I’m so excited to share that on Monday 26th May 2025, Sage and Soul was awarded Highly Commended at the NMTF Young Traders Regional Final at Belfast City Hall! It was my first time entering a competition like this, and I honestly didn’t expect to walk away with recognition - nearly a week later, and it still feels surreal.

The day (and the whole weekend) was packed with energy, creativity, and so many incredibly talented traders. It was amazing to meet other young makers and business owners, connect with new customers, and represent my little brand in such a special setting.

As someone who started this business during a challenging time in my life, this recognition means the world. I pour so much heart and soul into each piece I make, and moments like this remind me why I started Sage and Soul in the first place.

This award also means I’m now eligible for the National Final in Stratford-upon-Avon this August - and I can’t wait! I’m already planning some new pieces and display ideas, and I’ll be sharing the journey with you here and on my Instagram.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the NMTF team for organising such a wonderful market as part of the Belfast Spring Continental Market. Their dedication and hard work in supporting small businesses like mine truly made the event run smoothly and feel welcoming. It’s inspiring to be part of a community that values and uplifts small businesses across the UK, and I’m so grateful for the opportunities they create for us to showcase our work.

A special thank you to the judging panel for their time, thoughtful consideration, and valuable feedback. Their insights were incredibly helpful and encouraging, giving me fresh ideas to grow and improve my craft. I truly appreciate their support and expertise.

And finally, thank you to my customers! I am deeply grateful to everyone who visited my stall, including the many tourists who stopped by and supported my work. Your enthusiasm and kind words mean the world to me and inspire me to keep creating. Thank you for choosing to take a piece of my passion home with you!

Published on May 30th 2025.

This year, I had the exciting opportunity to trade at the Balmoral Show, one of Northern Ireland’s biggest agricultural and lifestyle events. As the owner of Sage and Soul, my hand crafted resin jewellery reached a fantastic new audience, and the experience was truly unforgettable.

Getting ready for Balmoral was both exciting and a bit nerve wracking. I spent weeks preparing my stock, ensuring I had plenty of items made in a variety of styles and colour ranges. I also spent time planning my stall layout and putting together marketing materials to tell the story behind Sage and Soul. My goal was to create a welcoming space where visitors could connect with the craftsmanship and meaning behind each piece.

Entering the grounds of the Eikon on the first day was an incredible feeling - the weather was ordered, there was a buzz from the thousands of visitors, there was a massive variety of stalls, and setting up among so many talented traders was inspiring. I had a great time meeting so many wonderful people, sharing my passion for my hand crafted resin jewellery, and hearing what customers thought about the pieces. Of course, there were moments of challenge, like managing busy periods and keeping everything organised, but it was all part of the rewarding experience.

Trading at the Balmoral Show taught me just how important personal connection is. Being able to chat face to face with customers and share the story behind each creation made the whole experience special. It also reinforced how much people value unique, hand crafted products in today’s fast paced world.

A huge thank you to the Balmoral Show organisers for putting on such a fantastic event, and to everyone who stopped by my stall - your support really means the world to me. After such a great experience, I’m already looking forward to returning next year to connect with even more people and continue growing Sage and Soul.

If you missed me at the show, don’t worry, you can catch me at upcoming markets! Follow Sage and Soul on Instagram to stay updated.

Published on May 21st 2025.