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6th April 2015
11:00am BST

Christine and Alison demonstrate the CosyNest[/caption]
What’s the one thing you wish you’d known?
I would have loved to have understood the manufacturing industry in Ireland. It was so hard for me to find someone to make my prototype for me starting off. It’s a shame that a lot of the textile manufacturing is now gone from Ireland.
What are the benefits of working for yourself?
When I worked in the corporate world I travelled a lot and worked quite late at times often missing bed times or school runs. Working for myself has given me back some time with my children. I am happier in myself as I am following my passion.
And the drawbacks?
As rewarding as running your own business is, it is tough! You need believe 100% in your product and be ready for knockbacks. You need to have patience, and anyone who knows me and reads this will know I have no patience but I am learning! Creating brand awareness around a new product takes time. Success does not happen overnight and the hard work will pay off.
What advice would you give to a wannabe entrepreneur?
Test the market! Once you have a concept, get a focus group, do loads of research. Try to find out if there is a gap in the market for your product or service. You need to be able to show what makes you so different to everyone else and be able to back it up with raw data. Also, embrace social media! It’s the most important tool in terms of raising awareness and reaching your audience base.
What’s next for you?
I have some very exciting ventures in the pipeline. I also have some new product designs coming out very soon. I am talking to key retailers and will be launching in stores in the next few months."
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The HappyNest keeps babies both safe and warm[/caption]
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