This month we are catching up with Veronica O’Reilly, a Raw Food Gourmet Chef based in Wicklow Town & a member of the Servants of Love, Catholic Community of Men and Women. Veronica is the chef at Healthy Habits Café, Irelands’s First Raw Café at Quarantine Hill in Wicklow Town. Thank you for taking the time to talk to us Veronica!
What led you to starting your business?
Healthy Habits Café was started in response to some of our members having a health challenge. After various medical treatments we discovered that diet had a significant role to play in health. Because of what we learned, we wanted to offer our experience to others who are looking for better health.
How did you raise the start-up funds you needed?
Our company S.O.L. Productions Ltd. provided the funds.
What was the most significant lesson you learned in starting your business?
One of the best lessons I learned was to just ‘Go For It!’ Take on board all the information you can but don’t get bogged down in having the perfect answer to everything at start up stage.
Who is the entrepreneur you admire the most?
Steve Jobs
What have been the biggest challenges in your business to date?
The constant changing food regulations.
What has been the proudest moment in your business so far?
One of the proudest moments was to be awarded Best Menu Initiative for the Year 2010 by Paolo Tullio.
What was the best piece of business advice you ever got?
Keep it simple.
Can you recommend a good time management technique for other entrepreneurs out there?
Make a list of jobs to be done and cross them off as you do them.
What is your favourite film?
A Man for All Seasons
What is your favourite ad?
I love the Euromillions ad with the old lady.
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs thinking of starting a business?
If possible get some work experience in a similar or somewhat similar business.
What do you like to do when you’re not running your business?
I like reading and painting.
Have you found the self-employed formula for a work/life balance?
It’s not about the work it’s about your attitude. Work is a means to an end the important thing is the purpose. Find out why you are working?
What’s your website?
Healthy Habits Café & Store, Quarantine Hill, Wicklow Town
How has Wicklow CEB helped you and/or your business?
The Wicklow CEB has helped us with training programmes and advice. I particularly like the Network sessions.
If you could start up all over again, would you do anything differently?
I would research equipment more and buy just what was needed.
Veronica and her team not only operate the Healthy Habits Café in Wicklow Town, but also run an online shop through their website, where you can pick up all sorts of juicers, relaxation DVDs, health & raw food books, tips, supplements and even seeds and berries.
Curious Design provide friendly, high quality, affordable graphic and web design services to large & small companies, start-ups, creatives, not-for-profits & individuals. Rachel Lane and her business partner Marie Dunne design logos, branding, brochures, flyers, leaflets, websites, e-commerce sites and those all important email newsletters for driving traffic to specific landing pages on your website.
What led you to starting your business?
Initially Marie was made redundant, so she decided to complete a Web Design course to compliment her Graphic Design Degree. As business grew, Rachel decided to join forces and Curious was born.
How did you raise the start-up funds you needed?
The nature of our business meant that we didn’t require huge set up funds and were lucky enough to be in a position to self fund.
What was the most significant lesson you learned in starting your business?
The importance of having a good relationship with our clients. The vast majority of our work comes from referrals.
What have been the biggest challenges in your business to date?
Managing the balance between the creative side of our business and our administrative duties. As we are both from creative backgrounds it is sometimes challenging to keep on top of admin tasks and scheduling, but we have learned so much in the past year!
What has been the proudest moment in your business so far?
There have been many, in particular every time we receive a glowing testimonial from a satisfied client!
What was the best piece of business advice you ever got?
Someone very wise advised us to always draw up a new contract with every client. The contract outlines the details of the project so that each client knows what is happening and when.
Can you recommend a good time management technique for other entrepreneurs out there?
To do lists! There is a fantastic app called Teux Deux designed by Swiss Miss that we use all the time. We love ticking things off our lists!
What magazine do you never miss each month? Eye magazine, it showcases the best of Graphic Design internationally.
What is your favourite film?
We have a few between us, Rachel’s are Amelie, Chocolat and The Green Mile, Marie’s are Moonrise Kingdom and Pan’s Labyrinth.
What is your favourite ad? Rachel: I love the Twinings tea adverts but I think my favourite is Sony Heartbeats advert from a few of years ago
Marie: This Surf one is gorgeous!
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs thinking of starting a business?
If you can, try to work with someone. We have found working together great – we can bounce ideas off each other and solve problems together!
What do you like to do when you’re not running your business?
We document our out of hours activities on our blog curious casa. http://curiouscasa.com/
We both love art and design in all forms, interior, furniture, illustration, animation and photography.
Have you found the self-employed formula for a work/life balance?
This is still something we find quite tricky – having a designated home office space makes it easier to separate work and play. We also try our best to stick to office hours when we can.
How has Wicklow CEB helped you and/or your business?
We found the Wicklow CEB to be a great source of information. The Wicklow CEB also provides great networking opportunites.
If you could start up all over again, would you do anything differently?
As with all business start-ups and entrepreneurs, we are constantly learning and there are probably lots of little things we would have done differently along the way. However, if we did anything differently we wouldn’t be where we are now!
Rachael is the proprietor of Remedy Pilates & Rehabilitation Clinic at the Southern Cross in Bray. Having suffered from back pain since her teenage years she developed a keen interest in health and fitness. She is now dedicated to keeping herself actively well. She is a member of the Irish and British Association of Sports Rehabilitators and Trainers (BASRaT) and has an honours degree in Rehabilitation.She continued her interest in health specialising in Pilates, and in 2003 had research published on Pilates and the management of back pain. She has over 12 years experience in health, wellness and fitness and has run group and private Pilates classes in Ireland, the UK and Australia.
What led you to starting your business?
Along with my professional and personal interest in the human condition I felt there was a need for positive intervention in our busy lifestyles. It is our current lifestyles that can lead to pain and discomfort as well as being generally unhealthy. By taking a pro-active ‘hands on’ approach we offer musculo-skeletal therapy as well as Pilates to ensure that all possible rehabilitation and fitness needs are met.
How did you raise the start-up funds you needed?
I am working in this industry 12 years and over that period had built up a very loyal client base. I had savings from working full time. My husband is a builder and I am very fortunate that he did all the renovations we needed with the materials at cost price.
What was the most significant lesson you learned in starting your business?
I was nervous starting out but with my family and husband’s support I learned that you have to take risks to become successful. Also realising that I had the support of my clients gave me the confidence to go out on my own.
What’s the best book you’ve ever read, business or non-business?
None come to mind…I usually read anatomy or exercise books!
Who is the entrepreneur you admire the most?
I like Norah Casey from Dragons Den.
What have been the biggest challenges in your business to date?
Being pregnant and the decision to set up my business and get it up and running before heading off on maternity leave, and having a career and a fabulous job I love to come back to!
What has been the proudest moment in your business so far?
There are many: From a 74 year old women who never exercised in her life and now after doing Pilates for 4 years has got through a very successful hip replacement faster than you can say hot cakes! She is fitter and more agile than she has ever been. Katie Taylor our local Bray boxer is also a client at Remedy. After she qualified for the Olympics she thanked me and said she could not have done it without me. She has a fantastic team around her including her coaches and her parents so it is always a team effort.
What was the best piece of business advice you ever got?
Having seen business close down around me where the directors had staff running every part from mentoring to cleaning and not doing any of the work themselves my new mantra is ‘you have to be at work to make your business work’
Can you recommend a good time management technique for other entrepreneurs out there?
No, but I am dying to find one!
What magazine do you never miss each month?
I read anything to do with health and fitness, changing magazines all the time… If I get time to read them. Irish Tattler owned by Norah Casey is always informative as well as supporting anything Irish. I also love anything to do with food! If you want to eat you have to exercise!
What is your favourite film?
Anything with Julia Roberts, I loved Erin Brockovich. She plays very strong female characters.
What is your favourite ad?
Ads with babies always catch my attention….because I have one!
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs thinking of starting a business?
Business is very tough at the moment, it always has been tough but now people are spending their money on necessities not luxuries. In my opinion a new business has to be about something people need and researching the market and population. At present we have an aging population and a baby boom.
What do you like to do when you’re not running your business?
I used to run marathons but now with a baby and being at work I like to spend all my spare time making his food and looking after him! Running marathons was easier!
Have you found the self-employed formula for a work/life balance?
I suppose I am just starting to figure that out. I fell into my business by default out of a love for health and happiness and I love being at work. I also love spending lots of time playing with my son so now I work 4 days a week and take 6 weeks holidays a year. I do paperwork at home on my days off all the same. One has to! After working 6 days a week for years I have realised what is important but working those 6 days for all that time has got me my business I have today.
Are you on Twitter?
No, I would not have a clue how to even work it!
How has Wicklow CEB helped you and/or your business?
It is great to have their support and it is always free advertising. Mainly to know that there are other working mums out there juggling their family and running a business at the same time. Other people’s stories are always inspiration to.
If you could start up all over again, would you do anything differently?
I would make my treatment room smaller and my studio a little bigger! I am happy with everything else.
Program Management Information Services (PMIS) Ltd. is a professional services company that help clients to better manage their portfolio of projects and programmes. Raymond Poole leads a highly qualified and skilled team of International Consultants who are experts in their field. Driven by the desire and commitment to deliver best of breed project management systems through world class best practices, the team ia competent in the area of Enterprise Project Portfolio Management (EPPM); Risk Management, Claims Management and Contract Management. Currently Raymond’s project assignments cover Ireland, UK, Europe, US and South Africa.
What led you to starting your business?
I was unfortunate (or fortunate) enough to enter the world of full-time employment in 1980 as a Junior Draughtsman (no Political Correctness back then, now we would call the position a Junior Draughtsperson), by 1983 the Construction Industry in Ireland was on its knees (sound familiar so far) and so I decided to become a sole-trader offering my draughting services to many companies in the hope that I could get at least 3 – 4 days’ work per week. That was my Eureka moment in business and at the tender age of 21 became self-employed. I have never since been anything else and have always managed to survive the many ups and downs our Irish economy has thrown at us.
How did you raise the start-up funds you needed?
My company had no real start-up funds as it was basically me selling my skills and services to the industry in Ireland. My two employees back in 2002 when I registered my current company Program Management Information Services Ltd. (PMIS for those who find saying the full name leaves them short of breath) were my then 15 (Jenny) and 11 (Vicky) year old daughters. They were my collateral and start-up fund. To this day they are both still actively involved with our company and are without doubt the most valuable assets we possess.
What was the most significant lesson you learned in starting your business?
Never be afraid to say No and always be willing to take the risk if you believe it is the right thing for you and your company. I have a philosophy when it comes to work (and life in general); the view from the cliff is far better cantilevering over the edge than standing 100 feet back. It may be far more nerve wrecking and even dangerous but the reward is exponentially superior to that of sitting in a deck chair some 100 feet back. Sometimes you must take risks and other times not, the most important thing is to go with your “gut” feeling as most times it will not be the wrong one. And should you think you have taken the wrong path because things did not turn out as you planned, wait a time to see what materialises because as the saying goes when one door closes another is bound to open.
What’s the best book you’ve ever read, business or non-business?
I don’t read a lot of books but when I do I tend to make them count and normally I restrict my reading to work material. However, all that said I have read a number of books over the years and the one that I feel had the biggest impact on my life was a book called The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama. I think in Western society we can very easily and quickly lose sight of what makes us happy as somehow through social pressure and media advertisement it would be appear all our happiness should come from materialistic goods. Don’t get me wrong, I see nothing untoward with wanting a nice house, car and all the mod-cons (in fact I desire many of these things myself) but deep down we must ask what makes us happiest the most. If we were to be told our world as we know it will end tomorrow and we could only take a handful of items with us we would most likely take the meaningful items like photos of families, the gift your child made for you at craft day in school, the jumper your father or mother use to wear and still has their scent on it. These are the things that really leave a lasting impression on us.
Who is the entrepreneur you admire the most?
The Entrepreneur I admire the most is my mother, she never ran a business other than that of our family home. But like all mothers up and down the country or across different continents they are the cornerstone of all entrepreneurs. My mother told me I could be anything I wanted to be and the only person who could stop me was myself.
What have been the biggest challenges in your business to date?
Growing to our full potential within the island of Ireland. It is somewhat ironic that in 2010 I attended a course through WCEB with Blaise Brosnan and was asked a question about where I saw my company in the coming 3 – 5 years. My answer was unrehearsed and simple; I estimated that 75% of my company revenue would come from off the island of Ireland. In January 2011 I secured a contract in South Africa to help implement the largest ever installation of Oracle Primavera for the South African national energy provider, Eskom. The intention was that we would be there for 4 – 5 months. To date some of my colleagues and I have spent almost 19 months working with this client and in addition more recently on a project for the implementation of Portfolio Management systems for the entire South African government. The irony is that we can sometimes think of Africa as a continent that is not at the forefront of technology advancement. However, in this instance they have to date surpassed how we in Ireland manage our projects, adopted the new technology with open minds and a willingness to engage with this new era in Project Portfolio Management.
What has been the proudest moment in your business so far?
My proudest moment in business was when the Program Manager at Eskom awarded me with a certificate of merit in December 2011 for my services to his organisation. The reason that this simple gesture meant so much to me was that these awards were normally only handed out to Eskom employees and here I was a Contractor receiving the same recognition as a direct employee. I felt that I had been successful in breaking down the barrier between employee and contractor. That recognition meant more to me than all the third level qualifications I have obtained over the years.
What was the best piece of business advice you ever got?
Again from my mother in the 1980s, “son if no one company can employ you full-time, then just maybe a number of companies will require your services even for a half-day each week, if you get enough half-day contracts before you know it you will have more than enough work”. She was right then back in 1983 and her advice is still correct today in 2012 and will be equally so in 2030!
Can you recommend a good time management technique for other entrepreneurs out there?
Blaise Brosnan has an excellent technique, draw a small margin down the left-hand-side of your diary. Against each item listed for the day simply write:
a. Do It – If it is of importance then you will deal with it that day
b. Delay It – If it is not of critical importance you will postpone it till a later date
c. Delegate It – If it does not require your attention perhaps someone else in the company can be responsible for it
d. Delete It – If it keeps getting postponed into the future maybe it really doesn’t need to be done at all, it is what we call noise in the background that needs to be filtered out to leave you time to focus on the important things
What magazine do you never miss each month?
That’s an easy one, I miss every magazine each month as there are none that I purchase. I get what I need to keep up with my industry from reading Blogs, Websites and articles from various sources online
What is your favourite film?
I have many but one of my favourites is The Pianist. It is a movie based on a true story about Polish Jew who is a Classical Pianist during the Second World War. I think to see his determination to survive and the journey he travelled is all inspiring. I very often think when times are difficult at the office just how really difficult is it in comparison to what people on all sides had to face during that period. As I said before we almost feel compelled to live to a certain standard of life (or at least be seen to) but does it really matter. Life is about the journey and not always the destination. This I think is what this movie portrays marvellously (also the music in spine chilling good)
What is your favourite ad?
I love the Cadbury’s Gorilla Advert from 2007 featuring Phil Collins song In the Air
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs thinking of starting a business?
Ask yourself one question, if you do not take the next move to follow your dream will you regret never taking that chance, if the answer is yes, then go for it. If the answer is hesitation or uncertainty maybe it is not your chosen path.
What do you like to do when you’re not running your business?
Walking in Glendalough when at home in Ireland. Going on Bush Drives when in South Africa and spending time with my family, friends and loved ones.
Have you found the self-employed formula for a work/life balance?
I would think I have but my wife and daughters would say I haven’t I don’t believe there is a generic formula for this as nobody can tell you what it is rather it is something that only you can truly uncover with the cooperation of your family.
Do you have a Facebook page?
Our Facebook site is PMIS LTD
Are you on Twitter?
Our Twitter account is @PMISLtd
How has Wicklow CEB helped you and/or your business?
The best course I have ever taken with Wicklow CEB has to be the Business Management course with Blaise Brosnan, truly an amazing and inspirational individual. Anyone who can, should avail of that course. Other than that the many other courses I have sent my staff on over the years as I always find that they are insightful.
If you could start up all over again, would you do anything differently?
I can honestly say that as far as my career goes I have no regrets as to have regrets is to dwell on the past. One must constantly look forward, you can never undo things that have been done but you can improve on how to proceed with things that need improving. Life is for the living (Duh!). Enjoy it, you have but one chance at doing something you feel fulfilling and adds meaning to hopefully not just your life but those around you and beyond your grasp so go for it. Do what you love most with enthusiasm, vigour and be inspirational so others can be inspired by you. You don’t have to be a Steve Jobs to impact on people; every butterfly’s flutter has its own impact no matter how big or small.
Photo of some of the Oracle Primavera International Team on Go Live for Eskom back in March 2012
Senior Oracle and Project Management Team at the Go Live for Eskom. (L to R) Mike Sicilia – SVP and General Manager of Oracle Primavera; Raymond Poole – Managing Director of PMIS Ltd.; Dick Farris – SVP and Product Development at Oracle Primavera; Warren Alborn – Senior PCM Consultant
Having 3 businesses keeps Wicklow Town based Sinead busy; iBagsIt.com is an on-line retail shop offering Fashion and Travel items not easily found on the High Street. Local Zone.ie takes old run down shops on the Main Street, refurbishes the façade and then displays other businesses in the window – “Putting a Face on a Space.” CFL Events grew out of Corporate Fairways which Sinead ran for 18 years, now focused on PR, Marketing and Event Management.
What led you to starting your business?
Local Zone: Realising that there were few opportunities for small businesses and artisan producers to promote their business on Main Street apart from tying into a long lease through a premises. This initiative gives businesses the presence on Main Street without all the hassles.
After 17 very successful years organising Corporate and Charity Golf Events here in Ireland and abroad I experienced, as many did, the effects of the downturn in the economy. As my clients were mainly from the banking sector my business was hit pretty badly overnight as many senior managers and decision makers could no longer be seen on the golf course flittering away their marketing budgets! Luckily in 2009 I had already set up another business to satisfy my love of everything quirky and new with iBagsIt.com Holding onto the tail of that Tiger was fun and I enjoyed setting up the business and it continues to grow as I spot new trends and stock these on the website. Because of the way it started – as a second small business, almost by accident, I was never too worried until it became the breadwinner! But it took the pressure off in the early days. Maybe that is the way to go – have a few businesses on the go!
I continue to operate Corporate Fairways under CFL Events as I now include PR & Marketing as well as Event Management to the repertoire undertaking many Awards Ceremonies, Artisan Food & Craft Events and Restaurant re-branding.
I have always been an ideas person – I get these crazy ideas pretty often and I have had many opportunities to act on them! I have had a few other businesses over the years. Last summer I came up with the idea of Local Zone; a simple yet effective initiative offering local businesses the opportunity to showcase their products or services on Main Streets, while breathing life into vacant shops in Towns and encouraging community spirit that offers economic and social benefits to the area. I take these vacant shops and re-energise them by painting them in vibrant colours, using their windows to display products from various businesses. The shops will remain closed but their windows will tell the story! These shops are still on the market to let by the landlord but meanwhile I am giving them a “Face on a Space!” I have achieved our objective and have turned over 3 shops in Wicklow Town and 2 in Drogheda, with a happy a Landlord as a result of this initiative! And a Happy Town!
I have in place a Local Zone Ambassador Programme where by this can be replicated in other towns using local people to become Local Zone Ambassadors and run their own Local Zone shops in their towns. It is a good business for the right person with contacts and an eye for display!
How did you raise the start-up funds you needed? CFL Events: In 1994 £1,000 was all I had to get a brochure with full photos off the ground to promote the business…we had no Facebook, Twitter or eZines back in the good old days! Savings! I was working at Hewlett Packard at the time so double jobbed until it was in full flight! iBagsIt: In 2009, €2,000 was for the website and stock. Funded by the existing business in CFL Events. Local Zone: In 2011, €700. Very little was used to set up Local Zone – hard work, elbow grease and good negotiation skills were all I needed!
What was the most significant lesson you learned in starting your business?
Trust your instinct and also never put all your eggs in one basket, don’t rely on customers to always be in business, some close.
What’s the best book you’ve ever read, business or non-business?
I have so many business reference books on the shelves that I dip in and out of all the time. But when I was a young teenager I read a book by Barbara Taylor Bradford called A Woman of Substance and I loved it, the character was terrific in business. The sequel To Hold the Dream was equally good. Both were star movies.
Who is the entrepreneur you admire the most?
Norah Casey. I know her personally and professionally – and I think she is empowering, witty and a very generous person with her time, advice and energy!
What have been the biggest challenges in your business to date?
Multi-tasking ! With 3 businesses and family it always takes a lot of planning….but that’s what I like best – to plan!
What has been the proudest moment in your business so far?
When the RTE’s Local Heroes asked me to set up a Local Zone in Drogheda as part of the Local Heroes series last Autumn and being filmed as part of the Town Rejuvenation.
What was the best piece of business advice you ever got?
Running a business should never be all about the money!
Can you recommend a good time management technique for other entrepreneurs out there?
One hour of worrying during the day (work or personal worry, we all have it at the moment) – just one hour, no more! And the usual suspects….one hour of catching up on emails and one hour or PR and Marketing….the rest is as you please and what is necessary!
What magazine do you never miss each month?
Quite a lot actually – as I have to check (and buy) if my clients were covered with the PR I do for them! Makes it both interesting and expensive!
What is your favourite film?
Sliding Doors!
What is your favourite ad?
Mostly for the song!
This video was created to support Wicklow in the entry of the 2010 Livcom awards in Chicago, USA. Wicklow was awarded second place and a Gold award as being the most livable community in the world. Project submission & management: Grainne McLoughlin.
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs thinking of starting a business?
Running a business isn’t all about the money. And it shouldn’t be. As an entrepreneur, you should be passionate about what you do, be motivated to help others, and have a desire to make the world a better place.
What do you like to do when you’re not running your business?
Playing golf.
Walking.
Travelling.
Driving fast cars.
Voluntary Leader of Wicklow Guides.
Enjoying family & friends.
Have you found the self-employed formula for a work/life balance?
Prioritise – both at home and at work and then over all. Sometimes it doesn’t always work but you can…but try!
How has Wicklow CEB helped you and/or your business?
I run the Network of Entrepreneurial Women for Wicklow CEB for the last few years on contract and this has helped me through networking with other women in the County – we all need support especially when operating on our own and this is a great way to get that.
If you could start up all over again, would you do anything differently?
No – not a thing! Maybe live in a sunnier climate!!
Sinead is one of the primary organisers of Christmas at Kilruddery, the Victorian Christmas Artisan Fair in Wicklow Town at the Assembly Hall in Bachelors Walk, and the 12 Days of Christmas in Bray this year. Hop on down and take a peek!
Christmas at Killruddery – 2 weekends November 23/24/25 November 30/December 1/2 TIMES: Fri 3-8pm, Sat 10-6pm, Sun 10-6pm
Christmas Artisan Fair in Wicklow Town – at the Assembly Hall – 3 weekends December 7/8/9 December 14/15/16 December 21/22/23 TIMES: Fri 3-8pm, Sat 10-6pm, Sun 11-6pm
12 Days of Christmas in Bray – 4 weekends November 30/December 1/2 December 7/8/9 December 14/15/16 December 21/22/23
Aromacare is run by Emma Hand and is located in Bray. Emma offers a wide range of massage treatments and takes the holistic approach to treating a person. Each treatment is tailored specifically towards the client’s needs.Aromacare offers treatments such as Swedish massage, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Hot Stone massage, Indian Head massage, Pregnancy massage, Deep tissue massage and Facial pamper packages using hand made organic cleansers, toners, moisturisers, scrubs and masks.
What led you to starting your business?
I always loved health and wellbeing. 9 years ago I studied Swedish massage and Reflexology in Galway after which I worked in Spirit One Spa in the Radisson for 2 years. I love exercise and sport and have always had an interest in anatomy and physiology. This led me to further my studies in UCD where I went on to complete a degree in Physiotherapy. I believe in the holistic approach to treating a person which takes into account a person’s whole being including the physical symptoms, psychology, environment and nutrition and the effects, positive and negative, that these can have on the body as a whole. Starting my own business gave me the ideal opportunity to incorporate everything I’ve learnt over the years into my practice and spend my life working in a field which I love. I am a trainee counsellor/psychotherapist and hope to eventually also incorporate this into my business.
How did you raise the start-up funds you needed?
Before starting my business I was unemployed for a year during which time I did a Start Your Own Business course with the Enterprise Board. When I started my business I was entitled to Back to Work Enterprise Allowance from the Department of Social Protection and some grants to help me purchase goods and services to help me start up the business.
What was the most significant lesson you learned in starting your business?
Look after your clients and the business will look after itself.
What’s the best book you’ve ever read, business or non-business?
I hate to say it, but business bores me to death. I didn’t even buy the business book in school in Transition Year when we had a compulsory module in it. I pretended to forget it every day! I love reading philosophy or psychology books. They are much more inspirational!
Who is the entrepreneur you admire the most?
Rachel Lee. She’s a yoga teacher who works in various different venues throughout Wicklow including the Navara Centre. She loves yoga and has decided to spend her life teaching it. You only live once and I admire people who decide to spend their lives doing something they are passionate about.
What have been the biggest challenges in your business to date?
I’m not very patient when it comes to the technical side of the business and I hate maths, so the accounts, website construction and maintenance etc. would be areas I avoid like the plague. I know lots of entrepreneurs do these things themselves, but I decided to pay someone else to do them. This gives me more time to spend on the parts of the business I enjoy which are the hands-on work obviously, and the marketing.
What has been the proudest moment in your business so far?
Probably the launch I held when I started the business. There was a good turn out and as a result I was fully booked up for my first week in business. This was a real high to actually see the business functioning after all the preparation time when there’s nothing tangible to be seen for your efforts.
What was the best piece of business advice you ever got?
‘Madness is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.’ Einstein.
If something isn’t working, take a different approach.
Can you recommend a good time management technique for other entrepreneurs out there?
I’m generally not very good at time management. If I was to say anything, I’d say try to book your clients in on the same day or part of the day so you free up blocks of time for other parts of your work or leisure!
What magazine do you never miss each month? Eisteach. It’s not a monthly magazine, it’s a quarterly journal of counselling and psychotherapy.
What is your favourite film?
Hmmm, that’s a very hard one. ‘Tree of Life’ is a very beautiful film, but it’s quite heavy. I also love comedy, horror, dramas-anything highly charged or emotive I suppose.
What is your favourite ad?
I haven’t watched TV in about 6 months!
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs thinking of starting a business?
If you love what you do, go for it! There’s nothing more enjoyable or liberating than being your own boss and being able to follow up and put into action your ideas and dreams.
What do you like to do when you’re not running your business?
Is there a word limit on this one? I love the outdoors and outdoor sports, especially running, climbing, hiking, mountain biking… I’m always doing some course or other, usually in the massage or counselling/psychotherapy line. I love travelling and experiencing different cultures and meeting new people.
Have you found the self-employed formula for a work/life balance?
I work to live. When I’m working I put heart and soul into it and I love my work. But life isn’t a dress rehearsal, so once I’m confident that the business is ticking over, I spend as much time as possible enjoying life!
How has Wicklow CEB helped you and/or your business?
I did a Start Your Own Business course with Wicklow CEB which was very helpful. I arranged a one-to-one business advice meeting with a member of staff to discuss my business specifically. I also attended a seminar regarding the technical aspects of the business. I participated in the CEB Christmas Fairs in the Wicklow area which was a brilliant way of marketing my business as well as selling my products directly.
If you could start up all over again, would you do anything differently?
No!
Here is Emma’s stall at the Marley Park Farmer’s Market where she sells some of her personally developed products – but her studio is in Bray! Emma can even make up a customised blend of aromatherapy products to suit individual skin conditions.
In addition to all of the personal treatments, Emma and Aromacare offer a wide range of handmade Aromatherapy body products including; cleansers, toners, moisturisers, massage oils, bath oils etc. For more details see aromacaremassage.ie or contact Emma at emmahand1 [at] gmail.com or on 087 6849235.
Crime Control is a wholly Irish owned company founded in 1991, whose growth and expansion within the Security Industry exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit which first launched the company in 1991. Crime Control grew and evolved through commitment, ethos, standard of service, technology, research and development but most importantly – people. Today, Crime Control is a security company with operations in Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare and Wexford employing over 75 people. Christy O’Rourke is the captain of the Crime Control ship and took a spin in the Enterprise Hot Seat for our October slot. Thank you Christy.
What led you to starting your business?
I always wanted the freedom to make my own decisions and to control the direction my life was taking. When you work for someone else you don’t have total control over the direction of your life.
How did you raise the start-up funds you needed?
When I left the Irish Aer Corp I was given a lump sum gratuity. I had also saved some money from the time I spent in the Lebanon 6 months before I left the Aer Corp. One of the best things I did at start-up was to get a loan from the bank. With this loan I bought a van. Buying the van this way meant I was able to claim the VAT back in one lump sum. This lump sum actually paid for the van repayments for the first 6/7 months!
What was the most significant lesson you learned in starting your business?
ALWAYS put things in writing. Confirm everything via email. Verbal conversations can be misinterpreted differently by everyone. If there are 5 people in a meeting for instance, each person will walk away with a different “take” on the meeting. However, if you follow up the meeting with an email then it’s YOUR version of that meeting that takes precedent.
What’s the best book you’ve ever read, business or non-business?
“If it was easy everyone would be doing it,” and “It’s not rocket science.” I don’t know if there are 2 books of that name but if there isn’t there should be! Running a successful, sustainable business is hard work however you should never try to make it complicated, a lot of it is common sense, it’s a pity common sense is not more commonly used.
Who is the entrepreneur you admire the most?
I think Michael O’Leary had the right idea however he has lost his way. If you want to tell a customer to fe*k off at least you can be polite about it!
What have been the biggest challenges in your business to date?
Trying to keep the personal touch with my clients as our business grew. It’s very easy to lose touch with your customers. You should be able to stop any of your customers as they walk down the street and ask them how their kids are etc.
What has been the proudest moment in your business so far?
Succeeding in business when everyone said I couldn’t do it and surviving two (or is that three?) recessions in the process.
What was the best piece of business advice you ever got?
Never say “I don’t have the time.” Time is the one thing everyone has the same amount of, you have the same amount of time per day as Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg. You may say that they have lots of people to delegate to however they still had to get to that point and they still have to monitor what is been done on their behalf.
I may have finessed the above quote a little bit however I am sure that Blaise won’t mind.
Can you recommend a good time management technique for other entrepreneurs out there?
It may not seem like time management at first glance however if you start the day with the hardest job you have to do the rest of the day gets easier and your mind is free to get other things done.
What magazine do you never miss each month?
I don’t read magazines…
What is your favourite film?
Top Gun, I know I am showing my age now but it’s a film that has everything, it’s a love story, it has great music and the good guys kick the bad guys’ ass, kind of what Crime Control does, but without the music!!!
What is your favourite ad?
The Specsavers ads are very funny and quite effective. I especially liked a photograph I saw on the internet a few years ago when a bus crashed into a Luas, the add on the side of the bus read “should have gone to Specsavers”, I am still not sure if that was a real add or if it was photo shopped but it was a great ad for Specsavers.
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs thinking of starting a business?
I have always thought it was stupid of successful entrepreneurs (especially TV entrepreneur’s, yes you know who you are!), to say “Don’t take no for an answer.” That’s easy for a successful business person to say but what if you have a really bad idea or if you are going about it the wrong way?! For all the people that were turned down by 20 publishing houses or turned away by 15 banks, most of them went on to fail because their idea was ill-thought. You will ALWAYS get the exception but you should NEVER base your business idea on exceptions, that’s like betting on the lottery, someone has to win it but the chances are it won’t be you. Now that’s not me being pessimistic, it’s being realistic. The best advice I could give is this: Adapt your idea to fit the market. There is no point offering a service or making a product if people don’t want it, or if you put so much time & money into it that only a select few can afford it.
What do you like to do when you’re not running your business?
I like to spend time with my children and my partner. I spent too many years not doing that and I think that sometimes you can get lost in work and lose sight of the important things in life. That being said, I am a workaholic so I have no significant hobbies and even when I am with my family I am always thinking of work ideas or fitting some work into our leisure activities. The one thing I will say is that you need 2 weeks holiday per year, 2 weeks were you can de-stress and recharge your batteries. There is no point in me saying “Don’t contact the business,” because that’s not practical, but you should keep your contact with work to a minimum.
Have you found the self-employed formula for a work/life balance?
When my partner, Kathy, tells me to stop working and give her some attention I do exactly that. That seems to work, however I do try and mix pleasure with work when I can get away with it (see Q. 14)!
How has Wicklow CEB helped you and/or your business?
I have done a number of courses and seminars organised and part funded by Wicklow County Enterprise Board and I have found them to be very informative and proactive. They have formulated their courses & seminars to suit the economic circumstances. Their mentoring and advice service is second to none.
If you could start up all over again, would you do anything differently?
Very little actually, don’t get me wrong we have made mistakes and there are a number of things that we could have done differently or better, but I believe that you have to make mistakes in order to learn. The mistakes we have made have helped us to become the successful company that we are now, Certified by the National Standards Authority of Ireland, Licenced by the Private Security Authority & Corporate Members of the Security Institute.
Thank you again Christy for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. It’s great to hear what life is really like for someone who started up over 20 years ago and has survived the ups & downs in the economy. The services available include:
Security Services Static & Mobile Security Officers Keyholding & Alarm Response Opening & Closing of Business Premises Contract Cleaning
Private Investigation Services Investigation of false or exaggerated Insurance claims Serving Court Papers Tracing persons Investigating internal company theft
Jenny Kelly started creating beautiful eye catching pottery under her own name in late 2010. Since then her pieces have become well known in the Irish Craft Industry and she continues to develop new pieces and styles to bring to the market. Keep an eye out for Jenny Kelly Pottery in your local craft store – if she isn’t there now, it’s only a matter of time… Our thanks to Jenny for telling us more about her business at this busy time – she is only recently married! Congratulations Jenny!
What led you to starting your business?
I started out doing pottery when I was 15. I went to do an apprenticeship with a local potter and trained with him for 3 years, after that I was accepted into the ThomasTown pottery skills course where I learned more about throwing, glazing and designing. From there I worked for various different potters around Ireland and abroad. Working for others was great and I learned so much from each place but I really wanted to develop my own range and put my own stamp on things. I had been travelling for 2 years and when I returned home to Ireland I decided to take the plunge and start up on my own in September 2010. People said I was mad to start it in a recession but my view on this is that the only way is up.
How did you raise the start-up funds you needed?
I have built up a good collection of tools and equipment over the years from working in the industry so I just built on this and have tried to keep my costs low by having my workshop next to my house. My partner Martin has given me great encouragement and has been a big support financially.
What was the most significant lesson you learned in starting your business?
You have to be nice but be firm. You will make mistakes but always learn from these.
What’s the best book you’ve ever read, business or non-business?
The Secret
Who is the entrepreneur you admire the most?
When starting out in my pottery career I trained with a local potter called Brian Keogh, he has since changed career direction but I learned a lot from him and he inspired me to learn more.
What have been the biggest challenges in your business to date?
I am a Potter by trade and love nothing more than sitting at the wheel and making.The thing I found and still find difficult is the business end of things, it’s like learning a whole new job and something I would have dealt with in a small way working for other people but it’s very different when you go out on your own.
What has been the proudest moment in your business so far?
I’ve had a couple but I think it’s when customers comment on how much they like my work, this makes me smile every time to know that this is my creation from start to finish that they are admiring, this makes me very proud.
What was the best piece of business advice you ever got?
Always continue to improve your skills in every area.
Can you recommend a good time management technique for other entrepreneurs out there?
Keep a book and log in it every day the things you expect to get done that day or things that have to get done. When it’s just you to think of everything there’s always something forgotten so this helps to keep track.
What magazine do you never miss each month?
National Geographic – the Travel edition
What is your favourite film?
As Good As It Gets
What is your favourite ad?
Coke’s Christmas ad with the trucks!
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs thinking of starting a business?
Make sure it’s something you really want to do and feel passionate about, way up all the pros and cons. Get to know your customers and make sure you give them the utmost respect.
What do you like to do when you’re not running your business?
I love going for walks with my 2 dogs in the countryside. Watching football, travelling and seeing new cultures and countries.
Have you found the self-employed formula for a work/life balance?
I found in the first year of business I was trying to do everything and putting in all the hours under the sun but I’ve reached a point where I just say to myself that it can be done tomorrow and try not to worry about it, there is always things needed to be done so I try not to stress.
What’s your website? JennyKellyPottery.ie - it’s down at the moment but a work in progress!
How has Wicklow CEB helped you and/or your business?
Last year for Showcase 2011 I had a CEB stand in the Enterprise Area which was helped with part funding.
If you could start up all over again, would you do anything differently?
I wouldn’t do a whole lot differently.
Jenny Kelly’s Pottery Studio is located in Brittas Bay in Co. Wicklow. Jenny not only creates beautiful pieces for retail, but also teaches classes for adults and children in how to make pottery!
Cillían & Lisa Johnston are a husband and wife team who run their award winning business from the beautiful location of Roundwood, Co. Wicklow. A bespoke furniture manufacturer for over 20 years, Cillían has recently developed a diverse range of mirrors and lamps – more info on the “Aran Beag” lamps at the end of this blog post! Many thanks to both Lisa and Cillían for taking the time to talk to us in this month’s Enterprise Hot Seat.
What led you to starting your business?
Cillían: The wife, a boss going bust & a new Mortgage
How did you raise the start-up funds you needed? Cillían: I was really lucky, I had been collecting tools over the years and somebody I knew was willing to rent me a workbench so I didn’t have to raise any money immediately. When I went looking for capital a year later to buy machinery and rent my own premises my bank balance looked like it was heading in the right direction, so the bank were happy to talk. Oddly enough they’ve been really good to us in the high and low times.
What was the most significant lesson you learned in starting your business? Cillían: Just because the “experts” say you should do something doesn’t mean you should. Trust your gut. We got advice from a mentor to invest in a large workshop. We didn’t think the business was growing that fast even though it looked it on paper. So we decided to catch our breath and manage with what we had and we looked for something realistic that would grow within with us in our own time frame. When the recession came I was really relieved that we weren’t so over exposed.
What’s the best book you’ve ever read, business or non-business? Cillían: How to build your own boat. I read for pleasure, I need to get away from work. Lisa: The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success – Deepak Chopra. This book isn’t a book about business, but it’s really good for keeping your head and gives you some perspective. If I get a bit stressed I always go back to it.
Who is the entrepreneur you admire the most? Cillían: That’s easy, Michael O’Leary, he’s just got balls. Lisa: Never liked him before but recently I’ve begun to admire Bill Cullen, for him it’s simple as he just loves working and I admire him for that honesty…Cillían can’t believe I gave that answer, he wants it to be known that he is distancing himself from this.
What have been the biggest challenges in your business to date? Cillían: Working with Lisa without throttling her…I’m getting better or maybe she is! Lisa: Hmmm! Working with Cill…! No, there are challenges every day, big & small ones. Momentum is the challenge; we have weeks where we’re really on top and a lot of stuff gets done and then weeks that are absolute duds. Our real challenge is taking time out.
What has been the proudest moment in your business so far? Both: By far winning the Best New Product at Showcase Ireland this year. To be awarded something by your peers really validates what you’re doing and is a great encouragement to work further with it.
What was the best piece of business advice you ever got? Cillían: Still waiting for that one.
Can you recommend a good time management technique for other entrepreneurs out there? Cillían: Not time management one, just a list on Sunday evening, it sets me right for the week. Lisa: Get up early, there’s nobody emailing you at 5.00am. It’s the only peaceful time to think clearly.
What magazine do you never miss each month? Cillían: I don’t read magazines. Lisa: Me neither. We read stuff online. I get an odd girlie one if I’m in the mood for bubble gum reading though.
What is your favourite film? Cillían: Lisa says I like romantic comedies I’m not sure I would agree… I’d like to watch Where Eagles Dare but Lisa makes a lot of noise when it comes on, it’s very distracting… Lisa: Cillian makes noises at everything I watch (no joke). This will sound like I have crush on Jack Lemmon, but I love Some Like it Hot, Avanti and The Odd Couple. They’re just pure silliness!
What is your favourite ad? Cillían: It’s still the best, the Cadbury Gorilla! Lisa: The Irish Pride bread ad on the radio is kind of good in a weird way. It sounds a bit creepy at the beginning but by the end when all the voices come together I do feel like having a slice of toast. That’s good advertising if it swings you over.
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs thinking of starting a business? Cillían: Marry someone who can do half your work for you, they’re nearly always willing… a gin usually works! Lisa: I should have listened to my father and married a rich farmer with a delicate heart.
What do you like to do when you’re not running your business? Cillían: Kayaking Lisa: Running
Have you found the self-employed formula for a work/life balance? Cillían: Still working on that one, we’re never switched off. But I’d have to say the best way to stop thinking about work is our children – they can catch you in a moment and thankfully we can put everything down to be with them.
How has Wicklow CEB helped you and/or your business? Cillían: The Wicklow CEB have been really supportive, they brought us to Showcase under the enterprise stand. We’ve attended a lot of workshops lately which have been really helpful. and they’re always there to talk to. They’re very much behind us in where we want to go with our products.
If you could start up all over again, would you do anything differently? Lisa: There are lots of things we could have done differently, I think along the way the results would have been much the same. We’re the type of people who can only do what we’re comfortable with and ready to do. It has to be right for us at the time wither it’s a good decision or not.
“Aran Beag” (Little Aran) is the name of a new range of wood crafted products from the Cillían Johnston Furniture company. Cillían has incorporated a soft woollen knitted sleeve into each design; a modern contemporary use of an ancient craft to warm today’s home. These lamps are crafted from Irish Oak felled in the Kilruddery Estate in County Wicklow, Ireland. The oak is naturally felled and carefully prepared with minimum processing by the time it arrives at our workshop. The knitted yarn is then carefully chosen to suit the lamp design.As in the past when Aran Cable stitch was used to identify families so too does the knitted Aran cable distinguish one lamp range from another.
The Wicklow Way is a website business offering all you need to know about Wicklow. It is not only making waves with Irish web-users but is also causing quite a stir over in America and the UK. The website http://thewicklowway.ie/ was first launched by Roz Kelly in 2005. Now the site offers a wealth of information on all the towns and villages, places to go, bus times, cinema listings, restaurants and the best places to go for walks in our Garden County.
What led you to starting your business?
The Wicklow Way began as a hobby website, documenting Roz’s Wicklow Walks and photos with her faithful hound, Skippy The Dog. The website naturally grew to include a business directory and event calendar and, by using her technical skills the site started to feature on Page 1 of Google for a huge variety of Wicklow related terms. At this stage it had become a viable business opportunity.
How did you raise the start-up funds you needed?
The Business has been self funded with start up costs at a minimum due to our own expertise; Roz with web technologies and online marketing; Michael with PR and Event Management Experience.
What was the most significant lesson you learned in starting your business?
Get your idea out there, don’t wait until everything is perfectly in place, get started, stay flexible and grow as you go, and use the variety of free and inexpensive medias available online and on mobile. Oh yes, and always add extra time for delays…
What’s the best book you’ve ever read, business or non-business?
Whilst an avid reader I have not really read business books preferring to read articles online, however I have always admired characters that ran their own business whether in lighthearted stories or real life. Many of my family are, or have been, entrepreneurs.
Who is the entrepreneur you admire the most?
I admire Richard Branson as he follows his instincts, is unafraid to take chances and try new things plus there is always an air of fun in everything he does.
What have been the biggest challenges in your business to date?
Educating local business to the advantages of online marketing and promotion of their business although thankfully that has become easier in the past year. Poor broadband doesnt’ help of course.
What has been the proudest moment in your business so far?
Delivering a presentation to the Failte Ireland members in Dublin last September was certainly a highlight, although we were still surprised at the lack of knowledge relating to QR codes and Apps, with people that high up in the tourism chain. Also receiving a stunning testimonial from the US Ambassador Daniel M. Rooney about the Explore Wicklow app was pretty special.
What was the best piece of business advice you ever got?
Don’t do anything until you get paid. Payments in advance are what keeps our cashflow healthy.
Can you recommend a good time management technique for other entrepreneurs out there?
Plan out every month in advance: what you hope to get done. Then, have all your contact informantion to hand, and then… Just Do It! Stop procrastinating! If you don’t know enough about one aspect of your business, pay someone who does and concentrate on your strengths.
What magazine do you never miss each month?
We don’t buy magazines at all, although we do subscribe to many technical ezines – such as emarketer.com
What is your favourite film?
Hmm, I have a soft spot for True Romance as I love the mix of grit, romance and drama:
What is your favourite ad?
Bizzarely I actually like the Cadbury’s Cream Eggs ads as they are so silly, but have made eating chocolate an entire season! Never a bad thing in my opinion!
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs thinking of starting a business?
Sign up to local CEB newsletters, and see if there are any good Enterprise Platform Programmes out there. Do research to see if your idea is already out there and if so, what will make yours unique or better. Don’t spend lots of money straight away as you can get going virtually free using online tools. The idea you started out with will most likely change by 80%. by the time you are up & running. Also, many people are nervous of networking – don’t be! Everyone is in the same boat and it gets easier every time. People want to help, especially in these difficult times.
What do you like to do when you’re not running your business?
I love to bake and grow my own veg. This year I hope to learn how to make my own dresses and homebrew infusions.
Have you found the self-employed formula for a work/life balance?
I think we are getting there. We make sure we go for a walk – preferably on the beach – daily, to invigorate our ideas, and I will work up to 11pm 7 days a week. Flexibility is key. Focus on what you’re good at, and most of all… ‘Keep Calm and Carry On!’ However, it is important to take time to visit friends & family, or just do all the niggly things about the house. A tidy environment = good work flow, I find.
How has Wicklow CEB helped you and/or your business?
By educating Wicklow SME’s in online techniques and holding relevant seminars, Wicklow CEB has made it easier for our potential clients to understand what we do, which is to promote local business online and on mobile at an affordable price.
If you could start up all over again, would you do anything differently?
Of course there are many lessons you learn during this process however, they are all necessary as they make you wiser. So I guess not!
Roz runs her 6 websites, mobile app and local business supports from Wicklow County Campus in Rathnew. Always online, you can get in touch with her on Twitter, Facebook or mobile. Thanks to Roz, Michael & of course Skippy for taking a turn in July’s Enterprise Hot Seat!
This month we are catching up with Veronica O’Reilly, a Raw Food Gourmet Chef based in Wicklow Town & a member of the Servants of Love, Catholic Community of Men and Women. Veronica is the chef at Healthy Habits Café, Irelands’s First Raw Café at Quarantine Hill in Wicklow Town. Thank you for taking the time to talk to us Veronica!
I don’t believe there is a generic formula for this as nobody can tell you what it is rather it is something that only you can truly uncover with the cooperation of your family.
Jenny Kelly started creating beautiful eye catching pottery under her own name in late 2010. Since then her pieces have become well known in the Irish Craft Industry and she continues to develop new pieces and styles to bring to the market. Keep an eye out for Jenny Kelly Pottery in your local craft store – if she isn’t there now, it’s only a matter of time… Our thanks to Jenny for telling us more about her business at this busy time – she is only recently married! Congratulations Jenny! 
