Entrepreneur and designer Tara Foley blends sophistication and self-expression in a brand that shines with meaning and personality
An idea that came to life only a year ago has already carved out its place in the jewellery world, celebrated for its quality, irreverence and authenticity.
TaraClassy was born from the determination of Tara Foley, a Portuguese-British entrepreneur who set out to establish herself as an independent businesswoman – financially, creatively, and personally.
Her goal was to create a brand that embodies empowerment and self-love, expressed through the jewellery and accessories she designs and curates. From necklaces and earrings to rings and bracelets, every piece reflects her personal style.
A graduate in Marketing from the University of the Algarve, with a higher technical degree in Executive Secretariat, Tara initially dedicated her talent to the family business: her mother’s boutique and five establishments in Ferragudo, where she oversees all marketing, from menus to flyers and business cards.
She also manages Beyond Belief, the shop where she spends most of her days. “I’m very observant, and I can tell what kind of client I’m dealing with as soon as they walk in,” she says. That direct contact, and her eye for detail, proved decisive when it came to understanding the kind of business she wanted to build for herself.
Her greatest inspiration and source of motivation was her mother, Helena Foley, a well-known local businesswoman and entrepreneur. “I’ve learnt so much from her, and she has always pushed me to go after what I believe in,” Tara reflects.
Starting from scratch, without any prior experience in jewellery, she taught herself every step of the process – from building her own brand identity and logo to setting up her company and establishing TaraClassy in a competitive market.
In the early days, doing everything alone was far from easy, but her determination and enthusiasm soon began to pay off. Encouraged by the success of in-store sales, Tara took the next step in August by creating her own website, which now allows her to sell her pieces worldwide.
Her collections cater to a wide range of tastes and occasions, with both minimalist or statement pieces, suitable for everyday wear or special events, for all ages.
Every item is made from 316L stainless steel, 18k gold-plated or white-gold plated silver, materials she carefully selected due to her own allergy to other metals.
Tara shares that her focus on quality has earned her consistently positive feedback and she has been able to build a loyal base of returning customers, both residents and tourists alike.
“When clients come back for new pieces, it’s incredibly rewarding. It shows they’re happy, and that they value the quality,” she explains.
Over time, she has also noticed subtle preferences between nationalities. Whilst the French adore rings, the English tend to favour necklaces, she notes. Yet whatever the piece, Tara believes jewellery should carry symbolism, “something that represents a moment, an inner strength, or a memory”.
With its sophisticated aesthetic, TaraClassy is about more than appearance. It’s about emotion, confidence and presence. Although the brand doesn’t target a specific demographic, Tara says it resonates most with “women who take care of themselves, who like to feel good and believe that elegance is a matter of attitude”.
Her jewellery has already travelled all over Europe, and recently, the brand was represented at the Algarve Business Awards Gala by one of Tara’s best clients, Sandra Westein, who was nominated in both the Sustainability and Innovation categories.
She views accessories as a subtle form of empowerment, a small expression of self-worth and identity. “They help us feel good and define who we are,” she explains. Tara’s designs balance classic and contemporary influences, alternating between gold and silver tones, each element chosen with care.
From product selection to design, packaging and presentation, every detail reflects her meticulous nature. All rings and necklaces are adjustable and comfortable to wear, maintaining their colour and shine even with regular use. “It’s the small details that make all the difference,” she notes. “I want my pieces to have personality, and be suitable for both professional and leisure moments.”
Among her creations, the bestseller is the ‘Mel’ necklace. Inspired by the Portuguese word for ‘honey’, it’s an elegant golden stainless-steel chain set with zirconia stones.
Tara takes great pride in running her business in the very place where she grew up, and in sharing the experience closely with her family.
Her advice to anyone dreaming of starting their own venture? “Don’t be afraid, don’t wait for the perfect moment. And always stay true to your vision.”
Whilst her current collections are sourced from a trusted supplier in Germany and carefully selected by Tara herself, she keeps a close eye on customer feedback and individual preferences. In the future, she hopes to offer custom-made orders, always in line with the brand’s elegant and contemporary identity.
Looking ahead, Tara hopes to continue inspiring others and to expand TaraClassy’s international presence, increasing online traffic and visibility without losing the personal, artistic touch that makes her brand distinctive.
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