Megan stands in front of an abstract background

about iridian

Meet Megan Girdler - iridian.design's queer, neurodiverse Maker in Chief. Read the story behind iridian and Megan's passion for community and handmade, inclusive design.

A quick intro

iridian.design makes colourful, inclusive, beautiful things to help customers celebrate their unique sense of style and identity. Currently, iridian mainly sells handmade accessories including: brooches, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Items are made from quality materials including resin, glass and natural stone beads and stainless steel chains and findings.

Run by queer, neurodiverse maker Megan Girdler in Melbourne/Naarm, iridian is an LGBTQIA+ safe space and is sensitive to customers with sensory needs. Products are made with inclusive design in mind, incorporating hypoallergenic metals, magnetic clasps on request and gender neutral designs.

iridian offers a variety of artisan pronoun badges and a range of pride jewellery collections and products, including:

  • Trans pride femme beaded set

  • Pastel rainbow pride beaded jewellery set

  • Non-binary pride beaded necklace and bracelet

  • Disability pride and invisible disability pride resin pendants

  • Sterling silver beaded pearl rainbow bracelet

Megan also draws inspiration from the latest jewellery trends - because who said pride can't also be "fashion, darling"? In addition to trendy pride accessories, iridian also sells a range of distinctive fashion and lifestyle jewellery.

Feel proud to be you

Whether you're discovering who you truly are, finding the courage to express your most authentic self, or navigating the world as someone who thinks, feels and loves differently - you belong here. Don't dim your light just because someone else can't handle its brilliance.

iridian is for those who are on the bold, brave road to stripping back the layers and trying to live their most authentic lives. Because "living your most authentic life" is more than inspirational kitten meme, for some it's a matter of life and death. Being loved for who we are and not who others want us to be is a truly wonderful thing. I hope everyone reading this gets to experience this at some point in their lives - no matter how unlikely it might seem to you right now. ❤️

It's my hope that iridian might be able to help customers and community in Melbourne and beyond on this journey of self discovery and self expression. Providing you with beautiful handmade things that bring everyday joy and mindful moments into your world. Have you ever noticed how different objects in your life make you smile and feel special? That's the feeling I hope you'll get when you use iridian products.

Proud to be me

As someone who identifies as queer and non-binary, I understand what it means to navigate life differently. The courage and energy it takes to show up authentically and self advocate. The importance of finding spaces where you feel a sense of belonging and safety.

iridian was born when, after 17+ years in corporate and one too many burnout cycles, I received a later-in-life ADHD diagnosis. This sparked a complete life redesign. I left the corporate world to become a full-time maker, creating something healthier and more sustainable in Melbourne.

Finding my authentic path

I had worked with a number of big companies and organisations for close to two decades before realising - I was contorting myself to fit the space that was made for me. This space was given to me based on the fact that I'm "female-passing", of European descent and reasonably well educated. I recognise the privilege in that. But it was still also unhealthy.

Now, I realise I have the right to work, live and love in spaces that fit who I am - not the other way around. And all of you do too. That's why iridian exists.