The Leading Lady – Female in tech
Name | Kasia O REILLY |
Age | 39 |
Country | Ireland |
Education Experience
(Secondary, Higher Level)
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Training
(Business, Entrepreneurial)
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Employment History
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Social Background |
I come from Gdynia, in the north of Poland. I have been living in Ireland for over 15 years. I feel that “I have found my place” here in Ireland, despite my continuous love for Poland.
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Personality Traits
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I define my personality as being, sociable, pro- active, open minded, conscientious, driven and ambitious.
I believe in simplicity and going back to basics. Wellness of the planet is always on my mind. |
Their Tech Entrepreneurship Journey
Business Name
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SANA NATURALS |
What was the inspiration?
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Sana Naturals eco- friendly skincare was born out of passion and respect for nature.
I was inspired by the idea of spreading the beautifying magic of plants and minerals straight from nature to help women feel good in their skin.
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Why did they decide to set up their tech business?
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This passion has since developed into natural skincare, especially as I struggle with problematic skin. It’s dry and oily at places, sensitive, easily irritated and prone to breakouts. Years ago, I didn’t realise that additives in skincare may cause these skin problems.
I wanted to raise awareness around natural skincare as an alternative to synthetic skincare. Using social media to diffuse my message and my products has been an integral part of my business and especially since mine was a start-up in today’s retail climate. |
What does it do?
Products/services?
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Our mission is to share the embellishing magic of plants and minerals straight from nature to help you heal and nurture your body and soul, bring you joy and a peaceful mind and inspire a return to our roots and the wisdom of our ancestors.
We provide natural eco- friendly skincare infused with the healing forces of Mother Nature to nourish your body and soul. Handmade in Ireland; this simple yet luxurious skincare collection is created with problematic and sensitive skin in mind, however the products offer indulgence and soothing comfort for skin of all types and ages. Designed to be kind to delicate complexions, the formulas contain undiluted active botanicals to help restore your skin’s natural balance and regain its natural healthy glow. They’re handcrafted in micro batches to preserve the freshness and potency of the natural ingredients. Sustainability is one of the main product’s core value. |
What makes it unique?
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In the current trend where skincare is formulated in science labs with synthetic chemicals, mass produced in factories, sold in supermarkets in plastic containers, and advertisers trying to persuade us to purchase them using science jargon to appeal to our deepest insecurities…I offer my customers something different:
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When did they decide to set it up?
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My business has been registered since June 2017. |
What were the main challenges/struggles to setting up?
Social/financial/tech issues?
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I had to deal with challenges such as finding funding to get started, finding affordable PR opportunities and building the brand’s ethos and reputation so that people trust the brand and buy the products.
Overall, my experience of starting a business in Ireland was very positive. I am passionate about my work; I have put the time and effort required to get started and I have done what was necessary to establish my business. |
How did they overcome these?
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I have invested €10,000 of my personal savings and obtained a Priming Grant from the Cavan Enterprise Office. A Priming Grant is available to micro-enterprises within the first 18 months of start-up.
I received enormous support from the Local Enterprise Office in the form of training, mentoring and financial grants. This helped me to develop my business,acquiring the necessary skills and entrepreneurial mindset.
On a personal level, having close contact with nature has always been important to me and has helped me to better handle challenges. I learnt it from my grandmother, she taught me to love and respect nature because everything we need is there. |
What were the main success factors?
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I am a member of the Cavan Business Network (The Cavan Businesswomen’s Club).
Their meetings are always very inspirational and learning from other more experienced businesswomen is very valuable and is a solid contributing factor to my success and motivation. |
What are their future plans?
For their tech business? For themselves?
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I intend to continue developing my business.
In the immediate future, I will adapt the website to sell in other parts of the world and acquire more stockists nationwide.
I will also consider developing my business worldwide and start exporting abroad. |
Top 2 tips for nascent women technology entrepreneurs
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I would definitely recommend having a solid business plan ready before getting started.
Also, it’s important to be prepared to adapt your business plan to the ever-changing business environment. |
Further information:
Contact details
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Website: http://www.sananaturals.ie
Instagram: https://instagram.com/https://www.instagram.com/sananaturals Facebook: @sananaturals Pinterest: Sana NaturalsEmail: [email protected] |