Meet the Staff: Ciara O’Flynn of Betsy Frost Design

Not only is Ciara an integral part of our team, she also offers her own line of jewelry and accessories in our shop and on our website. Her line is called Ciara Jeanne Design.

Ciara O’Flynn of Betsy Frost Design - Ciara is wearing “Way To The Water” Pendant By Betsy Frost Design

Ciara O’Flynn of Betsy Frost Design - Ciara is wearing “Way To The Water” Pendant By Betsy Frost Design

Betsy: “Ciara started working in our shop when she was a sophomore at Wesleyan. We love her! Not only is she a breath of fresh air to all customers and staff, she is an amazingly talented artist. We have a big selection of Ciara’s beautiful handmade jewelry collections and if you cannot make it to the shop we’ve just added her hydrangea ring dish and aromatherapy candles to our website.  Ciara even grows and hand presses her own flowers!”

Ciara, can you share with us what you enjoy most about working at Betsy Frost Design?
“The shop has such a comforting atmosphere. I really love the care that everyone in the shop has for one another - we joke that I have several “shop moms”. We teach one another techniques for making jewelry, bounce creative ideas around, and always remember to bring in pastries or Zumi’s Coffee for each other.”

Staff Product Pick…
My favorite of Betsy’s designs is probably the Caged Collection. It is unique, elegant, and versatile.” 

Fun Fact:
Ciara enjoys knitting and perhaps will be making a couple of hand-knit things for the shop this winter!
She is a lot of fun to work with. Our team went out recently to celebrate a great summer at the shop and we enjoyed some delish apps (along with some tater tots!)  at the Fox Creek Tavern

Tell Us More About Ciara Jeanne Design
”I have been making my own art and jewelry since I was in elementary school. I am one of 5 girls and love making custom accessories for my sisters to wear and use. Many of my products are inspired by local nature or feature the beautiful objects that I find in nature. I started pressing flowers from my younger sister’s garden and picking up my favorite shells at the beach and eventually, they made their way into candles, plates, necklaces, etc. Many of my products are sold exclusively in-store, but a couple of things can be found on my Etsy site: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CiaraJeanneDesign” Check out her designs at the shop or on her Etsy shop and some on betsyfrostdesign.com

Ciara Jeanne Handmade Ring Plates - see more about them here

Ciara Jeanne Handmade Ring Plates - see more about them here

Ciara Jeanne Pressed Flower Lavender/Stress Relief Candles - see more about them here

Ciara Jeanne Pressed Flower Lavender/Stress Relief Candles - see more about them here

Ciara is also a very talented Painter.
The purpose and inspiration behind her Thesis Project and Gallery Exhibition at Wesleyan…
“I graduated this year with high honors from Wesleyan University majoring in studio art and psychology. My senior thesis titled “In the Hatred of a Minute” combined my double major and featured a series of dramatic oil paintings that explored family secrets and the alienation people feel within intimate family groups. Through the portrayal of a long-hidden family history riddled with tragedy, abuse, extreme religiosity, and profound mental dysfunction, this body of work examined my interest in the idea that you can look at family from a distant point of view, and that we never completely understand or know those that we consider to be an extension of ourselves. I am excited to expand on my painting practice in the future and am currently showing one of my pieces in the gallery of the Ipswich Historical Museum.”
Check out some of Ciara’s work from the Wesleyan University Gallery exhibit here…

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Meet The Staff: Jenny From Betsy Frost Design

Creative with visuals & displays, she loves our customers and brings us lattes!

At Betsy Frost Design, we are so thrilled to have Jenny as a part of the team—she is amazing —professional, polished, and great with customers.  She has a flair for display—we love how she can transform areas of the shop in minutes.  

How long have you been with Betsy Frost Design? 
I started with Betsy Frost (pre-covid), however, I have been a customer for a very long time prior to my role at the shop.

A bit about Jenny: 
In Jenny’s words: “I was born and raised in Manhattan, New York, but went to college in New England. I‘ve lived and worked in NY, San Francisco, NH, ME, and MA - in various retail roles in my younger years.  Then I fell into the financial industry in Boston. I last worked as a Business Analyst for Manulife Financial (aka: John Hancock). I can say that a BA translates (in business documents) —what the Operations side needs from the IT side so the Programmers can bring to life their goal—streamlined system or reports. It’s kind of a Chandler Bing job—(from the show “Friends)”.

How did you land at Betsy Frost Design?
Over the years, I have been a customer of Betsy Frost Design, and have also known Kim (on our staff) since our children were born.  We met through the “Birth to Three Center” in Ipswich. A few years ago, I mentioned to Kim that I’d love to help out at the shop if the need ever arose. One day I met with Betsy, she was wonderful and willing to give me a try - so here I am! :)

What do you most enjoy working on at the shop? 
I enjoy everything about the shop! I mostly enjoy just being there, meeting the customers, stocking up, and moving things around. We all create the visuals and displays but I do love it - it’s fun for me!  Betsy and Kim have also begun teaching me some of the jewelry finish work, which is great. I enjoy learning new skills.

Fun facts about Jenny: 
Her father was an Italian restauranteur and owner of Mike Manuche’s in New York City, and her mother—Broadway theatre star, Martha Wright.
Jenny loves lattes, and also loves rhythm roller skating, and has been known to travel far to skate till 3 or 4am…

What is your “Staff Pick" or favorite item in the shop?
I love the Large Coral Cuff Bracelet, as well as the Pansy Line. I also really covet the Teardrop Pendant and Large Cage designs…and so many more. Jenny is wearing the Large Coral Cuff Bracelet, Large Coral Teardrop Pendant, and the Large Caged Stone Ring.

If you have not yet had the pleasure of meeting Jenny, stop in the shop sometime and say hello!
See Jenny’s favorites here below:

Large Coral Cuff Bracelet - It goes with everything and is a fun staple year round--looks great with jeans OR a fancy dress.  MORE INFO HERE

Large Coral Cuff Bracelet - It goes with everything and is a fun staple year round--looks great with jeans OR a fancy dress. 
MORE INFO HERE

Large Coral Teardrop Pendant with Trapped Aqua Chalcedony on Snake Chain MORE INFO HERE

Large Coral Teardrop Pendant with Trapped Aqua Chalcedony on Snake Chain
MORE INFO HERE

Large Caged Stone Ring MORE INFO HERE

Large Caged Stone Ring
MORE INFO HERE

Large Pansy Pendant on Adjustable Elastic Cord MORE INFO HERE

Large Pansy Pendant on Adjustable Elastic Cord
MORE INFO HERE