Seilin Cochrane’s journey into the wedding stationery business is a heartwarming tale that began with a simple act of love—creating invitations for family and friends. Growing up on Sugar Island Road in Bleary, Seilin’s passion for design was nurtured during her School years while attending St. Anthony’s Primary School and Lismore Comprehensive, where she discovered her love for art and design, subjects that would shape her creative future.
Her journey through education was a natural progression for someone so passionate about art. Seilin followed the standard route in school, obtaining her GCSEs and A-levels in art, before moving on to The Art College in Belfast, part of the University of Ulster.
Art wasn’t Seilin’s only passion; she also excelled in physical education, playing netball for several years and even representing Northern Ireland. This combination of creativity and athleticism reflects her vibrant personality.
As a child, Seilin’s aspirations were as diverse as her interests, ranging from wanting to be a nun to dreaming of becoming a goalkeeper. This ever-changing list of ambitions showcased her adventurous spirit and willingness to explore new paths.
Talking to UrbanABC, Seilin said “My career has evolved significantly over time, starting from a passion for design to becoming a full-fledged business. Michelle and I found a gap in the market for couples starting their wedding journey to offer a range of services and advice under one roof and therefore The Finer Details was given life.
“Michelle who owns Busy Bee and Co and I set out on the journey as a collaborative partnership. We worked very hard to discover what styles resonated with different couples.
“One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of listening. Every couple has a unique story and reflecting that in their designs is crucial. This has taught us to really listen to clients and understand their vision”.
For Seilin, inspiration doesn’t come from a single moment or person; instead, it stems from a profound sense of happiness found in creativity.
She describes a feeling of being in her “happy place,” where time seems to vanish as she immerses herself in artistic pursuits. Whether it’s drawing, designing or creating, Seilin has always had busy hands, constantly seeking pretty solutions to various problems.
“My journey didn’t start out in wedding industry, rather in the general world of Art & design. I started with dreams of becoming a Children’s book illustrator.
“This quickly changed, and I headed in the path of graphic design, leaving university with a BA hons Degree in Visual Communications. I went onto work in an art Gallery, then teaching Art & design for a few years.
“It was really with the encouragement of family and friends I took the plunge to start my own business. Dandelion design was opened for business, and I haven’t looked back”.
But Seilin did have her doubts “From a young age, I often felt that pursuing an artistic career wasn’t practical, that creativity was better left as a hobby rather than a profession. Rather than letting that discourage me, it fuelled my determination to prove that creativity isn’t just valuable – it’s essential”.
Today, Seilin’s wedding stationery business Dandelion Design, is a testament to her creativity and dedication. Each piece she creates tells a story, capturing the essence of love and celebration.
“This business is most definitely not a ‘one shoe fits all’ kind of job.
“Creating custom invitations and stationery for couples who have a very specific vision, can be high pressured and fast paced. Invitations often need to tell a story of their relationship. As a stationer, the job isn’t just about beautiful design; it’s about creating something meaningful that connects with the couple’s love story” says Seilin.
Asked what advise she would offer any budding entrepreneur, Seilin smiled; “Sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the most fulfilling destinations. Work hard, be kind, chase your dreams.
“Trust the process, lean into creativity, and listen more closely to the emotional aspects of the journey. It is challenging but incredibly rewarding when everything clicks into place”.
Seilin admits has reached a point in her life where her sporting days are truly behind her. With the demands of work taking up most of her time, she finds it challenging to indulge in hobbies.
Amid her busy schedule, Seilin prioritises spending her spare time with family and friends.
“Any spare time I get is spent with my family and friends it’s the best place to be – unless drinking Gin can be classed as a hobby?”
While sports may no longer be a part of her life, the joy of friendships and shared experiences fills that space, making her life rich and fulfilling.
Seilin’s dedication to her talents continues to shine through in her work, as she embraces every opportunity to create and innovate.
With her roots firmly planted in the community and a background rich in artistic expression, Seilin Cochrane is not just a wedding stationery designer; she is an artist who brings joy and beauty to every special occasion.
As she continues to grow in her business, it’s clear that Seilin’s journey is just beginning. Who knows what she will achieve next? One thing is for certain: her creativity and passion will lead her to new and exciting horizons.