Meet the mother–daughter duo behind The Santon Collection

As the founder of Brooke & Shoals, you already have one successful brand under your belt. Why did you decide to start a second business?

Alison: For me, work satisfaction is all about ideas and creation. I have always been obsessed with accessories and jewellery, and in our gift shop in Greystones, we have been selling other brands of accessories for many years alongside our own Brooke & Shoals products. It has always been familiar. Then both of my daughters, Mia and Lara, have travelled to trade fairs with me around Europe since they were teenagers, helping me buy for the shop. So, when I suggested starting our own accessories range, Mia jumped at the chance to be involved. She is very creative and loves putting things together. Lara is still in college but works part-time with us.

For you, why was now a good time to start a business with your mother?

Mia: Well, I have just finished college and I’m currently taking a gap year before starting a Master’s. I worked part-time in the company with Mum when I was in school, but I was so young. Now it’s different because with Santon Collection, I have huge creative input, and she trusts my opinion and suggestions. It’s an equal business relationship in terms of product design decisions. She knows I bring a fresh take and a young eye. Equally, I know that her knowledge of the market and of building a successful business is invaluable for our growth.

Has it been difficult to share creative control?

Alison: I welcome having another person with great ideas who is passionate about the business. Mia brings a unique artistic angle to the table, so I trust her when it comes to designing and curating our range. She even designed the brand logo, which is not only aesthetically gorgeous but is a visual representation of a mother-daughter relationship. 

We love that this brand is a mother–daughter collaboration. Was building something together always part of the plan? And what’s it like working side by side now?

Mia: It was so organic. Growing up with a mum who is an entrepreneur was just normal life for me and my sister. It’s in our DNA. She is such a great role model. We are quite alike in the way we think and the things we like. As we both have strong personalities, we can clash easily, though. However, because we get on so well, it never lasts long, and we are back to laughing and joking in no time. 

Alison: As a mother, it is lovely to have Mia working on this brand with me. I’m very proud of her. There’s an honesty in our relationship that you don’t get with many people in your life. 

Tell us more about Santon Collection – what makes it stand out? 

Alison: The Santon Collection is a range designed by women who understand what women need. It consists of cosmetic bags, jewellery cases, handbags and gold-plated jewellery that bring elegance to everyday items. For us, it’s rooted in a belief that functional items should still feel indulgent, so our brand strikes a balance between beauty and practicality.

Mia: Each piece in the collection is thoughtfully designed to enhance both form and function. The aesthetic is both timeless and modern, featuring soft, versatile colourways like taupe, blush pink and rich olive green too. 

What are some of your favourite pieces from the collection? 

Alison: The jewellery cases are my favourite, as they are both pretty and useful. I’m always travelling for work, so they keep my jewellery perfectly organised. The anti-tangle necklace holders I know will be a game-changer for everyone, and the custom compartments for rings, earrings and bracelets mean you know exactly what you have and where it is. Mia is obsessed with being organised too, so for her, it’s the cosmetic bags.

Mia: Yes, I love them. I wanted them to be a set, with a large one that you keep at home and a smaller one that you take with you when travelling. They look gorgeous on a dressing table, and the way they open out makes getting ready so easy and much more enjoyable than when I was rooting around for my products. 

Alison: We are all magpies in our family, so adding in a small, limited-edition range of jewellery and handbags was the perfect fit to enhance the collection. They help to set the tone of the brand and complement its aesthetic. They are made from stainless steel and finished with gold plating. The pieces range from delicate pendant necklaces and timeless hoops to bold chains and textured accents, designed to suit every style, from minimalist to statement. We have intentionally designed our products to have a beautiful finish, a highly functional design and thoughtful attention to detail. The Santon Collection really delivers a sense of calm and confidence through every piece.

Photography: Photos by Annie

To shop Santon Collection’s full range, visit them online.