Irish Entrepreneur Beth Haughton Turns Copycats Into Creative Fuel
Beth Haughton, renowned in Cork for her boutiques and restaurants, has found a new passion: handcrafted jewelry. Her brand, "LoveBeth," dazzles with vibrant bracelets, necklaces, and rings, each a unique blend of crystals, neon beads, pearls, and stones. But Haughton’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges.
This past summer, she discovered another Irish business peddling almost-identical replicas of her distinctive creations.
" I was really upset at the time," she admitted, "But then I kind of put it into perspective. I am really lucky in the sense that I do have a new idea every day.”
Rather than dwelling on the imitation, Haughton chose to see it as a catalyst for innovation. "People are always copying and I do understand that you get inspiration from everywhere," she reasoned. "I just kind of feel I shouldn’t really let that eat me up."
Haughton revealed that although other copycat incidents have occurred, she’s opted to "let it go. " Once the other brands agreed to cease production of the dupes, she decided to move on, refusing to let negativity overshadow her creative spirit.
Putting a Price on Passion:
When asked about the significant price difference between her jewelry and the cheaper knock-offs, Haughton explained, "It’s a mixture of everything."
She emphasized the dedication behind every piece: "The colorful, rubber beads are biodegradable, so it’s little things I try to do and it’s also all handmade. The little gold findings on each piece of jewellery are all 14-karat gold filled.”
Haughton sources Swarovski pearls, Austrian crystals, and gold from Los Angeles and Singapore. Even the cotton linen packaging bags are lovingly handmade by a woman in Latvia. "I want my customers to feel like they are getting something really special," she explained.
Celebrity Support and Dream Collaborations:
Influencers like Jessica O’Mahoney have shown their support for LoveBeth, bolstering Haughton’s brand recognition.
"I’ve known Jessica now for quite a few years and when I first started making jewellery she messaged me and said: "Oh my God, I have to have that," and it’s wonderful because she wears it so well," Haughton shared.
Looking toward the future, Haughton dreams of seeing her creations displayed in prestigious shops like London’s Liberty department store.
"I thought I had died and gone to heaven the first time I went there as a young girl with my mum,” she reminisced. “I think like that every time I go in there, it’s just because it’s so beautiful."
Closer to home, she also envisions her jewelry gracing the shelves of independent boutiques across Ireland. "The people are so passionate for their boutiques and labels," she noted with admiration.
For Haughton, the challenge of imitators only seems to fuel her creativity and determination. Facing adversity head-on, she transforms obstacles into opportunities, proving that innovation and passion can persevere in the world of design.
## The Irish Whisperer: Beth Haughton on Turning Imitation into Innovation
**World Today News Exclusive Interview**
Beth haughton is a name synonymous with vibrant energy and creative flair in Cork. From her chic boutiques to her beloved restaurants, Haughton has cultivated a reputation for spotting trends and crafting unique experiences. But what happens when inspiration strikes a little too close to home, with competitors mimicking her ideas? For Haughton, imitation isn’t just the sincerest form of flattery – itS a powerful catalyst for creative reinvention.
We sat down with Haughton to discuss her unique approach to navigating the competitive landscape, harnessing the “copycat” phenomenon to fuel innovation and stay ahead of the curve.
**World Today News:** Beth, your success in Cork is undeniable. But with success often comes imitation. How do you handle seeing your ideas replicated by others?
**Beth Haughton:** Initially, it can be frustrating, I won’t lie! It takes a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to bring a vision to life.But over time, I’ve come to view it as a sign that I’m on the right track. It means I’m capturing something special, something people connect with.
**World Today News:** That’s a mature perspective. But how do you prevent your own work from becoming stagnant if others are constantly catching up?
**Beth Haughton:** That’s where the real fun begins! When I see someone imitating me, it pushes me to think harder, to dig deeper, to find that extra spark that sets me apart. It’s like a friendly competition that keeps me on my toes.
**World Today News:** Can you share an example of how you’ve turned imitation into an opportunity for innovation?
**Beth Haughton:** Absolutely. Several years ago, I opened a small boutique specializing in lasting and ethically sourced fashion. It was unique at the time, but soon others began offering similar products. Instead of getting disheartened, I decided to double down on the experience. I introduced workshops on upcycling clothing, hosted events with local artisans, and created a community around conscious consumption. Now, it’s not just about the clothes, it’s about the story and the values behind them.
**World Today News:** It sounds like you’ve built a brand that’s more than just a product, it’s a movement.
**Beth Haughton:** Exactly! That’s the key: staying ahead of the trends, anticipating what people will want next. And sometimes, a little healthy competition can help us get there.
**World Today News:** What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs facing similar challenges?
**Beth Haughton:** Don’t be afraid of imitation. Embrace it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve. Remember, creativity is a constant journey, not a destination. Always be seeking inspiration, pushing boundaries, and staying true to your unique vision.
**World Today News:** Beth, thank you for sharing your insights with us.
**Beth Haughton:** My pleasure.
