of what I've built.
There have been plenty of challenges, moments of uncertainty and lessons learned along the way. But there have also been wonderful opportunities, incredible customers and so many people who have supported and encouraged me.
Being selected for the Kilkenny Design Makers Academy is another reminder of the importance of continuing to push yourself, apply for opportunities and believe in what you're creating.
I'm really looking forward to seeing where this next chapter takes me and how everything I learn can help shape the future of Siobhán Daly Designs.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in the Academy for this opportunity. I'm delighted to be part of it.
And, as always, thank you to everyone who continues to support my little Irish design business. You're the reason I get to keep doing what I love.
Here's to learning, growing, creating and continuing to champion Irish-made design!
Siobhán
Founder and Designer, Siobhán Daly Designs
Discover Siobhán Daly Designs – Handmade Irish Jewellery and Headpieces
Siobhán Daly Designs is a multi-award-winning Irish jewellery and accessories brand based in Co. Meath.
Explore our collection of handcrafted Irish earrings, statement necklaces, sustainable leather jewellery and unique headpieces for weddings, race days and special occasions.
Designed and made in Ireland, our lightweight, sculptural pieces are created for women who love colour, individuality and accessories that make them feel confident.
Look good, feel good.