Letterfrack graduate enter TV's 'Dragon's Den'

An award winning GMIT Letterfrack graduate, David Monson from Ballyheigue in Co Kerry, is hoping to carve out a new investment for his jewellery business when he enters the Dragon’s Den this weekend (Sunday 14 April).

Entrepreneur David Monson, who completed a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Furniture and Wood Technology from GMIT Letterfrack in 2010, was inspired to start his jewellery business when fitting a jewellery shop in Morocco whilst on work placement organised by the college. Monson Irish Jewellery is now an innovative craft business making unique pieces of jewellery from wood.

Dermot O'Donovan, Head of Department, GMIT Letterfrack, says that all staff are very proud of David's achievements to date: "David was always very motivated as a student and had a very keen understanding of the business environment. We are delighted that he has the opportunity to showcase his business and products on national television. I hope the Dragons will recognise this good investment opportunity when it’s presented to them. We wish David continued success with his company."

Graduate David Monson says: " I loved working with wood and I thought why not try my hand at carving unique pieces of jewellery from wood. When I got home and looked into it, it was something that was different from what is out there already. I’m at the stage now where I’d like to take the business to the next level.”

Speaking of his time at Letterfrack he said: “The GMIT degree programme gave me the discipline and knowledge in project management and market research which was vital to the development of the range. The range of skills imparted by the lecturers, plus the equipment and technology on campus provided me with invaluable technical expertise to understand the manufacturing process. Also, as a result of my time there I have close links with Kylemore Abbey and Jack Dylan Jewellers in Westport, who have both helped me enormously in developing my range. They are now flagship stockists of the Monson range in the West of Ireland."

"The pieces I design are drawn from Irish and Celtic culture. They are finely crafted and finished. Already I know that tourists and overseas visitors are buying these pieces to take home. What I was looking for from the Dragons was a way to help me drive things to the next level."

The Dragons Den airs at 9:30 on RTE One, Sunday 14 April.

For further information on all programmes offered at GMIT Letterfrack, see: http://www.gmit.ie/letterfrack/programmes/