This quaint period property in Co Wicklow is on the market for €795,000
This quaint period property in Co Wicklow is on the market for €795,000

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‘We’ve been listening to the male perspective for so long, it would be nice if...

Sarah Finnan

Taylor Swift is a sport
Taylor Swift is a sport

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This ivy-adorned red brick on Ailesbury Road is on the market for €12 million
This ivy-adorned red brick on Ailesbury Road is on the market for €12 million

Sarah Finnan

Irish artist Bebhinn Eilish on mythology, mysticism, and unpicking misogyny through art
Irish artist Bebhinn Eilish on mythology, mysticism, and unpicking misogyny through art

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Supper Club: Little Green Spoon’s halloumi, avocado and lime salad
Supper Club: Little Green Spoon’s halloumi, avocado and lime salad

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Join us for our event ‘Keep Doing What Matters – Culinary Delights’
Join us for our event ‘Keep Doing What Matters – Culinary Delights’

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Exclusive short story from Rebecca Ivory’s new book, ‘Free Therapy’
Exclusive short story from Rebecca Ivory’s new book, ‘Free Therapy’

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Scandi-cool meets Irish country in this period Cork apartment
Scandi-cool meets Irish country in this period Cork apartment

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Interior designer Sorcha Harman shares her tips for sourcing and styling vintage pieces
Interior designer Sorcha Harman shares her tips for sourcing and styling vintage pieces

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Image / Agenda / Business

5 things to consider before setting up your own business


By Grace McGettigan
28th Jul 2021
5 things to consider before setting up your own business

We asked a very successful Irish entrepreneur what she thinks everyone should consider before setting up their own business. Here's what she told us

Thinking of venturing into the world of business but not sure where to start?

We asked Aoife Lawler, co-founder of the Irish Fairy Door Company, what she thinks every woman should consider before setting up her own business. Aoife and her business partner, Niamh Sherwin Barry won Entrepreneur of the Year at the IMAGE Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2018. With years of experience under their belts, we’re hanging onto their every word.

Here’s what Aoife told us:

  1. Know who will support you to get your idea off the ground.
  2. Identify what you are good at and what value you bring to the business, notice where the gaps will be and fill them.
  3. Take all offers to sit and chat, even if you ultimately decide not to take the person’s advice. There is no need to make the same mistakes as everyone else; so listen.
  4. Don’t be afraid to be emotional. This is often viewed as a weakness, but I think it’s our greatest strength. Brilliance can come from it.
  5. If your idea is good, you will have offers coming from all angles. Don’t feel obliged to take them all. Go with your gut.

Aoife adds how important it is to be original and to remember to share the journey with others. “Being an entrepreneur is about creating something from effectively nothing, and bringing people on the journey with you so that everyone can see the value of what you offer,” she says.

This piece was originally published in March 2020