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9th March 2015
08:00am GMT
Five words that sum up your business?
"Beautiful, affordable, Irish, fun, quality."
When did you open and how did you get started?
"I saw a gap in the market for a fresh and funky make-up range in Drogheda, a place where women could come and have their make-up applied and leave feeling a million dollars! I launched in November 2005 and have grown exponentially since then, thankfully."
WHAT makes your make-up different?
"Firstly, we're really proud to be an Irish company. Secondly, we've worked really hard to make sure all our customers enjoy the #fuschiaeffect, and feel part of a big family of make-up fans across the country. Finally, we let the quality of our products speak for themselves. Our range of mineral make-up is a phenomenal bestseller, so much so that we receive orders every day from devoted customers all over the world!"
HOW did your business evolve from those early stages?
The financial crisis hit when Fuschia was at a really fragile early stage and we were faced with the 'diversify or die' scenario. We knew we had to grab the proverbial bull by the horns so we launched Fuschia to beauty salons and have since moved into the pharmacy retail trade as well. Thankfully all our hard work, and a little bit of luck, paid off. We now have a large network of stockists around Ireland, we export to the UK and US, we've opened a second store in Swords and we have our own factory and distribution centre based in Drogheda."
WHAT was the tipping point?
"When we launched to Irish beauty salons I was shocked and delighted at the support that we received. I knew then that if we continued to work hard that Fuschia would blossom! And, thankfully it did."
Which are your favourite Fuschia products?
"Our Mineral foundation is my absolute must-have product - it's brilliant for giving me that healthy, happy glow, even when I'm exhausted! I also just couldn't get by without our Gel eyeliner because it's so easy to use."
What is the one thing you wish you’d known?
"The fact that I would never have a real day off again!"
Which supports would you recommend to another entrepreneur?
"Initially, participated in a start your own business course, which I found incredibly helpful in enabling me to get all my thoughts, ideas, projections down on paper. Also, the Local Enterprise Offices and our Local Chamber provided great help along the way.
What are the benefits of working for yourself?
"The greatest benefit is being able to watch your vision and your dreams becoming reality. I'm fiercely independent, so I always knew that one day I would be my own boss, but seeing Fuschia come to life and prosper over the last 10 years has been more than just the achievement of a career goal, it's a dream come true."
Any drawbacks?
"As the owner of any business will tell you - you never truly turn off and tune out. Even when we get away on holidays with the family, one part of my brain is always still here - wondering how everything is going back in the office, the warehouse and the shops. I try not to check my emails too much - but I can't help the odd sneaky peek!
What advice would you give to a wannabe entrepreneur?
"Make sure you are absolutely passionate about and dedicated to whatever area of business you go into - you will rely on that endless dedication to survive those early years when you eat, sleep and breathe your business."
What’s next for you?
Well since becoming Mammy to Ben (aged 6) and Issey (aged 3), family always comes first. I'm a busy working mum and my main priority is to be there for my kids as much as they need me while they're growing up. It's onward and upwards with Fuschia - we're always looking for new pharmacies and beauty salons to become Fuschia stockists, so I intend to be kept very busy building and expanding in the future.
[caption id="attachment_213207" align="alignnone" width="790"]
Ben (aged 6) and Issey (aged 3)[/caption]
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