Join us for ‘Passion Project: From Spark to Spotlight’

How does a passion project become a start-up? And when does a side-hustle move to be the main event? We’ll be teasing this out, and hearing from some of Ireland’s new generation female business founders about the bravery, the brass neck-ery and the brilliance of turning a dream into a lucrative, rewarding career.

So many women have that one idea that won’t go away… the product, the brand, the service or the happening that could become a reality, if given the right effort and attention. But what about the current day job? What about paying the bills? When to make the jump?

Join us at The Dublin Royal Convention Centre on Wednesday, October 1, as we hear from Loretta Dignam, women’s health advocate and founder of The Menopause Hub, who left an established career at the top of the tree to develop her dream. Then, IMAGE contributing editor Melanie Morris will dig deep with a panel of female businesswomen who’ve done similarly: Lindsey Kavanagh, founder of One Dame Lane; Sofie Rooney, founder of Chimac, and Samantha Forrest, founder of Fussy Food Plates. All are on the journey to convert ideas that started as a side-hustle to become the main focus of their work, and now key contemporary Irish brands.

If you’ve an idea that just won’t go away, or a desire to make your passion a business reality, this event is for you.

The IMAGE Business Club is a thriving community of women, and as always, on the night there’ll be plenty of time to connect with fellow members over cocktails, meet the speakers and, of course, leave with a luxury gift bag, along with a refreshed perspective.

Schedule

6pm – 7.15pm: Network over cocktails and canapés

7.15pm – 8.30pm: An informative conversation with our experts

8.30pm – 9pm: Meet the speakers and network further

When & Where

When: Wednesday, October 1 at 6pm

Where: Dublin Royal Convention Centre

Tickets

IMAGE Business Club members have access to one complimentary ticket. Additional tickets can be purchased for €75* incl.VAT. Each attendee will enjoy drinks, delicious canapés and a gorgeous gift bag.

Buy Tickets


Not an IMAGE Business Club member? Become a member today and enjoy complimentary access to six exclusive live, in-person networking events. Join the club for €243 (ex.VAT) now to claim your complimentary ticket!

Already a member? Claim your free ticket here.

Places to this event are available on a first-come first-serve basis and are limited. 

Please book early to avoid disappointment. If you cannot attend the event, we kindly ask for a minimum of 48 hours’ notice.   

*Booking fees apply

Meet the speakers

Loretta Dignam, Founder & CEO, The Menopause Hub

Loretta Dignam is an award-winning, trailblazing entrepreneur, advocate, and thought leader in the field of menopause awareness, education, and workplace inclusivity. As the founder and CEO of The Menopause Hub and Menopause Hub Academy, she has transformed the landscape of menopause care and corporate policy in Ireland and beyond. Her work has been recognised globally, earning her a place on the prestigious Forbes Top 50 Over 50 Global List 2025, celebrating her influence and impact in driving societal change.

With a 25-year career in leadership and marketing, spanning multinational brands such as Mars, Diageo, Kerry Group, and Jacob Fruitfield, a lecturer in the Michael Smurfit Business School and a board member of the Abbey Theatre, where she chaired their Gender Equality Committee, Loretta has leveraged her expertise to build Ireland’s first dedicated menopause clinic, The Menopause Hub, in 2018. Expanding on this success, she launched The Menopause Hub Academy, a CPD-accredited education and training platform helping businesses create menopause-inclusive workplaces through diagnostic tools, training, and accreditation programs.

A tireless campaigner, Loretta played a pivotal role in securing free HRT for women in Ireland from 2025, a landmark achievement in women’s healthcare policy. Her thought leadership has made her a sought-after speaker as well as a trusted advisor to businesses, policymakers, and media outlets. Named among Forbes’ 50 Over 50 Global Leaders, Loretta’s mission is to redefine menopause as a time of empowerment, not decline – ensuring that women, workplaces, and society as a whole are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and support to help women thrive during this stage of life.

Lyndsey Cavanagh, Founder, One Dame Lane

Lyndsey Cavanagh is the founder and creative director of One Dame Lane, an Irish jewellery brand known for its bold design, craftsmanship, and modern approach to self-expression.

A former TV and bridal make-up artist, Lyndsey retrained as a goldsmith and launched One Dame Lane from her first retail space in Dublin city centre. Today, the brand has grown to include two more stores, a global online customer base, a thriving wholesale business – most recently partnering with Avoca – and high-profile collaborations with leading Irish talent.

Her journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and a clear commitment to building a brand that elevates the everyday through considered, contemporary jewellery.

Sofie Rooney, Founder, Operations & Marketing, Chimac

Sofie Rooney is the co-founder of Chimac, a vibrant restaurant and retail sauce brand inspired by Korean flavours. She launched Chimac’s first restaurant in 2019 with her partner Garret, quickly establishing it as a much-loved destination for bold, playful fast-casual dining.

Building on that success, Sofie expanded into retail in 2021, developing Chimac’s award-winning Korean-inspired sauces, which are now available in over 700 stores across 12 countries, including Tesco, M&S, Dunnes Stores, Selfridges, and John Lewis. With a passion for innovation and quality, Sofie has helped grow Chimac from a single restaurant into an international, award-winning food brand.

Samantha Forrest, Founder, Fussy Food Plates

A STEM professional with nearly 20 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Samantha Forrest is Director of Global Validation & Metrology Systems at West Pharmaceutical Services, where she leads global engineering and quality initiatives across sites in Ireland, the US and Europe.

While on maternity leave with her third child, she launched Fussy Food Plates – a science-led, family-focused brand supporting fussy eaters through playful, sensory-led products, workshops, and digital tools.

Now stocked in Arnotts and featured on Ireland AM and Today FM, the brand blends Samantha’s scientific background with real-world parenting insight. She was a finalist in the 2024 PwC IMAGE Businesswoman of the Year Awards (STEM) and was shortlisted in the 2025 IMAGE Start-Up of the Year category.