News

Sally Murphy - Welltold

Established in 2016, Welltold has gone from strength to strength. With a goal of helping businesses communicate in a creative way, Sally has become a highly sought after consultant, coach and trainer helping leaders and teams across the country understand how to use story as a tool to ignite change, build confidence and strengthen culture. 

"I am fortunate to have worked with great clients including Google, Johnson & Johnson, Flutter and more. I'm grateful for all of it. I love what I do and I'm excited for what the future holds."

As well as being a successful entrepreneur, Sally is also the Vice President of the Donegal Women in Business Network, an ambitious, dynamic and diverse group which brings together women at different stages of the entrepreneurial journey and business development, from start-up to expansion and everything in between. 

The support from other entrepreneurs, the Donegal Women in Business network and the resources available from the Local Enterprise Office have been instrumental in the continued growth and success of Welltold. 

"The journey of being an entrepreneur has highs and lows, peaks and valleys. There are so many elements involved in running a business, whether full time or part time, it's a lot. It takes courage, commitment, resilience and guts. Is it easy? No. Is it worth it? Absolutely yes!"

Check out the range of services Welltold can offer clients HERE

Grace Shields - Social Scene PR & Marketing

With an impressive 15 years experience in marketing across various sectors, Grace Shields established her own agency, 'Social Scene PR & Marketing' in 2020 with the aim of helping businesses manage the transition to online, and effectively communicate through digital platforms. Having worked with iconic Donegal brands such as McNutt of Donegal, GoVisitDonegal, Filligans, Atlantic Treasures and No Barriers Foundation, Grace has also managed global campaigns for Cadbury, P&G, SuperValu, and Woodies. 

The network of supportive entrepreneurs in Donegal has been invaluable to the growth and development of 'Social Scene PR & Marketing' throughout the years in business, particularly from fellow Girl Bosses.

"I have made some great friendships with other entrepreneurs in Donegal over the last two decades and it’s a fantastic community of people who continuously offer support in the form of a listening ear if you need to bounce ideas off, or simply to talk through business challenges."

As well as being a successful entrepreneur, Grace also lends her time to those who are at the beginning of the entrepreneurial journey by offering mentoring to business support agencies such as the Local Enterprise Office, InterTradeIreland and Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC). 

"If I was to give one piece of advice to any aspiring female entrepreneurs, I would say work hard - but smart - and you’ll reap the benefits."

Contact Grace to find out how Social Scene PR & Marketing can help your business HERE

Trish Hegarty - Inis Communications

Trish Hegarty spent years as a journalist with the BBC and Irish Times before establishing her own public relations agency, Inis Communications, almost 20 years ago. The aim for the business was always to provide a quality service to clients all over Ireland and beyond, which deliver results and helping them to reach bigger audiences through the media and their online presence.

Over the last number of years, the business has experienced a significant success with clients including Fáilte Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Donegal County Council and CARI to name a few. 

"I have concentrated on growth since 2018 and in 2020, I turned the business from a sole tradership into a company. I have trebled sales in the last 5 years and expanded to a team of 3 staff."

Trish has stayed at the forefront of the industry with the support of the community of female entrepreneurs in the Donegal Women in Business Network, and the Local Enterprise Office through the various courses, programmers and mentoring on offer "The programmes helped me focus and stay on track with developing me business, and gave me the tools and confidence to grow. It also introduced to me to a bunch of amazing businesswomen, and we all supported each other during the programme and many times since.”

"Be strategic in how you plan your growth and don’t hesitate to top up on any skills you lack or outsource them. But the most important piece of advice I would offer is to believe in yourself. Don’t let imposter syndrome drain your confidence in your abilities. You can do it!"

Contact Inis Communications to see how they can help your business HERE 

Caroline Faulkner - Senior Business Consultant

With a global career spanning 35 years and titles including CEO, CIO and COO, Caroline Faulkner is an inspiration to many. After relocating to her native Donegal in 2023, Caroline established her own company aimed at coaching businesses through a mixture of strategies harnessing IQ, EQ and SQ techniques.

"When each employee thrives, the whole business thrives which can lead to good performance outcomes" 

Having spent years in corporate business, Caroline knew the importance of taking the time to ensure the quality and clarity of the product offering. " My business started small by design. I am a big fan of the test/learn/improve philosophy". 

Caroline also gives her time to supporting and mentoring other businesses on their customer success programs with the aim of enhancing their team structures and processes and developing market strategies. 

"My advice to women at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey is to get access to a mentor who has done it before. Its important to keep your passion fueled and don't get distracted from the core of your idea."

Contact Caroline HERE to find out more.