We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Una Lo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Una below.
Hi Una, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I believe finding purpose takes time; we don’t always know where our true passion lies at the beginning. It’s something we uncover through experiences, trial, and error.
I studied fashion design and worked in the industry for three years, thinking that was my path. But deep down, I always had a strong passion for jewellery. I just never took the leap—until I found myself feeling lost. I decided to take a year off in Ireland, a time of reflection that made me realise jewellery design was what truly excited me.
Determined to pursue this passion, I returned to Hong Kong, studied jewellery part-time while working full-time, and saved money for further education. Balancing both was challenging, but it reinforced my commitment to this new path. Eventually, I leaped and moved to the UK to fully dedicate myself to jewellery and metalwork.
Looking back, every step—even the detours—helped shape my journey. Sometimes, we need to explore different paths before we recognise where we’re truly meant to be.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a jewellery designer-maker, specialising in conceptual jewellery that explores themes of life, death, love, and loss. My work is deeply inspired by the human experience, creating pieces that tell stories—whether reflecting on personal growth, paying tribute to a lost loved one, or exploring the delicate balance between beauty and mortality. I primarily work with sterling silver, using the lost wax casting technique to handcraft each piece with meaning and purpose.
What excites me most about my work is its ability to spark conversations and connections. Jewellery is more than just an accessory; it’s a vessel for memories and emotions. I love creating pieces that are both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, offering something meaningful for people to wear, cherish, and connect with.
Through my brand, UNA THE WIMPER, I aim to create a space where people can reflect on their experiences, challenge perceptions of life and death, and appreciate the meaningful moments in life. What sets my work apart is the balance I strike between delicate beauty and deep emotional resonance, making each piece not just a design, but a story.
Hard work truly pays off, and I’m incredibly grateful to have received recognition for my craft, including the Sheffield Assay Office Silver Bursary (2024), the Sheffield Assay Masters Recognition Award – Highly Commended (2024), and the Silver Award in Conceptual Jewellery at the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards (2025). These achievements motivate me to keep pushing my creative boundaries, and I’m excited to continue exploring new ways to innovate in my craft and share my journey with those who connect with the stories behind my work.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I believe the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, creativity, and a willingness to learn.
Resilience has been essential in overcoming setbacks, whether mastering a new technique or dealing with self-doubt. There were moments when I questioned myself, but pushing through those challenges has been key. Embracing failure as part of the learning process—every setback is an opportunity for growth.
Creativity has been at the heart of what I do, though it’s not always easy to tap into. Staying curious and open to new experiences, like travel or meeting new people, helps keep ideas flowing, exploring various techniques and mediums until you find your voice.
Finally, a willingness to learn has been crucial. Jewellery design is a constantly evolving field, and I’ve always sought opportunities to expand my knowledge—whether through formal education, workshops, or self-directed learning. The more knowledge you gain, the more opportunities open up.
For anyone early in their journey, my advice would be to stay curious, be patient, and keep pushing forward. The path may not always be linear, but every experience teaches something valuable, and it’s through those lessons that we truly grow.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
One of the biggest challenges I’m currently facing is time management. As a one-man band, I handle everything from designing and making jewellery to marketing, pricing, and managing my website. On top of that, I work full-time to support myself and fund my brand. Additionally, I actively participate in exhibitions and competitions to gain more exposure, which adds another layer of responsibility. Balancing all of these tasks while maintaining the quality of my work can feel overwhelming at times.
To tackle this, I’ve been focusing on better time-blocking, prioritising tasks, and automating where possible to save time. I’m also seeking support from professionals in areas like marketing or business management when I can. It’s a continuous learning process, but I’m determined to find a balance so that my creative practice can thrive without being overwhelmed by the operational side.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.unathewimper.com/
- Instagram: una.the.wimper
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570846381690&locale=en_GB
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/una-lo-1bb306224/
Image Credits
Featured Photo: Artist’s own
Additional Photos: Edwin Lee
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