Koo Kee

Some of you might notice that quite a number of the businesses featured on this blog are food based.  I have noticed this too.  And as the blog expands, my waistline is keeping up.

A few weeks back Pauline Clarke contacted me requesting a write-up and this morning I ventured to Mount Avenue in Dundalk to meet with Pauline and sample some of the cookies (Koo Kee - geddit ?) she had to offer.

Pauline explained that her love of baking started at an early age and that she worked in the food manufacturing industry before her family came along.  This experience has been invaluable in getting her own business up and running.  The food industry is highly regulated and Pauline has applied and indeed been licensed by the HSE among others for food production at home.  The Koo Kee packaging has also had to be certified and all ingredients and food values are included on the packaging.  The inside knowledge she had was instrumental in helping her get through the miles of red tape, before she was in a position to offer her KooKees to the public.

The inspiration for Kookee came after spending each Saturday morning baking cookies with her 3 children. Having given up a career to become a full time mum to her eldest son, who was diagnosed with a form of Autism, each Saturday became a ritual baking day, to involve all 3 children in a fun family task. After many weeks and lots of cookies, Pauline and her children started giving them as gifts to family and friends, and soon the friends started asking for some speciality orders, and offered to pay.  Eureka !!

Over the next few months Pauline perfected her recipies after deciding that this would be a wonderful way to care for her children and turn her hobby into a business.

So in 2009 she registered Kookee and tried out her products at farmers markets and craft fairs. As interest grew Pauline contacted the Louth County Enterprise board who helped her get ready to launch her business. 

Now in 2012 Kookee is going from strength to strength with 9 varieties including Gluten and Wheat  Free.  There is also an innovative new dry mix range which can be adapted by the consumer to be  Gluten and Wheat free that are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. 

"Our products  range from Freshly baked cookies, Frozen uncooked dough for restaurants and deli counters and an easy make dry mix so you can create your own cookies at home.  Our ingredients are locally sourced, and are of the highest quality.  At Kookee we continuously try our own recipies and ensure that each and every one delivers a taste sensation".

Pauline's aim with KooKee is to bring quality and taste together to create an Irish Brand that stands the test of time.

Pauline would like to mention her husband and family, without whose support and enthusiasm she wouldn't be able to continue to go from strength to strength.

The Koo Kee range is available in a number of local cafe's and restaurants throughout the region and anybody interested in these should contact Pauline via her website www.kookee.ie or on her Facebook Page

Kookee is a family run Artisan business established in 2009, specialising in high quality cookies.

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Viviann's Gifts From The Heart

There are numerous home based businesses located throughout Co. Louth and the latest to have crossed my path is Viviann's Gifts From The Heart, located just north of Dundalk in Annaskeagh, Feade.

In a converted room at the side of Viviann's house is a workshop and showroom containing lovingly created creatures, toys, hearts and buntings, angels, dolls and pictures of inspirational art.  The showroom has been planned with care and each of Viviann's creations hang or sit on display to their best vantage.  It's easy to see the love she has for what she does in the meticulous attention she pays to the most minute of detail on each handmade piece.  Every item on display has its own character or personality.  As a photographer, this was very appealing to me and it has been one of the most enjoyable shoots I have done.  There was a photograph to be captured in every character in every corner of the room.

At the age of 12 in her native country Norway, Viviann discovered a talent for Arts and Crafts that has matured in parallel with her own personal growth.  She has an extensive stock of colourful and patterned fabrics, buttons, ribbons and other materials associated with craftwork in her workshop and  having the workshop at home means Viviann can keep her own hours and work when inspiration comes.  And it comes regularly. Viviann finds the creative process of actually making her crafts makes her happy, content and is almost an antidote to the stresses that life can bring.

The talent Viviann discovered at an early age was formalised when she was educated at a drawing school in Norway.  Sewing was one of the subjects she took there.  Her sewing skill is very evident in the teddies, dolls, bunnies and cats.  She then studied graphic design and mac design to finish her education and then worked as an art director for various advertising agencies.  After settling down in Ireland and now with three children, who are her priority, her home based craft business is ideal, allowing her to indulge in her passion while still being able to tend to her family.

Viviann's Gifts From The Heart can be contacted by phone 085 1478016 or you can contact Viviann via her Facebook page.  It's really a worthwhile trip out to Feede just to witness the delights in the showroom.  Click on any of the above pictures to see a bigger version, or click here to see more of Vivian's creations on the LoCo Happenings FlickR gallery.

If you would like your business featured on the 

LoCo Happenings blog, please get in contact with us 

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Phil's Pet Services

This is another blog about somebody following a lifelong dream.  Phil Martin has always harboured an ambition to earn a living from caring for animals and becoming a dog groomer or as it was known then, a canine beautician.

During her school days Phil tried explaining this to her careers teacher in school, who provided plentiful information on becoming a beautician for humankind.  This was back around 1986 and dog grooming was something that existed only in America.  There was little or no information available on this career choice and there was no internet to refer to.  Phil was left with little choice but to follow a more orthodox career path.  After trying a number of jobs ranging from hairdressing to working in Vodafone, Phil settled down to a career with Irish Life but still had an eye on pursuing a career working for herself as a dog groomer.

Chance

She took every opportunity to look after friends' pets while on holiday and then a chance meeting with an old work colleague who had changed career, and who was now studying to be a veterinary nurse, encouraged Phil to take the first brave step toward her own career change.

Qualifications

Phil undertook courses in Animal Grooming and Canine First Aid and found part-time employment in a dog grooming parlour, while still being employed on a part-time basis with Irish Life.  Along with her new qualifications came more and more work from friends and colleagues until finally Phil decided to leave her safe employment and become self employed full time.

We Groom - We Walk - We Sit

Phil now has a fully equipped grooming parlour at her home and she can cater to up to three animals per day.  Each pet can take upwards of three hours to groom completely and her clients return regularly to keep their pets in top physical condition.

Phil has expanded her services to include dog walking and dog sitting.  Many pet owners are constrained with other commitments and are not always in a position to walk their dogs, Phil will call to the homes and exercise dogs as required, helping keep the animals in good physical shape.  She can also pet-sit in the animals own homes if requested.  

She says, "I offer a service where the dog doesnt have to leave his/her home. I call as many times as the client wants and do whatever they want me to do, for instance they might want me to sit and watch tv with the dog for a while just for the company or take the dog for a walk or play with the dog, whatever the dog likes. I also would leave bins out, open and close curtains, take in the post, give the house the lived in look. With the dog walking, people get me to take their dog out for a walk during the day when they are at work. Some clients have me walking their dog every day during the week in the winter time because by the time they come home from work it can be dark and they don't want to have to go for a walk in the dark and the cold, so they can just spend time with the dog at home instead".

Phil's Pet Services is another great example of ingenuity, where somebody has been able to make a living by creating a niche for themselves, doing something they are passionate about.

Contact

If this service is something you might be interested in, please do contact Phil by phone on 087-7511152 or you can find out more by clicking here and visiting Phil's Pet Services Facebook page.
More images are available on the LoCo Happenings FlickR Gallery.

If you would like your business featured here on 
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Caroline Duffy Designs

Introduction

I had the pleasure of visiting the home and workplace of Caroline Duffy of Caroline Duffy Designs.  I asked Caroline what if any motto she lived her life by and her answer was immediate and simple. 
"Love what you do".

She feels that by spending time every day doing what she loves, she will live a long and happy life.  The fact that Caroline works from home allows her to combine the things she loves in life, her family and her work.  To that end Caroline has converted her attic space into a bright and airy office, allowing her to use her time more effectively.

Origins

The passion for art and design started at an early age, sitting at the kitchen table drawing with her Mother and looking at her whipping up beautiful creations on the sewing machine. 

After studying Printed Textiles in N.C.A.D in Dublin, Caroline worked in the fashion industry in New York, London and Australia. While there I designed fabric prints for high end designers like, Louis Vuitton, Raulph Lauren and David Lawrence, Also high streets labels like Monsoon, River Island and Top Shop.

If you have shopped in and are wearing clothes from any of these labels, you could very well be wearing clothes adorned with Caroline's patterns.

Going It Alone

The love of an Irish man brought Caroline back to Irish shores in 2006 and Caroline decided to establish her own customer base.  Caroline Duffy Designs was born.

Caroline says, "I have specialised in textile design for the last 10 years, but ever since designing my own wedding invitations three years ago I have a huge passion for everything ‘Weddingy’. So now after the birth of my son and daughter I am excited to be launching ‘Caroline Duffy Stationery Boutique’. Here I offer chic, contemporary and classic, couture wedding stationery. My aim is to lovingly design stationery that is easy on the purse and envious to the eye. The stationery designs are very trend driven from whats happening in the fashion and interior design world".

Wedding Stationery

Planning the perfect day can be exciting, fun and hectic, so Caroline provides an elegant and contemporary, hassle free service for you. All the stationery comes in various colour-ways and co-ordinating designs, Save the dates, Invites, Mass booklets/Order of Service, Table Plans, Table numbers, Thank you's and more.

Customers can submit their own photographs, pictures of venues, maps or anything else they think of, to Caroline for inclusion on their stationery, making this service as unique and bespoke as is possible.

The Stationery Boutique is also filled with very cute personalised Baby Illustrations and beautiful invites for babies, parties and life.

Wedding stationery has had a tendency to be expensive, especially if sourced from traditional suppliers, but Caroline's range of uniquely designed stationery is very competitively priced and affordable.

Range of Designs

If you would like to view more of Caroline's designs and new range of stationery please click here to view the range on her FlickR gallery.

Contact

Caroline can be contacted 

by phone on 087 9603753

by email: info@carolineduffydesigns.com
on the web: www.carolineduffydesigns.com
or visit her Facebook page

www.facebook.com/carolineduffystationeryboutique

If you would like your business featured here on 
LoCo Happenings, kindly contact 

us on 087 2557754 or you can find us on Facebook

Remember.  This is a Free Service.  No catches

Dundalk School of Music

Atmosphere

Dundalk School of Music has recently relocated to a new State of The Art premises in the Blackthorn Business Park on the Coes Road, Dundalk.

2009 was a defining year for Patricia Duffy, when she decided to establish the school, having spent many years teaching in her own home.  Two years on and as a result of the ongoing success of the school, Patricia investigated the possibility of moving into a purpose built facility and the new premises were identified.  The school opened its doors in September of last year and the impact was immediately felt.

 There is a wonderful atmosphere in the building that can only foster any latent talent hidden within its students.  As you pass through the double doors you are met with the faint rhythmic thump and rattle of bass and snare drums coming from behind the soundproofed walls.  Walk further in and the tinkle of notes can just be heard from a piano keyboard.  Violin notes are next and you can almost visualize a bow being pulled across strings behind the closed doors.  Somebody is singing a little further down on the left, but again it’s faint.  Each instrument being played is audible, just, but is identifiable from every other in this quiet cacophony.  This is down to the design and layout of the tuition rooms.  Each is soundproofed and isolated from the large performance area that dominates the length of the building.   Each room is also fitted with a large double glazed window.  As well as containing the sound, they also serve the dual purpose of allowing observation of what’s going on, inadvertently getting students used to being observed when playing.  The obvious benefit of this is less anxiety from the musicians if they have to perform in front of others in years to come.

 

Endorsements

It’s this attention to detail that has set Dundalk School of Music apart and that has attracted the attention of well known music stalwarts.  Jim Corr (The Corrs), Liam Reilly (Bagatelle), John Sheehan (The Dubliners), Sharon Treacy-Dunne (Founding Member of the Cross Border Orchestra), Gerry (Fiddle) O’Connor and Dr. Eibhlis Farrell of DKIT have all endorsed the school and participated in its events.

Tutors 

The school has attracted fine exponents of many musical instruments and now boasts upwards of 10 music teachers who tutor in Vocals, Woodwind, Strings, Percussion and everything in between.

All genres of music are also taught; from Classical right through to Rock ‘n’ Roll, Traditional and the Blues. All of the teachers are committed to the development and growth of their students as artists and individuals. Each has obtained clearance from the Garda Central Vetting Unit.  The school can accommodate beginners and accomplished musicians, children and adults.

Instruments

The school is very well equipped too, with a full compliment of musical instruments available for students use.  There are a number of Roland and Yamaha pianos, throughout the school, as well as Electronic drum kits, guitars, violins and woodwind instruments.

 

Outreach, Exams & Activities

Dundalk School of Music also run a successful outreach programme in local schools and see themselves as playing a key role, acting as a cultural catalyst within the community.  The school can cater for those preparing for grade examinations (R.I.A.M. and A.B.R.S.M.)  In addition, can prepare students for Junior and Leaving Certificate State examinations.

There is no lack of opportunity for pupils to get involved in a wide range of extra-curricular musical activities which give students ample scope for public performance. These include frequent concerts and recitals, community performances, Arts Festivals and events, and field trips.

Personally Speaking – Editors Note

I’m going to make a bold statement.  If you have a child, send him or her to music lessons.  From a very early age I learned various instruments.  With a little talent and a lot of practice, I became proficient enough to win a few national titles and that grounding in music has stayed with me right through to today.  As a direct result of music, I have been afforded the opportunity to travel and play, I have been welcomed in music venues and bars all over the world and have met so many interesting people, with whom, mostly I still stay in regular contact.  The music connects.  Forever.  Universally.

Unlike some other talents, sporting or otherwise, a musical instrument is something you can entertain with throughout your life and something that you can get better at even into old age.  Try it once.  If you or your children like it, try it again.  It’s simply a wonderful, fulfilling thing to be able to play an instrument.

If any this appeals to you, contact Patricia at the Dundalk School of Music.  
Visit www.dundalkschoolofmusic.com for more information 
or telephone 042 - 9330044 (Landline) 085-7213077(Mobile)

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Urban Sanctuary

Urban Sanctuary is located just on the outskirts of Dundalk and is a haven for those looking for a little pampering.  Helen Martin, the proprietor, qualified as a beauty therapist in the Fernanda Scappaticci College of Beauty over 10 years ago, with the intention of establishing her own business. 

This intent took second place to family and children for a few years, although Helen kept apace with the latest developments in tandem with life, taking relevant courses, upgrading her qualifications and ensuring her standards and knowledge of the industry were current.  She has a plethora of letters to her name, being ITEC, CIBTAC and CIDESCO qualified.  She is also a member of the AIT (Association of Irish Therapists).  To add even further to her skill set and with the intention of expanding the services she could offer, Helen completed a MakeUp Artist course in 2007, specializing in High Fashion, Catwalk and Bridal Makeup.

All of this in addition to Spray Tanning, Bio-scuplture, Waxing, Exfoliation, Facials, Ear Candling, Indian Head massage, Back massage and Full Body massage.  It’s fair to say that Helen can sometimes literally have her hands full.  Helen recently took the brave step of leaving a secure, pensionable career to establish her home based business.   
Urban Sanctuary opened its doors in July 2011 and has gone from strength to strength, building on a loyal clientele.  The premises itself, as its name suggests is a sanctuary, beautifully appointed and comfortable.  It is equipped with changing facilities, shower room and comfortable chairs.  The soothing décor mirrors Helens own warm and friendly personality.

Urban Sanctuary operates on an appointment only basis and Helen can be contacted on 086 1068663 or by email, helen@urbansanctuarybeauty.com

Go on treat yourself …

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Darling Buds

Siobhan Grehan of Darling Buds

Darling Buds is a burgeoning business based in Dundalk, Co.Louth run by Siobhan Grehan. Siobhan has had a love for gardening and anything floral since her childhood days, when she spent most of her time in the garden with her Dad, an avid and still enthusiastic gardener. This enterprise was borne from a friend’s request for Siobhan to supply flowers for her upcoming wedding. A double marriage almost, the friends marriage and a marriage of love for flower arranging with an artistic twist.

When looking for a name for the business, Darling Buds, camenaturally, as Siobhan refers to her three children as her buds.  Memories of that now famous TV showwere also floating around and Darling Buds was the natural choice.

The attention to detail paid when making her floral arrangements is obvious, whether it be simple table arrangements, wreaths, wedding flowers or bespoke requests from customers.  Siobhan goes to great lengths to find the little accessories to customize her work, whether it is finding little Santa’s to adorn table arrangements or wreaths or snowmen at Christmas or ghosts and spiders for her Halloween wreaths.  These little details set Siobhans work apart from similar pieces available in the highstreet.

Brooch Bouquets

The latest trend comes from America - Bridal BroochBouquets.  Siobhan has embraced these and expanded on the theme to create truly unique, beautiful and lasting mementos of a wedding day.

They can become heirlooms and passed on from generation to generation, from mother to daughter and can be made to include pieces from the brides own jewellry collection or other pieces of sentimental value.

Each individual piece is carefully wired and bound and inserted into the base until the bouquet takes shape.  Being hand-made, each bouquet is absolutely unique.  Bridesmaids and flower girl versions can also be made to compliment the theme. These also make beautiful mementos for the bridal party.  Beware though, they can be heavy and Siobhan does not recommend that these are thrown during the celebrations.

Siobhan can be contacted by email, siobhangrehan@hotmail.com, by phoneat 087-9938720 or via her Facebook Page.

High resolution photos of Siobhans work are available by clicking on the pictures above or here on Lo Co Happenings dedicated FlickR stream.

If you would like your business to appear here just drop us an email at locohappenings@yahoo.com or call us at 087-2557754