Laois Chamber Alliance CEO, Caroline Hofman, caught up with Paula Byrne, Founder of Apple Blossom Holistic, based in Abbeyleix…
Tell us a bit about yourself and Apple Blossom Holistic?
I live in Abbeyleix with my cat and my fiancé. I love the outdoors and nature and we grow our own veg.
The apple trees in the garden were my inspiration for the name of my business. I trained as a primary school teacher and that was my job for 16 years but I was always doing something on the side like teaching dancing.
I did an M.A. in dance and trained as a Zumba instructor and did some courses in Mindful Movement and Mindfulness too. I always wanted to do something more.
Apple Blossom Holistic is that something more. It is a holistic wellness and education space where I can help others to support themselves to live a life that is more sustainable through the development of holistic habits for life.
I approach all my work through the mindful lenses of awareness, acceptance and compassion.
When did you set up Apple Blossom Holistic, and how has it evolved and grown since then?
Apple Blossom Holistic started out as an Instagram page after I began to facilitate online chair yoga, meditation and wellness sessions with Laois, Kildare and Galway Education centres.
I wanted a space where I could stay connected to people and further support them. From there I trained as a professional menstrual cycle coach and facilitator and completed yin yoga teaching. Since then, organically, my Instagram page has grown into my business.
I became really passionate about menstrual cycle education during my training and realised that there is a lack in where and how women and girls can learn about their own bodies in a holistic way and I decided to apply for The Ideas Academy with Social Entrepreneurs Ireland last March and that was the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey.
I have created The Mindful Cycle, a holistic approach to menstrual literacy. I have lived experience of how this approach can literally change your life.
Can you share any news or upcoming events with us?
I am hosting a Summer Solstice Self-care Sunday retreat on June 18th at 10.30am in Bloom HQ. This will include candle making, yin yoga, meditation and mindfulness in partnership with S&S Soap Sisters.
I am possibly looking at hosting another in July too, venues and dates to be confirmed so keep an eye on my social media or subscribe to my newsletter via the website to keep up to date.
I have recently opened a new intake of clients for menstrual cycle or stress management, one to one coaching, from May. My calendar is open for school visits for The Mindful Cycle from October 2023, and it is filling up already.
How can we take better care of ourselves, and what would be your top tips for health and wellbeing in the workplace?
Slow down and ask yourself what is it that you need? Oftentimes we give so much of ourselves to others, to our work, to saying yes to too much – even the good stuff. We do what we think we should be doing and end up neglecting ourselves.
You are best placed to give of yourself to others once you are nourished and looked after. That stands for home and for at work, punctuate your day with little things that top you up; screen breaks, movement, air, hot cuppas, your favourite song, say no!
Real self-care isn’t fancy, it is about topping up your mind, body and soul with what you need regularly so that you can show up every day and those needs might be different depending on the day, but it’s about noticing that.
What is your favourite place to visit in Laois?
The Cathole Falls, which is located on the Owenass River is one of my favourite places to visit.
Visit www.appleblossomholistic.ie to find out more.
Business News
National Enterprise Awards
The countdown is on for the National Enterprise Awards, taking place on 1st June.
Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery will be representing Laois, and will be competing against 30 other county finalists on the day.
Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery is based on a 13th-generation family farm near Stradbally, and all of their beers are made with water and barley from the farm.
The brewery employs four people and is a leader in sustainable brewing. Ballykilcavan beers are sold locally in France, Italy, and the Czech Republic.
At the recent Sustainable Business Awards, Ballykilcavan were winners on the night in the Agri-food category for their decarbonisation project in the brewery.
Vacant Commercial Property Scheme
Rathdowney Town Centre First Masterplan
Have your say on the Rathdowney Town Centre First Masterplan – Consultants KPMG Future Analytics were commissioned by Laois County Council in June 2022 to undertake a Town Centre First Masterplan for Rathdowney.
To view the plan and find out how to have your say, click here: Have your say on the Rathdowney Town Centre First Masterplan – Laois County Council
2023 National Ploughing Championship
Laois County Council are inviting expressions of interest to exhibit at the 2023 National Ploughing Championships, taking place from the 19th to 21st September. This call is open to all interested Laois businesses, community and service providers who wish to exhibit in their marquee.
The closing date to register for expression is Monday, 31st July at 4pm. Click here to register your interest: National Ploughing Championships 2023 – Expressions of Interest to Exhibit | Laois County Council Consultation Portal
The Chambers Ireland Awards
Laois Chamber Alliance has been shortlisted in the Event of the Year category for Shine in Emo 2022. The Chambers Ireland Awards take place in Kildare on Thursday, 1st June.
Business Supports
Digital Start Programme
Have you heard about the Local Enterprise Office Laois Digital Start programme. This initiative is designed to give Laois SMEs a digital edge, from optimising processes to delivering a seamless digital customer experience with the help of expert digital consultants. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/LaoisDigiStart
Skills for Better Business
The Skills for Better Business Online Assessment is an online resource to helps business owners and managers improve their leadership and management skills. You can access the assessment tool at the following link: Skills for Better Business | Online Assessment
Trading Online Voucher
are a fantastic resource for SMEs looking to develop a digital presence and sell more online. Ask Local Enterprise Office Laois about their funding vouchers which offer financial assistance of up to €2,500 to develop your online trading potential. Find out more here: http://bit.ly/LaoisTOV
Upcoming Events and Training
Join Enterprise Ireland’s webinar to hear experienced business panellists discuss how digital technologies increased their company’s productivity and delivered a higher level of customer satisfaction.
Register today: https://rebrand.ly/-Digital
Local Enterprise Office Laois have an SEO online course taking place on Wednesday 31st May!
Learn how to evaluate and adjust your website, and even collaborate better with your web developer.
Join our their free “SEO – How to Optimise your Website Effectively” workshop from 2pm to 5pm.
Book at https://bit.ly/LaoisSEOMay
A Lunch and Learn Event in collaboration with Local Enterprise Office Laois and Laois Chamber Alliance will take place on Thursday, 15th June, from 12.30pm to 2pm in The Killeshin Hotel Portlaoise.
Dr. Diane Cooper PhD. will deliver a workshop on “S.E.L.F Care for Entrepreneurs” and how to care for a strong mind, body and business. Book your free place here: Lunch & Learn – Strong Mind, Body and Business – SELF Care for Entrepreneurs – Local Enterprise Office – Laois
SEE ALSO – Check out previous interviews on our Business Briefing here
