Boss Babes of Quarantine: The Irish Women Running Businesses In Covid-19
The past four months have been extremely difficult for the people of Ireland. Besides Coivid-19 itself, families and individuals have lost jobs and the ability to engage in hobbies such as sport. There is a common belief that back in 2007, some of the most successful businesses were grown out of the recession. When people are faced with difficult life situations, their creative selves come to the forefront.
As much as Kendell Jenner may claim, money doesn’t grow on trees and has to be earned. Here are just a few of the incredible ‘Boss Babes’ of Covid-19 that have turned their free time into something more.
Maisey Made
From Skibbereen in West Cork, Maisey Clarke-Mann began selling her hand made tote bags to friends and family, mostly through Depop. The bags, made of scrap materials, making them 100% sustainable, quickly gained attention. Then the business stepped up a gear for Maisey when she began ‘Story Selling’ on March 10th. On a first come first serve basis, the handcrafted bags were quickly snatched up. Since then, over 3,000 people tune in tp Maisey’s weekly selling stories for a chance to pick up the limited edition, completely unique, bags.
Lex Razo
Keeping on the tote bag trend, Lex Razo sells her hand painted breast inspired canvas bags through her Instagram. The aim is to empower and promote all body types. All materials are fair trade, organic cotton and painted with non-toxic acrylic paint. To add the icing to the cake, Lex donates at least 10% profits to Breast Cancer Ireland. If the bags weren’t enough already, Lex has also released A6 notebooks from recycled paper with the breast inspired print.
MASH by Aislinn Reddie
The lovely @caitreddie wearing some Lemon Drop earrings 🍋 #clayjewellery #madeinireland
MASH is a craft business which sees Aislinn Reddie creating lightweight clay earrings from her oven! Again, the power of story selling works for Aislinn and her colourful geometric earrings. Prices range from €10.99 to €15.99 and her packaging alone is reason to buy and support this Irish craftswoman.
Envy by Niamh
Niamh McCarthy is another craftswoman using an Instagram platform for her benefit! With fast fashion on the rise every day, we welcome new and environmental fashion lines! Niamh is known for her handcrafted knitted tops. The collection includes a number of patterns and colours and the best part – are made to order! With the option of including your bra cup, you can make sure your knit fits perfectly. We love this method of body inclusivity.
Violet’s Vintage
Vintage shopping is becoming the new norm. With leading shops like Spice Vintage and Nine Crows on the go, more and more people are turning to vintage. Based in Co. Tyrone, Rebecca Ellis set up her Instagram and Etsy site at the beginning of May. Fittingly named after her late granny Violet, this vintage store is quickly becoming an Instagram favourite. Finding a timeless piece can be a real struggle. We have been in the charity shops, pulling the rails apart in the search for ‘the one’ and the disappointing sign when it just not there. However, at Violet’s Vintage, the searching has been done for you! Make sure to keep on the daily Insta stories because when its gone – its gone!
Sanctuary Mask Initiative
The ultimate ‘Boss Babes’ has to be the women behind this amazing community initiative. While living in direct provision, these strong and crafted ladies are sewing masks for their communities and other vulnerable groups. The project is spearheaded by BetterTogether and the Cork Migrant Centre with the support of UCC University of Sanctuary, UCC Failte Refugee Society and UCC Feminist Society. During the pandemic, Cork Nano Nagle has been a place for the group to iron and pack the masks. Well done to all!
Are there any other Irish women running businesses in Covid-19 that we should add to our list?
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