Editor Tessa Ndjonkou chats with Andrea Uchime about her jewellery brand, Andrea's Treasures.
The bass thumps as Nicki Minaj’s ‘Super Freak Girl’ blares through the Workman’s Cellar. The dance floor is a writhing mass of bodies and as I finally manage to extract myself from the chaos I think to myself ‘I need to walk this off.’ Meg Bergin, founder of The Girl’s Room, sure does know how to put on an event. Come for the dancing and sisterhood and stay for the art on offer from a plethora of Dublin creatives. Watery Vodka Cranberry in hand, I peruse through the stands where candles, clothing and accessories are being sold. My eyes land on a mesmerising cluster of rose quartz on a stand overrun with bespoke jewelry and I think, ‘With the way things are going right now, maybe I could use some of that.’ The woman behind the table beams as I ask how much it costs and before I know it, I’m walking away cradling the vial and placing my dreams and delusions upon it. As these events unfold, I fail to realise I actually have already met the brilliant mind behind these accessories.
“There is something so timeless, so classy about a pearl... and I mean the symbolism of it,” Andrea Uchime says to me as we discuss her brand, Andrea’s Treasures. Who better to define a brand than its creator? True to its name, Andrea does offer treasures for all who enjoy long-lasting, timeless and effortlessly chic jewelry that has come from nature. Whether it is for everyday in college or for a night out, her jewelry is sure to be staple on your dresser and on your body. When I ask her who she has in mind when she makes her jewelry, she chuckles and answers: “Honestly? Me. People like me.” And that might just be the recipe for her success: Andrea’s Treasures makes ordinary people into deities with ethereal embellishments for every season or style.
Whether it is for everyday in college or for a night out, her jewelry is sure to be staple on your dresser and on your body.
Andrea Uchime is a Third-year Sociology and Social Justice student who founded the wearable handmade art brand Andrea’s Treasures. The brand, initially started out as a hobby, is based in Dublin but has already been shipping worldwide. The hobby-turned-business took on a life of its own during the pandemic and has not faltered since. With an Instagram following of nearly 2,000 people, Andrea has grown a steady clientele thanks to her unique artistry and environmentally conscious fiber. She is set to release a series of new accessories with fully reworked products in hopes of having a positive impact on the environment. The latter has notably been a constant source of inspiration for her craft. From earrings and necklaces to bracelets and rings, she has anointed her works with names such as “Bubbles,” “Pearly,” and “Harvest” further proof for the love she has for the planet her accessories emanate from.
She is set to release a series of new accessories with fully reworked products in hopes of having a positive impact on the environment.
Despite the success and ever-growing clientele her brand has found, Andrea does not shy away from the realities of starting a new business as a young Black woman in Ireland today. She mentions: “Although things are going well, I am conscious of the fact that I have had to work twice as hard for less because of who I am.” She continues, “My parents were immigrants so I don’t have the connections or contacts that would facilitate the establishing of a business. Sometimes, during events I’ll have to endure microaggressions and that can make you feel discouraged.” Her statement highlights the systemic inequalities that persist in Ireland and that counterweight individual’s drive and passion to create. Andrea takes this in stride however and remains proud of what she has achieved thus far with the support of her family, friends and regular customers.
When asked about how she would describe her brand in three words, she calmly replied: “Classic, timeless and earthy.” I would not have put it any other way.