BBC News: When Opportunity Washes Ashore

[Written by Adrienne Smatt, Bermuda Broadcasting Co.]

A St. George’s woman who once struggled in a job that paid $11 an hour has turned her life around by creating a lucrative jewellery business.

Tara Cassidy came up with the idea three years ago while stuck working in what she saw as a dead-end job as a tour guide. She found a sea fan [a type of coral], that had washed ashore, and it lead to the establishment of La Garza Jewellery, which uses materials found in the natural environment.

Ms Cassidy now works with Bermuda’s pink sand, discarded plastics and most recently, she has even added lionfish to her collection.

She said: “I felt like I had to draw awareness to the plight of coral in jewellery”.

It is the reason why none of the coral she uses is harvested but comes instead from discarded pieces. Proceeds from some of the lines of her jewellery go to charity.

Having personally made it through “desperate” times she encourages people to not confine themselves, professionally. She started her business without knowing anything about the jewellery-making process but progressed through trial and error.

Ms Cassidy adds: “I hope other people who are in desperation right now realise that they can end up doing something that they really love and are really proud of.”

For more information please see www.lagarzabermuda.com.

Note: Bernews is temporarily helping Bermuda Broadcasting Company by sharing its stories online. The station’s TV equipment is undergoing repair after being hit by lightning.

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Category: All, Business, Environment, News