Person to Person: 'My happy time is definitely in my workshop'

Tell us about yourself:

My name is Hannah McGrenera, and I am an artist from Cork. My love of ink drawings and jewellery inspired me to work in both - Saw Framed was born in November, 2019. I now stock my handmade artisan sterling silver jewellery and illustration cards in beautiful shops, including the National Gallery of Ireland Gift Shop and Blarney Woollen Mills.

Where were you born?

I was born in an air force base hospital in Taiwan. My grandad was in the air force.

Where do you live?

My family came to Ireland in 1994 and settled in Cork. I now live in Bishopstown.

Family?

I live with my husband Mamoek, son Nicolaas, daughter Mila, and our cat Brunch.

Best friend?

Her name is Lu Sui-Hei. I’ve called her Lu ever since we met at age 12 and went to school together. We actually look very alike. She lives in Taiwan and we often do video calls.

Earliest childhood memory?

The colour of my bedroom, which was emerald green when I was very young. I knew I was stimulated by vision from early childhood.

Person you most admire?

My grandmother Kan, who was illiterate and taught herself many skills such as knitting and creating many homecooked recipes. She was a community supporter and an eco-environment advocate. She helped the refurbishment of our local temple by raising funds through recycling. I remember collecting glass bottles and cardboards for her from the neighbourhood to exchange for money. She does everything that is worth doing with 100% effort and enthusiasm.

At that time in her world, women were only valued as homemakers - she supported her families with many short-term jobs such as cleaning, childminding and growing vegetables, all while minding her own children/grandchildren. She went through life knowing who she was with no apologies. She was known to be feisty, she loved her WWE shows! She was some woman for one woman. One of my favourite bestselling pieces, ‘the knitting ball of wool’ necklace, was inspired by her.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

I took my nine-year old son to Taiwan this year and we had the best time. It was a dream for a long time to take him there. Due to work/childcare/ covid/funding, we only managed the trip this year. He had heard so much about the country from me.

We met up with cousins and family and visited waterparks and a lot of capybara and cat cafes. It was lovely - just the two of us - and he just rolled with it. I always enjoy my trip ‘home’ and returning to roots – speaking the language and being immersed in the culture always give me ideas for new collection. I created my new ‘papercutting’ jewellery range for Saw Framed Studio collection following this lovely visit to Taiwan.

Favourite TV programme?

All my friends know this... I don’t watch TV. It’s very difficult for me to join a social conversation sometimes. I watch Taiwanese Youtube to polish up my native tongue and drool over the Taiwanese food.

Favourite radio show?

Has to be the Neil Prendeville show on Red FM. I also enjoy the Diary of a CEO podcast.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Homemade noodles and dumplings. I wrap approximately 100 dumplings every month for my son’s after-school snack.

Favourite restaurant?

Miyazaki, on Evergreen Steet.

Last book you read?

Making Silver Jewellery by Louise Mary Muttitt. I tend to immerse myself in all things designing and making.

One person you would like to see in concert?

John Williams.

Do you have a pet?

Yes, a rescue tabby cat called Brunch who has no tail and can tell time for some reason. He was injured when we moved to Bishopstown in 2023, came home with a broken tail and bleeding. We had to amputate it. But he is a very happy and mischievous cat, we love him very much. He is a sibling to my kids. He is a great companion in my workshop and often becomes my subject of matter for creation. It’s a true joy watching him just being a cat.

Morning person or night owl?

Definitely a morning person. I often get my desktop items done like email, social, and orders in the morning before heading into the workshop.

Your proudest moment?

Setting up my creative business in the first place and waking up every day knowing I am following my dream, and working on growing the business and keeping it going.

Spendthrift or saver?

Saver. But when I do buy, I buy good such as tools for jewellery-making. If you buy cheap, you buy twice.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

Healthcare. I feel our most vulnerable in society are being let down.

What makes you happy?

My happy time is definitely in my workshop. I am in the ‘zone’ when I start creating, a very mindful process.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a kind and generous person who is creative.

What else are you up to at the moment?

My brand Saw Framed was short-listed for Irish Made Award with Irish Country Magazine in the jewellery category in recent weeks. It was amazing to be recognised with all the other Irish brands acknowledged. I am making jewellery, stocking my shops in Ireland, and getting ready for the busy gift buying season ahead.

I will be attending a few fashion events over the coming months with Councils of Irish Fashion Designers and Christmas markets such as the Ballymaloe Fair on November 14-16, Gifted RDS from December 2-7. I will be returning to Dublin for Showcase in the RDS with my Local Enterprise Office Cork City on January 18-20, hoping to pick up more Irish and international buyers and introduce my new collection.

As a member of CIFD, the Councils of Irish Fashion Designers, we are promoting wearing Irish brands.

I have been nominated for the Remy Martin Cork Business Award with Cork Business Association and I will be attending the awards night in November.

Lastly, I am also working with my Local Enterprise Office in Cork city, who have been very kind to support me.

For 2026, I will be focusing on exports to the UK and I am hoping to attend a trade show aboard next year while continuing to grow my collection and customers in Ireland.

• See www.sawframed.com