From beads to books: how I manage studying Law while running a jewellery business
In this blog, Logean explores the challenges and rewards of balancing his LLB studies with managing his jewellery brand, Luxury by Logean. He details the intricate process of creating his jewellery and draws parallels between this craftmanship and the precision needed in legal studies.
When I decided to pursue a law degree with the University of London at my local teaching centre, Crescendo International College, I knew I was embarking on a journey that would demand focus, dedication and countless hours of study.
However, alongside this academic pursuit, I couldn’t ignore my passion for jewellery design—a passion that eventually blossomed into my brand, Luxury by Logean Devar. Managing both my studies and my jewellery business has been an intense yet rewarding experience, filled with challenges that have taught me valuable lessons in balance, patience and perseverance.
The spark behind my business: a journey into jewellery design
My journey into jewellery design began as a personal endeavour—a way to create pieces that resonated with my cultural heritage while also reflecting modern elegance. One of the key items I craft and sell is the mangalsutra, a traditional symbol of marriage that carries deep significance in many South Asian cultures. Designing and making a mangalsutra is a labour-intensive process, requiring not only creativity but also an immense amount of patience and precision.
The art of Mangalsutra-making: a process as intricate as law
Creating a mangalsutra is a meticulous process, much like the detailed study required for law. The heart of the mangalsutra lies in its black beads, each carefully threaded onto a wire. This beading process is not only time-consuming but also requires a steady hand and unwavering focus. Each bead must be perfectly aligned, and even the slightest mistake can disrupt the entire piece, requiring the jeweller to start over.
Just as in law, where attention to detail is crucial, whether you’re parsing the language of a legal document or analysing a case precedent, crafting a mangalsutra demands a similar level of precision. The repetitive nature of threading each tiny bead might seem monotonous, but it’s this very process that ensures the integrity and beauty of the final piece. There’s no rushing it; each step must be performed with care, mirroring the methodical approach needed when tackling complex legal concepts.
The patience required in beading each black bead onto the wire is akin to the patience needed to study law. Just as a law student must diligently work through dense material, understanding and retaining information, I must carefully thread each bead, ensuring it’s secure and in place. It’s a slow process, but the end result is a beautifully crafted mangalsutra, which is worth the effort. Similarly, the reward of understanding and mastering a difficult legal concept is worth the hours of study.
A day in my life: structuring time for both passions
My day begins with attending classes at Crescendo International College. The morning hours are dedicated to immersing myself in legal studies, engaging in lectures and participating in discussions that deepen my understanding of the law. The college environment is intellectually stimulating, and it sets the tone for the rest of my day.
Once classes are over, I transition into my role as a jeweller. Evenings and nights are when I dive into the creative and meticulous process of designing and crafting jewellery. This is when I sketch new designs, respond to customer enquiries, and work on fulfilling orders. The festive season, in particular, is a time when my workload triples. Handling all aspects of the business myself, from sourcing materials to crafting each piece by hand, can be overwhelming. However, the satisfaction of seeing a finished piece, especially a mangalsutra that will be cherished by someone, makes it all worthwhile.
Integration of skills: law and entrepreneurship
Although law and jewellery design might seem like worlds apart, they intersect in more ways than one. My LLB studies have equipped me with critical thinking skills that are invaluable when navigating the complexities of running a business. Understanding contract law, for instance, has been crucial when negotiating with suppliers or ensuring that my business operations are legally sound.
Moreover, the patience required in studying law is mirrored in the craftsmanship of jewellery-making. Just as each legal case requires careful analysis and a methodical approach, each piece of jewellery demands precision and attention to detail. This patience is especially important when fulfilling large orders during the festive season, where the pressure to deliver is high, but the quality of the work cannot be compromised.
Challenges and solutions: finding balance during peak seasons
The biggest challenge I face is balancing the demands of my studies with the influx of orders during peak seasons. The festive season is both a blessing and a test of endurance. While the increased business is gratifying, it often means late nights and early mornings, trying to meet deadlines without letting my studies slip.
To manage this, I’ve developed a strict schedule that allocates specific time for study and work. I rely heavily on time management techniques, such as time-blocking and prioritising tasks, to ensure that I remain productive in both areas. During peak times, I also make sure to set realistic expectations for myself, understanding that it’s okay to seek help when needed, whether it’s through outsourcing certain tasks or leaning on my support system for encouragement.
Support systems: staying organised and motivated
Staying organised is crucial, and I couldn’t manage without the support of digital tools and apps that help me track orders, schedule study sessions and stay on top of deadlines. These tools help me juggle multiple responsibilities and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.
My friends play a significant role in keeping me on track as well. They’re often the ones who remind me to take breaks, stay on top of my study schedule and even get some sleep when I’m burning the midnight oil. Whether it’s a quick message checking in on how I’m managing, or a nudge to step away from the workbench and review my notes, their reminders help me maintain a healthy balance.
Family also play a vital role in keeping me grounded. They understand the demands I face and are always there to offer advice or simply listen when things get overwhelming. Their support is especially valuable during the festive season, when the pressure of balancing both worlds is at its peak.
Additionally, my customers have been incredibly understanding and supportive throughout my journey. They appreciate the craftsmanship and care that goes into each piece of jewellery, and many have expressed their admiration for the fact that I am also pursuing a law degree. This understanding from my customers eases the pressure during peak times, knowing that they value the quality of my work and the effort I put into balancing my dual roles.
Why it matters: pursuing dual passions
Balancing my LLB studies with running Luxury by Logean is not just about managing time; it’s about fulfilling different facets of who I am.
My studies in law represent my intellectual ambitions and my commitment to a future career in the legal field. Meanwhile, my jewellery brand allows me to express my creativity, connect with my cultural roots, and bring joy to others through my designs.
Both endeavours require patience, dedication and a willingness to learn from challenges. They complement each other in ways I hadn’t anticipated, with each one enriching my understanding of the other. Most importantly, they remind me that it’s possible to pursue multiple passions simultaneously, as long as you have the right support, a solid plan and the drive to see it through.
Logean studies Undergraduate Laws LLB in Malaysia.
This page was last updated on 6 September 2024