Nc’nean
The quiet rebels who are tearing up the whisky rulebook and being led by nature.
With silver as her medium and stories as her compass, Ainhoa creates jewellery that carries echoes of folklore and protection.
Here’s the founder story of Storms & Saint.
Storms & Saint began last year, but the journey started much earlier.
Before this, I ran a crystal business, a path I loved, but I found myself missing the hands-on creativity I’d always been drawn to.
I’ve been fascinated by jewellery for as long as I can remember and spent years exploring different making techniques until I finally discovered silversmithing. It instantly felt like home.
I began teaching myself the craft and fell in love with the process, shaping metal, setting stones, and creating something lasting with my hands. Storms & Saint is inspired by contrasts: light and shadow, softness and strength, the kind of beauty you find in darker places. Every piece I make reflects that balance.
Right now, Storms & Saint is a one-woman show, it’s just me in my home studio, with my loyal (and slightly chaotic) assistant, Chicken Nugget, my cat.
He mostly supervises from a sunny spot by the window or tries to sit on my workbench when I’m mid-solder. Every piece is designed, made, packaged, and photographed by me, so there’s a lot of love and intention behind each stage of the process.
I recently moved house, and now my studio space overlooks the water; it’s such a calming view and brings a sense of peace, even on the busiest days.
I work from my bench, usually surrounded by scattered gemstones, tools, and a few crystals I’ve collected over the years.
It’s a bit chaotic, but it’s where I feel most inspired. My moments of calm often start with a strong coffee, a little walk around the beach with the Liverpool skyline in front of me, maybe a candle burning, and some music playing.
My playlist is completely unpredictable, one minute it’s Florence and the Machine, the next it’s Sleep Token or something even heavier. It keeps the energy flowing and matches the mood of whatever I’m creating that day.
My designs are deeply rooted in emotion, contrast, and storytelling.
I’m inspired by old crafting methods, especially the slow, intentional process of silversmithing, and by the symbolism found in nature, folklore, and dark fantasy.
There’s a certain romance in working with fire and metal, shaping something raw into something meaningful.
Having grown up in Spain and now living in the UK, I find myself constantly drawn to contrasts: light and shadow, softness and strength, beauty and decay. That duality runs through every piece I create. I think what makes my jewellery resonate with people is that it feels personal, like armour, or a talisman. It’s not just decorative, it’s expressive.
One of the most meaningful parts of my work has been creating custom pet memorial pieces.
These are deeply personal commissions that often include a loved pet’s ashes, fur, whiskers or are inspired by their unique personality.
As someone who understands the depth of that bond, it’s an honour to craft pieces that hold such emotional weight. I approach every memorial design with care and intention, blending beauty and sentiment to create something that helps people feel connected to their companions even after they’re gone. It ties into the heart of Storms & Saint, finding light and meaning even in moments of loss.
One of those unforgettable moments for me was being nominated as Emerging Jewellery Brand of the Year 2025 at the UK Jewellery Awards.
I had only recently launched Storms & Saint, so to receive that kind of recognition so early on felt surreal. It was one of those full-circle moments, a reminder that taking the risk and follow my passion for making jewellery was worth it. It gave me a real sense of validation and encouragement to keep growing and creating from the heart.
At the core of Storms & Saint is a commitment to authenticity, craftsmanship, and meaningful connection.
I’m driven by the desire to create jewellery that isn’t just beautiful but tells a story, pieces that people can connect with on a personal level. Sustainability is important to me too; I focus on working with responsibly sourced materials and creating timeless designs that people will cherish for years, rather than fast fashion.
I also value creativity and resilience, both in my own journey and in the spirit I hope to inspire through my work. Every piece reflects the balance of strength and vulnerability, much like the experiences that shape us. Ultimately, I want to build a brand that stands for intention, care, and the celebration of individuality.
Looking ahead, I hope Storms & Saint will grow beyond the online studio into a cosy, welcoming space of its own, a little shop where people can come not only to buy jewellery but to connect with the craft itself.
I’d love to offer silversmithing courses, giving others the chance to discover the joy of creating with their hands and make pieces that are truly meaningful to them.
For me, it’s about building a community around creativity and intention, where both the magic of making and the stories behind the pieces can be shared in person.
It’s a dream to create a space that feels like a home for makers and dreamers alike.
Thank you Ainhoa for sharing your journey with us. I love how your jewellery is crafted to feel protective and powerful, reading this made me want to own a little piece of armour.
It’s incredible what you’ve achieved already and I’m confident you’ll one day have your little dream crafting space. – Lyndsey
Readers can use discount code ARTISANFOUNDER15 for 15% off sitewide at Storms & Saint. Expiry date 31st of December 2025
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