So during this time in our lives, we’ve all had to adapt to the new normal. One person who is trying to keep her business running during this challenging time is my legend of a cousin/sister Sheelin. I interviewed her, mainly because she’s a legend and I adore her but also because her business like so many others is suffering and she’s currently having to adapt at the speed of light. Not alone that, she also started her sustainable business herself, one year ago. I want to give her a shout out and hopefully you can learn more about her and her business so I’ll cut to the chase.
When and why did you start your business?
I started my business a little over a year ago after moving back from Singapore and the reason I started it was because when I lived there, I became a lot more aware of different environmental issues for example, the burning down of plantations in Indonesia. They were being cleared for palm oil and Singapore became covered in a really thick haze for like three or four months and it made me so aware of things that contained palm oil and how damaging it can be for the environment. I always wanted to be my own boss and have my own business and when I moved back home to Ireland, I decided it was a good time to give it a go!
Any learning curves?
What I’ve noticed most since starting my business is that going from having a team of people down to just one person, that being myself, is quite challenging. Everything takes a lot more time. I am lucky enough because I worked in online advertising for over 10 years so I have a background in advertising and design but doing all of that now myself has been really difficult. I have a lot of respect for everyone doing it all. I’ve had to learn to do everything myself and one of the main things that’s stuck with me is some really good advice which is a quote from a friend which was ‘perfect is the enemy of good’.
Challenges since having to close your physical shop?
The main challenge has been basically how to maintain my business and if possible keep it running. Safety is a huge priority for me. I have almost zero daily interactions with people apart from dropping things into the post office. I feel very lucky to have the space in the shop to go into everyday to try and continue like my life has some sort of normality. Conversing with people over Instagram and being able to write hand written messages with each order and chatting to clients over email has been so so nice. And to know that some orders are going to all different parts of the country is a really nice feeling because I feel like I’ve been able to help in some ‘kind’ of way!
How can ppl help a small business like you during lockdown?
At the moment, there’s a big push and a big movement towards supporting local. Anyone that’s currently shopping with me is also support small local businesses across Ireland. There’s been a really great online community that’s been formed online where a lot of different Irish influencers, brands, businesses and publications are supporting local and talking about the importance of supporting local businesses. There’s some really great offers online at the moment. Lots of people I work with are giving really great discounts with shipping and offering collection where it’s safe from in store. This is a great opportunity to use time to find other great brands to follow and support.
Advice to anyone starting a business at a time like this?
There was interesting Instagram post that I saw yesterday which showed a number of big companies that established themselves or launched in the last recession like Airbnb. l have got friends that started businesses in the last recession and they’ve done so well and I hope they continue to do so now. This is a good opportunity now to use social media to be able to talk directly to more people and show your products. It’s really about finding different ways to shop at the moment. I’ve ordered a pick up meal from the Fumbally cafe. They’re doing a take away every Wednesday so that’s just great. It’s about finding new ways of doing business. That is key right now.
What do you enjoy most about your business?
I was very surprised because I thought going into business alone would feel like I was alone. One thing I really love is supporting other small Irish businesses and having a network of suppliers that I talk to and will help me out if I’m running low on stock. If I am, they can deliver directly to my front door. It’s just so nice to feel you’re part of a community of people who are producing products which are all aimed towards a better future.
Visit the website, https://thekind.co/