Handmade: The True Value of Connection and Quality

Connection. Everything we see, hear, smell, touch and taste, connects us to the World around us in some way but, it goes even deeper than that. It connects us to memories, our heritage, and all the experiences that have shaped us into the people we are today. For a long time, I didn’t fully appreciate this. 

My choices were driven by convenience and cost. I was so focused on how quickly I could get something and how little it would cost that I became detached from the deeper meaning behind my purchases.

In today’s fast-paced, commercialized world, it’s easy to fall into this mindset. Our regular conversations often revolve around how soon we can have something and how much it will cost, and this way of thinking has led many of us to accumulate far more than we really need.

I, too, became detached—detached from the meaningful things that shape who I am at my core. I found myself focusing on quantity over quality, and as a result, there was a lingering sense of emptiness. Why? Because no amount of “stuff” will ever be enough.

When I began to shift my focus to the quality of what I chose to invest in and how much I connected with it —from food to clothes, shoes, and jewellery—I discovered something transformative. 

I had less, but I was infinitely happier. The items I invested in brought me deep joy and connection, so much so that, as they aged and showed signs of wear, I felt motivated to repurpose or repair them.

A handful of well-made, meaningful pieces—like my one-of-a-kind jewellery—holds far more value than mountains of items that hold no connection to your personal story, heritage, or history.

So, as you go about your next investment, I encourage you to take a step back. Slow down. Consider whether this next purchase is just a fleeting, momentary, indulgence or something that will truly bring long lasting, memorable joy and meaning. 

A lifetime of meaningful indulgence may take a little longer to receive, but it is infinitely more worthwhile.