To celebrate Ireland's badass, powerful and creative women, Éadaoin Fitzmaurice has compiled a list of female-founded businesses to check out and support.
Lá idirnáisiúnta na mBan shona daoibh - Happy International Women's Day!
IWD takes place today on 8 March and is a global day of celebration of women's achievements. The event was officially recognised by the UN in 1975, but has its roots in the labour movement over a century ago when, in 1908, more than 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote.
This year, to celebrate Ireland's badass, powerful and creative women, podcaster and content creator Éadaoin Fitzmaurice has compiled a list of female-founded businesses to check out and support.
Let’s get straight into it…
MNW Design by Megan Nolan Walsh
It’s almost impossible to miss an MNW piece in the wild, and the multicoloured designs are commonly spotted on trend setters on Drury Street, and it’s no wonder why. They’re stunning!
The designer and artist from Dublin, creates vibrant pieces linked to Irish culture, often emblazoned with traditional symbols and in a range of vivid shades. Her Claddagh scarves are our top pick. Available online or in Golly Gosh in Temple Bar.
Check out the full collection: https://mnw.ie/collections/all.
KASH Beauty by Keilidh Cashell
KASH Beauty is one of Ireland's fastest-growing cosmetic brands, with a cult following for its high-quality products. Their collection ranges from shimmering eyeshadow palettes to lip oils, bronzers and makeup brushes.
Founded by beauty influencer and Monaghan native, Keilidh Cashell, she is a force to be reckoned with, with over 4 million followers across her social channels.
Check out some of their best-selling products: https://kashbeauty.com/collections/the-best-sellers.
Grá Chocolates by Gráinne Mullins
Grá chocolates are almost too pretty to eat … almost.
Exquisite artisan chocolates, these little bites of heaven are handcrafted with luxurious and decadent fillings, many of which celebrate Irish produce and local ingredients. Created by award-winning pastry chef, Gráinne Mullins in Galway, the brand has grown from strength to strength in recent years.
With Easter just around the corner, if you're looking for some egg-spiration, you couldn’t get better than this.
Available to order online, or in Brown Thomas: https://grachocolates.com/collections/shop.
Sahara by Barikisu Ali Telfer
Sahara is a colourful fashion and interiors store based in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Their products are handcrafted, and sourced from rural African communities, and proceeds from sales are reinvested back to these communities.
Check out their products, which include accessories, baskets and lampshades: https://www.sahara.ie/
Peachy Lean by Sharon Keegan
Peachy Lean is on a mission to make women feel comfortable in their own skin through supportive and colourful activewear.
You might have seen the founder Sharon Keegan successfully pitching the brand on Dragon's Den. Since then, the brand has continued to empower women of all shapes and sizes to silence their inner critic and feel good in their own skin.
Available online: https://peachylean.com/.
Foxes Bow by Alice Carroll
Foxes Bow is an incredibly exciting Irish whiskey* that needs to be on your radar. Made in rye casks, this gives the spirit a distinct and modern flavour.
Co-fouder and proud Limerick woman, Alice Carroll often features on the brands' social media account jumping on trends and sharing the day-to-day antics of a startup whiskey brand. They’ve also done some innovative collaborations with other Irish brands such as Korean chicken spot Chimac, where they created a specialised whiskey sauce for their wings, and with Aoife Cawley, where they created a celtic scarf using their brand colous.
Definitely one to watch. Learn more about the brand here: https://www.foxesbowwhiskey.com/.
Skingredients The Skin Nerd by Jennifer Rock
The skincare revolution is here and The Skin Nerd, Jennifer Rock, has long been a leading lady in the sphere. The Skingredients products tackle all skincare needs, from a daily SPF (we can't go a day without using this one) to gentle cleansers and serums, all in aesthetically pleasing brightly coloured bottles.
The packaging is also refillable, so they’re a sustainable brand to add to your daily routine. And if you're looking for more skin guidnace, Jennifer has a book and offers consultations to skincare newbies.
Her website is one to bookmark: https://theskinnerd.com/.
AH Designs by Aoife Harvey
Talent oozes from designer and Derry-native, Aoife Harvey. The founder of AH Designs creates bespoke corsets from recycled and deadstock materials, meaning each piece is completely unique - and there's zero chance of someone arriving to an event in the same outfit as you!
Her inspiration comes from the desire to transform something old into something new. She also runs sewing workshops throughout the year, so if you're looking to learn a new skill or try your hand at mending your beloved clothes, be sure to follow her social media account for more details: https://www.instagram.com/ah.designs___/.
The Crate by Claire Ryan and Steph Hutch
The Crate is a modern flower delivery service that creates the most beautiful seasonal bouquets we've laid eyes on. Founders Claire Ryan and Steph Hutch joined forces in 2017 and the business has been marking life’s special moments for people since.
A huge bonus is that they offer free same-day delivery in Dublin and free next-day delivery across the Emerald Isle, so whether you're treating yourself or the fabulous women in your life, you won't be caught out by lack of planning.
Check out their website here: https://www.thecrate.ie/.
The Smooth Company by Áine Kennedy
Ever wonder how the gals with the perfectly slicked back bun and no flyaways do it? Now you know.
The award-winning Smooth Stick has been one of the most nifty Irish inventions of late. Founder Áine Kennedy initially used TikTok to grow her brand and share her adorable relationship with her no.1 fan - her grandad Billy.
Cut to just a few years later and her products are stocked in some of the biggest retailers such as Brown Thomas and beauty megastore Sephora.
The company has just launched its newest product, the Mane Master, a smooth brush that creates the perfect slick back ponytail.
Check out the website: https://www.thesmoothcompany.com/pages/about-smooth-company.
Howrad Studios by Rachel and Ciara Howard
Prints are the perfect gift, and Howrad Studios have a wide range of funky designs to choose from, along with homeware and stationary.
The company launched during lockdown and quickly went viral online. Twin sisters Rachel and Ciara have their finger on the pulse, often creating mugs inspired by social media trends. This has extended their customer base overseas, as far as Australia and the UAE.
Check out their mood-boosting prints: https://howradstudios.com/.
Barbara Bennett
Barbara Bennett is a talented Graphic Designer from Galway City who has honed in on a unique product that's proving hugely popular: hand-painted shoe customisation. Barbara adds eye-catching and bold prints to your favourite shoe brands such as Nike Air Force, Nike Cortez and loafers.
She also sells paint kits so you can DIY your favourite pair of shoes from home. Something totally unique and oodles of fun.
Check out her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbarabennett__/.
Garment Goddess by Laura de Barra
Number one best-selling author Laura de Barra now has three timeless books under her belt: Décor Galore, Gaff Goddess and her brand new release, Garment Goddess. Each book acts as an informative guide to hacking your home, revamping your interiors and getting longevity out of your clothes.
They’re the kind of books you’ll reach for time and time again - a great addition to any coffee table. Her recommendations are simple, effective and life-changing. We will never use a big light in our home again. Long live lamp lighting!
She shares lots of tips on her Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/lauradebarra/.
Mae by Gráinne O'Keefe
When it comes to food, Young Chef of the Year Gráinne O'Keefe has her finger in many pies - pun intended. She is the culinary director in BuJo, one of the best burgers you'll sink your teeth into in Dublin, as well as the owner of Mae, which focuses on modern Irish cusine and fine dining.
If you’re planning your next special-occasion meal, be sure to add Mae to your bucket list for an experience you won't soon forget.
Keep up to date with Gráinne via her social media: https://www.instagram.com/grainneokeefe/.
Littlelight by Ceilí Flood
LittleLight creates beautiful jewellery inspired by the ups and downs of life. The brand came about after founder Ceilí Flood tragcially lost her brother-in-law due to suicide**, and wanted to do something special in his honour. Each piece is named after an emotion or phase in life, be it hope, grief, new beginnings or self love.
Every design also comes with a poem written by Ceilí, making it the perfect gift idea for those who struggle to find the words to capture the moment.
See the full collection: https://www.littlelight.ie/.
August Night by Caoimhe Grant
August Night is a handbag and accessories brand with luxury and contemporary details. Founder Caoimhe Grant originally worked for John Rocha, before launching her own brand. Her bags are inspired by the literary and lyrical worlds, with distinctive twists, knots and generous bows, elevating your everyday look.
Her pieces are designed and ethically made in Dublin. We are utterly obsessed with the collection, it's impossible to pick a favourite piece.
See the collection: https://www.augustnight.ie/shop.
Aisling Kavanagh
One of the most exciting Irish designers out there right now is Aisling Kavanagh. Her collection of show-stopping accessories features luxurious velvet scrunchines, bows and handbags, all designed to add an effortless burst of personality to your look.
Check out her website: https://aislingkavanagh.com/.
We Make Good by Caroline Gardner
We Make Good promotes social enterprise, equality and sustainable production. Their store stocks products made by people facing social challenges, who have received training and support to develop craft skills and gain employment.
They promote products created by communities such as Camphill Community Dunshane, which is home to 55 remarkable individuals, 22 of whom have special needs.
Purchasing a piece from We Make Good has a lasting positive impact.
Check out their website: https://wemakegood.ie/.
** If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact: The Samaritans (phone 116123), or Pieta House (1800 247 247).
