FEMALE FOUNDERS FOR IWD '26 - Elin Horgan from Elin Horgan Jewellery
We feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by brilliant women every single day. We’re constantly inspired by their creativity, in awe of their drive, and so proud of everything they set out to build and achieve.
With International Women’s Day just around the corner, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate them properly. You already know and love these brands, but we thought this was the perfect time to introduce you to the wonderful women behind them, the founders, the makers, the dreamers doing it all.
What's your name?
Elin Horgan
How many years have you been in business?
13
How many employees does your business have?
Just me!
What inspired you to start your business?
As a child I'd wanted to be a jeweller, but university/work took me in a completely different direction. I realised that creativity was really missing from my life and so started taking evening silversmithing classes which I loved. After having my first child I had a real 'now or never' moment and felt that if I didn't pursue the jewellery making then I probably never would. Creatively I'm inspired by architectural details and the love of a good shape!
What is the best business (or life) advice you’ve ever been given?
Just keep going. Simple, but true. There will be ups and there will be downs, but you just need to keep on keeping on.
What is your definition of success?
I've never really thought about it in terms of having a 6/7 figure business as that's not what I'm about. It's important to me that I'm involved with the making of every piece of jewellery that leaves my studio. I do outsorce things like casting and gold plating, but of course it limits what I can make and I'm fine with that. I suppose success for me is about feeling creatively fulfilled whilst also having people who love buying and wearing my work. There's no better feeling than when someone really connects with my design aesthetic!
What boundaries have you had to establish to protect your mental health and personal time?
Like most small business owners, I'm shockingly bad at having boundaries, but I think that's almost inevitable when you love what you do. On the plus side I do have flexibility about when I work so I take a decent amount of time off over the summer which really helps.
Who is your dream customer?
Someone who knows her own style, appreciates good design & craftsmanship and doesn't follow the crowd.
What has been your worst business moment?
I once had a customer ask me to put a beautiful heartfelt note in with an order to her friend and I sent it to the wrong person....eek!
Tell us a joke…
I would tell you a joke about herbs and fish, but this isn't the thyme or plaice (it maybe works better read out rather than written down??!)
Huge thanks to the amazing Elin Horgan for taking the time to tell us all the ins and outs of running a business, and for making such beautiful jewellery!
Shop Elin Horgan jewellery here.
