Some of Laois’s best up and coming craft and design businesses are set to exhibit at Showcase 2025 which takes place at the RDS in Dublin from Sunday.
This event gives these businesses a chance to meet with buyers from all over the world as part of Local Enterprise Showcase running from the January 19-21.
The event, which is a pinnacle event in the global design and crafts calendar, will open its doors to thousands of buyers from across the world, including Ireland, the UK, USA, mainland Europe, Asia and Africa, generating millions of euros of sales orders during the show.
In 2024 there were thousands of national and international buyers in attendance at the event in the RDS and it is expected this will increase again in 2025.
One of the Laois businesses that will feature is Flower Child, an Irish aromatherapy brand based in the Laois countryside.
Alex Kelly is the woman behind this and the business is based in Turra, an area between Crettyard and Tolerton.
Handmade from start to finish in the countryside of Ireland, Flower Child products combine scent with nature by bringing the garden to you, using carefully blended fragrances.
The tealight pack contains all five fragrances of the Flower child range, making it the perfect starter set for those new to the brand.
Another Laois business is MyComfort – a brand new product established by Portlaoise woman Catherine Hearns.
MyComfort is an innovative brand that has created a number of sustainable products designed to give unmedicated relief for neurological conditions.
Founded on principles of compassion, values and sustainability, their products are designed with the environment in mind, using innovative materials like Econyl fabric made from regenerated and recycled ocean waste.
While another is Angelina George Cosmetics – a skincare company based in Portlaoise.
It was founded by George Pham and Angelina Thai, a Vietnamese family whose parents were one of the first refugees to settle in Ireland after the Vietnam War.
Angelina George Cosmetics provides high-quality skincare products designed for sensitive skin.
With dermatological approval and preservative efficacy testing, the company meets the growing demand for safe, effective, and ethical skincare.
While Yvonne Bolger Jewellery, a one woman creative business, is also set to exhibit.
From her Studio in Emo, Yvonne designs and creates stylish contemporary jewellery taking inspiration from the surrounding Laois Countryside and rich history.
Evelyn Reddin, Head of Enterprise Local Enterprise Office Laois, believes this is an opportunity like no other for up-and-coming craft and design clients looking to make that break through.
She said: “To be exposed to this many high-quality buyers in one place is an incredible opportunity for any business starting out.
“If things go well at this event, a business could fill their book for the year and may well establish a partnership that could extend longer than that and help them grow.
“While that won’t happen for every business, just to be here, see other clients, get new ideas and develop their skills in marketing and sales will stand by them going forward.”
Anyone wishing to attend the Showcase this year can do so by registering here.
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