Meet Cork's 'Wandering Goldsmith'  who has a spirit for adventure

“We can carve out our own destiny.”

Those are the words of Leika Hartjes, 32, a goldsmith from Germany with a passion for travelling and self-empowerment.

Currently based in Clonakilty, she runs her own jewellery business called The Wandering Goldsmith.

Every piece is made of 14 carat gold, and each collection of handmade jewellery is inspired by her own personal experiences.

“I want to be able to tell the stories of my travels, about the adventurer’s spirit in general. I want to spark curiosity and interest,” Leika said.

Currently, there are two collections, the ‘Pacific Crest Trail’ collection, and the ‘Be Your Own Daddy’ collection. Both are based on Leika’s experiences.

The ‘Pacific Crest Trail’ collection was inspired by her journey of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. With this collection, Leika hopes to inspire others to go after what they want.

If I can go on the Pacific Crest Trail, then anyone can. It doesn’t matter what level you start, if you go after something, there’s no reason you can’t achieve it.

The ‘Be Your Own Daddy’ collection was inspired by Leika’s passion for female empowerment and taking back this term and owning it. Leika aimed to create sassy jewellery that is high quality.

“For me, the term ‘Daddy’ was very belittling towards women. I want to take this term, own it, and show that I am my own Daddy!” says Leika about this collection.

“It’s all about power, and stepping into your own power, meeting your own needs. Be your own sugar daddy! You don’t need for others to treat you, you can treat yourself!’

Leika’s passion for this collection and the message it sends is inspiring.

She attended college for a time but dropped out to pursue something “more practical”.

“The academic sides of things didn’t really suit me. I think there is a lot of pressure on young people that you have to go to college if you want to be anything,” said Leika.

Upon realising that it wasn’t for her, Leika took her love of homemade, traditional crafts and began the steps to make that passion into a career.

“I want to work in a traditional craft that will stay a traditional craft, that doesn’t involve much machinery. I never wanted something that gets industrialised quickly,” she said.

Leika applied for goldsmith and watchmaker apprenticeships in Germany before being accepted into a goldsmith apprenticeship.

During this apprenticeship, Leika was given a chance to do a four-week internship abroad. In 2017, she moved to Dungarvan, Waterford, to start an internship with Alan Dalton, a goldsmith based there.

In 2018, once her apprenticeship was complete, Leika returned to Ireland to work with Alan permanently. She remained in Dungarvan for four years before moving to West Cork.

“I basically bullied him into giving me a job, but I am so very grateful for the opportunity. I have had the time of my life here,” she said.

Ireland is wild compared to Germany, the people here are so welcoming.

Leika also worked in Keane’s jewellers in Cork city until October, 2023, repairing jewellery.

Ten per cent of her profits from each purchase from The Wandering Goldsmith,will be donated to a cause close to the inspiration for each collection.

“I think to make giving back be a part of the business is a way to bring the business into the current days,” she said.

“If we just try, and always give back a little of what we receive, then things will be better for us all eventually.”

Ten per cent of the profits made from the ‘Pacific Crest Trail’ collection will be donated to the Pacific Crest Trail Association, which is the main organisation that maintains the trail, ensuring it stays wild and beautiful. They also provide information for the hikers to help them on their travels.

Ten per cent of the profits made from the ‘Be Your Own Daddy” collection will be donated to Lisheens House, a community-based mental health charity that provides free counselling, training, and support for those in a mental health crisis.

“Our mental health is so powerful,” Leika said.

She has seen previous experience of self-employment from her father, who ran his own landscaping business.

Having grown up watching him work extremely hard to provide for the family, she saw the toll self-employment can take.

“I didn’t really want my own business at first because I have seen how much work it is,” said Leika.

When she decided to start her own business, she had a different approach, leaning into her desire to live a slower and more simple life.

“I want to carve something that suits my needs and the life I want to be living.”

The Wandering Goldsmith can be found at thewanderinggoldsmith.com