One entrepreneur on overcoming insecurity, self-doubt and imposter syndrome

For years, I noticed a gap in the Irish market for thoughtful, personalised keepsakes for babies and children. 

As a mom, I struggled to find unique, high-quality gifts that didn’t feel generic or outdated. The idea of starting my own business lingered for years, but I hesitated due to self-doubt. However, every time I shopped for baby gifts, that idea resurfaced, and I realised the gap still hadn’t been filled.

In March 2023, I finally decided to take the leap. 

I got a loan, purchased an embroidery machine—despite having no experience using one—and set out to build my business from the ground up. It was a mix of courage and also completely winging it!

Creativity has always been a big part of my life, whether through making gifts or drawing and sketching with my kids. 

So, while there was a steep learning curve, I genuinely enjoyed designing products and creating content.

The name of the brand holds a special meaning to me—my daughter’s middle name is Raine, and from that, Little Raine Drops was born. 

I launched on Instagram in July 2023 with a mix of excitement, nerves, and a lot of self-doubt. The initial months were slow, but by Christmas, momentum started building. The personalised blankets became a go-to gift, and word of mouth helped the business grow organically.

People said January would be quiet, but it was actually a turning point for my brand.

Since then, I’ve expanded my product range, added a second embroidery machine, and even set up a dedicated workshop. It’s been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, sleepless nights, and a lot of hard work, but it’s all been worth it and as cliched as it sounds, my only regret is not starting it sooner.

My mission is to become the go-to brand in Ireland for high-quality personalised gifts and keepsakes—products that feel truly special and meaningful. 

There’s something so powerful about receiving a gift with your baby’s name on it, especially in those first few days after birth. I remember how it took my breath away seeing my child’s name for the first time on a keepsake—it made everything feel so real and magical. I want to continue creating that feeling for others, making those early moments even more memorable. My goal is to craft high-quality, thoughtful items that families can treasure forever.

I always knew I wanted to be a designer – I’ve always had a creative spark.

I’ve loved art and design since I was young, but a lack of confidence held me back for years. I knew deep down I had something to offer, so I worked on my mindset by self-journalling; I envisioned what my future brand would look like, feel like, and be while meditating to quiet the self-doubt. Taking that leap was scary, but it’s been the most rewarding decision I’ve ever made.

My cotton knit blankets are the cornerstone of my business and remain my most popular product. 

Over time, I’ve expanded the range to include matching knit rompers, booties, hats, bonnets, headbands and sweaters. For Christmas, the personalised double-velvet Santa sacks have been a huge hit as well.

I’m always researching and sourcing materials that are safe. 

It’s so important to me that every product I create is not only beautiful but also of high quality. Finding the best materials for babies is a constant priority, and I have a few new products that I’m working on that I’m really excited about for spring/summer 25. 

Money was definitely a concern starting out. 

I used some inheritance as my initial investment and also took out a loan. It was nerve-wracking, but in a way, it was the push I needed. There was no turning back—I had to make it work, which kept me focused and motivated.

Two pieces of advice have shaped my journey. 

First, focus on perfecting one product before expanding. I poured all my energy into making the cotton knit blankets a must-have baby gift, and that foundation allowed my brand to grow. Second, don’t take a wage in the first year. I heard this on a podcast and, while it was tough, it made all the difference. I reinvested everything back into the business, and that discipline helped my brand gain traction.

I admire accounts that feel genuine and creative.

To name a few small Irish businesses that I follow and admire – Nina’s Atlantic Studio, Prints by Potts and Velvet and the Fox. The Smooth Company and The Head Plan are two other established Irish brands that I really admire. They’ve grown their brands so beautifully and offer amazing products. I find their journeys so inspiring.

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of staying focused and disciplined. 

I work best creatively when I’m in a bubble, free from outside noise and distractions. It allows my ideas to flow and keeps me aligned with my vision for the brand. To maintain this focus, I limit social media scrolling as much as possible—it’s easy to get caught up in comparisons or distractions, but I’ve found that avoiding unnecessary noise keeps me energised and creative. Staying in my own lane and dedicating myself to the work has been the key to my growth.

Being featured in top magazines in Ireland and the UK has been a huge pinch-me moment.

 I never imagined this would happen so soon, and it’s a testament to how far the brand has come in just 18 months. 

I want my brand to be remembered for its exceptional quality and thoughtful, timeless designs.

I would love for my designs to become a staple for newborns across Ireland. It would mean so much to know that little ones are wrapped up in a Raine Drops blanket, creating memories that families cherish forever.

Photography by Little Raine Drops.