Thursday, 19 October 2023
Today marks National Women's Enterprise Day 2023 as we celebrate all of the inspiring and innovative female founders and entrepreneurs across Donegal!
National Women's Enterprise Day allows us to turn the spotlight on female entrepreneurs, the amazing services & products they offerings, and their outstanding achievements in their respective fields. The country-wide events also highlight the range of supports available for those who may be budding entrepreneurs networking opportunities and potential connections with industry leaders.
We would like to take this opportunity to showcase some of the fantastic female entrepreneurs across Donegal.
April Rose Murphy Studio
Designer April Rose Murphy, based in the Gaeltacht village of Kilcar in South West Donegal, Ireland, specialises in handwoven Donegal tweed, linen and knitwear. Her collections tell a tale of rural Ireland, its rich heritage and wild landscape. "I’ve always had a drive to work independently and setting up my own business gave me the opportunity to make my own designs and be financially successful doing it."
"I take inspiration from the world around us and what I see is people looking for more meaning. My brand is about authenticity, everything here is handmade from scratch. I use handwoven tweed made by local weavers. The yarn is sourced from Donegal Yarns in Kilcar. I am inspired by my beautiful, rugged surroundings; I am delighted to welcome visitors from all over to my studio, situated in the middle of a forest in rural Donegal.’’
More information on April Rose's impressive and creative work is available HERE
Marketing For Tourism
Joleene McDermott, founder of Marketing for Tourism, founded her business in 2020, aimed at designing and configuring websites to help small businesses sell online, to use social media effectively, and to assist with increasing their brand awareness and sales.
"Having met many inspirational women since I started I would advise any woman who is thinking of starting a business, to just do it. Start small and build it up, layering skills and knowledge that will help your business grow. As women, we sometimes think we have to be perfect, to have it all figured out, and that we can't make mistakes or be seen to make mistakes when in fact, that is simply part of the process. One strong lesson I have taken from running my own business is that when you feel uncomfortable, that is when you go all in. When fear is present, it means you are onto something. Feel the fear and do it anyway."
"We are living in times that generations before us could only have dreamed about. The fact I can raise my family in Donegal, where I grew up and where I call home, surrounded by amazing family and friends and with the beach on my doorstep, all while building my business, is truly amazing and I feel so grateful to have this opportunity."
More information on how Marketing For Tourism can help your business succeed is available HERE
Teambase Ireland
Teambase Ireland is an Insurtech partner that supports, advises, and accelerates Brokers/MGA’s and Insurance Carriers with technology solutions. Founded in 2022 by Helen Burke, InsurTech Founder & COO of Teambase Ireland, after moving back home to her native Gweedore in County Donegal after an insurance industry career in the Middle East spanning over 12 years of expertise and experience in delivering, co-ordinating and launching insurance digital solutions with Insurance Brokers globally.
"We love to simplify and automate insurance administration business processes to help our clients become more efficient, profitable, customer centric and innovative powered by our insurance industry digital solutions."
Find out more information on Teambase Ireland and how they can help businesses become more efficient HERE
Donegal Women in Business Network
The Donegal Women in Business Network was established in 1999 with the aim of supporting female entrepreneurship across Donegal. Since its conception, the network has grown into one of the largest and most engaging business networks in the country. It has evolved throughout that time to become the dynamic, ambitious, diverse and inclusive group that exists today, bringing together women at each stage of the entrepreneurial journey from idea, to start-up to expansion.
The Donegal Women in Business network is a fantastic opportunity for those with an interest in business to network with like-minded people, promote their business, learn new skills, and collaborate with some of the most innovative, impressive and creative businesses in the region.
To learn more about the network and how you can join, click HERE
