Thirsty work in Mary-Ellen's Meadow
MEET THE FINALISTS: EMERGING NEW BUSINESS
“Well,” says Rose Carolan with a laugh when the Celt calls for her reaction after being shortlisted for Best Emerging New Business, “I felt absolutely amazed.”
It’s a busy year for the founder of Mary-Ellen’s Meadow, a business based in Tierworker that crafts home-made, natural canned and cordial drinks, with all of the ingredients foraged locally.
Rose’s business has also been accepted for the LIDL Kickstart Development Programme. Her Wild Soft Drinks Elderflower and Willowherb hit the LIDL shelves on September 11. On top of that, she has been selected for Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Voucher, which will allow her €10,000 worth of time with an expert, third-level researcher to help her business.
Meanwhile, her Bailieborough home was also busy on the day the Celt called; as well as being a successful business woman, the grandmother was looking after three grandchildren, with a dog in the house too.
“Very, massively busy but I’m used to that,” she says.
“I’m delighted because it really is the way I’m going at the moment, I’m trying to expand and grow the business.”
Rose began her business in 2016, when she decided to pursue the passions she’s had since childhood. The Cavan woman was raised on a farm and as a child she spent most of her time outside when she was fascinated by the variety of different grasses, flowers, herbs and berries.
She recalls trips to her auntie Mary-Ellen with great fondness; as a young girl she was intrigued by her aunt’s knowledge of the outdoors.
She also had a neighbour who was a herbalist of his time and she often watched how his remedies cured sick animals. Upon moving to France later in life, Rose saw the older generation there using old herb remedies, similar to what she had witnessed at home.
In 2016, all of these thoughts and memories formed her business idea. She began making cordials that people could dilute at home.
Now she says “it’s really exciting times for the business” and looks forward to what these new opportunities will bring.
“It confirms to me that I must be doing something right.
“Obviously people like what I make, people are looking for sustainable and healthy options when it comes to what they drink.
“Hopefully things will go from strength to strength.”
She thanked the Local Enterprise Office, Enterprise Ireland and everybody who has helped her on this journey to date.
CONTACT US
Phone: 087 127 58 05 (Available from 09:00 – 17:00)
Address: Corkish, Bailiebourough, Co.Cavan, Ireland.
Email: info@maryellensmeadow.ie