Meet the Maker Kay Lyng, Jeweller

By Kay Lyngm • the 09 January 2023

https://www.dcci.ie/consumers/blog/meet-the-maker-kay-lyng-jeweller

K Kajoux Jewels (pronounced K- Ka- Jeu) is an independent Irish owned handmade jewellery company where all the pieces are designed and created by hand in Co Kilkenny. Each piece is designed by Kay Lyng in her studio in the hills of Clomantagh, Co. Kilkenny. The collections fuse the vibrant colour & raw beauty of semi- precious stones with the amazing colour innovation from Exquisite Crystals.

Find out more about K Kajoux Jewels at www.kkajoux.com

What’s a typical day in the studio like for you?
First thing I do is look at what orders have come in overnight and get a plan together for the day. Most days are studio based- these are my favourites! Once I have a plan, I get going working through the orders, and prioritise anything that needs to be dispatched that day. Around 11 I make a coffee and catch up with emails, messages etc Any online meetings are usually around this time also. Once I’ve finished that, its back to making. I am usually working on one collection at a time, building stock and making sure I have enough supplies for 4- 6 weeks ahead of time. Working with retailers means that you have to have a gauge on what you need for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and sometimes 12 months ahead at times so there is a lot of juggling going on! On other days, I may be meeting buyers, attending events, or visiting stockists which is always fun. Once my kids get home from school, tools are down!

What do you like most about your work?
I love how dynamic the world of craft & design is, you can take one little idea and build it out to be something substantial. Everyday is different and it is all driven by the maker. Creating new collections is always nerve wrecking but the best part of my work! To see a collection come together and be well received is so rewarding.

What do you like least about your work?  
Paperwork- its fair to say its not, has never been and will never be a strong point! There is a huge amount of administration that goes with running your own business and its a chore but everything works better when I stay on top of it.

What’s your favourite craft item in your home?
I have some gorgeous vintage pieces from my Granny that I just love (scarves, a bag, jewellery, and a small table) the craftmanship & individuality of the pieces make them so special to me.

What other maker in your discipline do you most look up to?
There are so many that I admire, all with very different styles and perspectives. In particular, there are so many fantastic female brands that continue to drive amazing success for their businesses that have my 100% admiration.

What advice would you give someone who is considering this craft career?  
Definately find your own voice/ silhouette/ style within your craft and then go for it!

What’s your favourite time of the day?
I’m not the best morning person but I do love sitting down to my workbench and seeing whats going on, what’s coming up. I would like to think that I don’t take any of my orders for granted so I am always happy that there is demand for my work

How do you switch off?
Exercise, spending family time, travel when time allows- all so important to come back to the workbench with a fresh mindset

How do you start your day?
Coffee and a quick social scroll! Try to talk the dog into some fresh air and then I hit the studio.

What’s the first thing you do when you leave the studio?
I’m usually running late to collect or drop my kids somewhere- we are always running to the post office to dispatch orders in between activities. I can tell you the last cut off for any post office in a 50 km radius

Favourite book?
Anything by Paul Howard for a giggle, Kevin Kwan has some great page turners or a good novel to loose a few hours to

Favourite film?
Not a film but have really enjoyed the Crown series.

Best concert you have ever been to?
Hard one but Oasis in the Poiny in 1996 was a special one

Favourite meal?
Noodles- spicier the better!

Music when you’re working?
No

What do you listen to?
Coronas, Podcasts,