B BLANE DESIGNS
What does B Blaine Designs do?
I create handcrafted jewellery exploring natural textures with a focus on using sustainable materials such as recycled silver and gold. I like to create tactile designs which inspire curiosity and reflect organic patterns. By exploring my own nostalgic relationship with classic jewellery designs, and adding a modern minimalist twist to them I aim to create environmentally responsible future heirlooms which can be worn to every occasion.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to set up insert company name?
My name is Barbara Blane and I grew up living in Portadown, before moving to Belfast to study Jewellery Design & Silversmithing at the University of Ulster Art College and graduating in 2014. I’ve always been very interested in art, at school I loved to paint and draw and I still enjoy incorporating an illustrative style into my jewellery.
Once I started university I had the opportunity to try new techniques and I fell in love with the hands on process involved in creating jewellery. I became fascinated by the all the ways in which we use jewellery to present ourselves to the world, as well as the sentimental attachment which these talismans can hold.
Why did you want to start your own business?
Originally I didn’t consider myself to be starting a business, I had just always identified as an artist and I knew I wanted to support myself doing what I loved. After leaving uni the reality of what I was undertaking really set in!
I spent some time working in hospitality, but I found it very challenging getting the time off which I needed to attend weekend markets and promote my work. Eventually I decided that I needed to take the next step and set up my own business as B Blane Designs.
What/who influences/motivates you?
Where do I begin?! I find inspiration in so many places. As a child I spent lots of time exploring the jewellery boxes of my mum and grandmothers. I have a strong memory of my granny letting me use beads from her old broken necklaces to create my own pieces and I think this sparked a love for working with my hands while also subconsciously giving me an interest in recycling old treasures.
Another huge inspiration for me is spending time at the coast. In particular Donegal holds a special place in my heart as my family and I have spent so many holidays together there.
I love being close to the ocean and watching the waves crash against the rocks. There is something magical in the sea air which just helps me to recentre myself when I get stressed or overwhelmed. This appreciation for being in nature has definitely also influenced my practice, and I try to use recycled metals whenever possible in an effort to help preserve our planets beautiful natural landscape.
What has been your biggest hurdle and your proudest moment or accomplishment with your business so far?
I would say one of my biggest hurdles has been my own self confidence and feeling like I don’t know ‘enough’. But I think it’s fair to say that you’ll never know everything, and until you give it a try you won’t start learning. As a one-woman band I’ve had to learn a lot of new skills and I’m still learning daily. There are so many different elements involved when starting a business and it has not been without its challenges!
One of my proudest moments to date was when I was asked to make my first pair of wedding bands for two close friends. This was an incredible experience. Creating such an important & symbolic piece of jewellery really felt like a defining moment in my career.
How do you manage having a work life balance?
This is something I am still slowly working to improve on, but I am getting better at setting stricter work hours for myself! Since I love what I do and I enjoy working on new designs it can be difficult to set my work down and step back. One thing I try to remind myself is that you can’t achieve everything in one day, and it’s important to give yourself a break to recharge.
I’ve recently become hooked on Yoga. It’s great for unwinding after a long day, and it’s also an essential for my back as I spend so much time spent hunched over a work bench!
What are your tools that you use to keep yourself motivated when you are in the thick of a project?
Never underestimate the power of a good song! I love to listen to music when I’m busy at my bench. Some good music and a coffee can get me through most days.
What are your goals/dreams/ambitions for your business?
I would love to grow my business over the next few years. Long term it would be incredible to open a studio space which also doubles as a shop front. I think that would be a great way to show people the step by step process which is involved in creating each piece, while also letting me connect with my customers face to face.
Tell us a fun fact about you
I love pineapple on pizza!
Could you give some advice for any young, emerging entrepreneurs?
My advice is just keep going! No matter what stage you are at in your career there will be good days and bad days. Have patience and determination. Your hard work will pay off in the end.
Where can people find you?
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BBlaneDesigns
https://www.instagram.com/barbie_blane_design/
https://www.facebook.com/bblanedesigns/
http://www.bblanedesigns.co.uk/
A small collection of my work can also currently be found at The Craft Room, Comber.