Donegal businesswomen inspire at national conference

Donegal businesswomen were to the fore of a national conference for women in business staged last week at the award-winning Harvey’s Point in Donegal.

The Women’s Inspire Network (WIN) spring seminar was hosted in Donegal on Wednesday 10 April last by the organisation’s founder, Ireland’s own ‘Tweeting Goddess’ and entrepreneur, Samantha Kelly.

Donegal speakers helping to inspire the 200 delegates included business coaches, digital marketing specialists and established business owners, who shared inspirational advice and talked about the practical and strategic decision-making that contributed to their success.

Letterkenny-based Anne Tuohy of Room Junkie, the nationally acclaimed, award-winning interior designer, talked about harnessing the inner strength that fuels both business and personal success.

Physiotherapist Lorraine Boyce, founder of Down Below Physio, shared her business journey from working with rugby teams in New Zealand to specialising in women’s health in Letterkenny.

Moville-based author and charity founder Sharon Thompson gave essential tips to writing a book and getting it published. She had a wealth of knowledge to impact on the audience, such as ‘write what’s in your heart’ and ‘find your tribe’.

Derry web development specialist Patricia Greene had expert advice on websites and digital marketing, while one of only two male speakers at the event was local chef, blogger and Irish food ambassador, Zack Gallagher, who is based in Donegal Town.

Moira Ní Ghallachóir from Gweedore, business mentor at MNG, gave a motivational talk on self-exploration in business, and the importance of identifying the ONE thing that you want from your business or your life.

Outside the Box Marketing founder, Emma Boylan, who is based in Letterkenny, took to the stage to discuss the future of female entrepreneurship, and her belief in a world where people are judged on merit rather than gender.

Rachel McLaughlin, editor of Donegal Woman, was a panel guest at the business conference, where the online Donegal lifestyle and business publication for women was an event media partner.

The Women’s Inspire Network is an Irish-based network for women entrepreneurs which started out as a Twitter hashtag in 2014. It is now a global online community with webinars, events and e-books offering expert advice and mentoring.

‘Overcoming Challenges’ was the theme for the Donegal seminar that delivered an energising day of expert speakers and interactive sessions for the online business group that connects and empowers female-led businesses.

From business management and marketing to personal development and wellbeing, WIN is a unique online resource for inspiration, learning, knowledge-sharing and networking, the group’s founder Samantha Kelly says.

“Our Donegal seminar and speakers were truly inspirational, with so many women doing awesome things in the area. Meeting in person is great for networking, but with social media like the WIN forum, our advantage is that you can reach any number of people, at any time, for help and advice, no matter where you are located”, she says.

“Thanks to our event sponsors, without whom the event would not have been possible – Louise Mc Donnell; What’s where (Aoife Keady); Michelle from M. McLoughlin & Co., Solicitors; La Creme Boutique in Gorey and Harvey’s Point.”

Businesswomen and entrepreneurs interested in joining the online Women’s Inspire Network for networking, ideas sharing, contacts and business opportunities can get more information on www.womensinspirenetwork.com.

Among the very practical supports is the opportunity to promote their business or brand to over 50,000 followers between the @Tweetinggoddess and @womensinspireIE Twitter accounts. The group is also on Facebook and Instagram.

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