The Raheny Podcast

S02 E05 From Czech Roots to Blooming Raheny: Alena’s Creative Journey

What do a childhood love of an Irish folk band, a green dot on a map, and a preserved French moss have in common? They’re all part of Alena’s story of moving from a small village in the Czech Republic to becoming the founder of Blooming Boutique, one of Raheny’s most creative and colourful businesses. In this warm conversation on The Raheny Podcast, Alena shares how her family’s idea grew into a pan-European business, how a tiny flower shop became a vibrant community hub, and what really goes into creating a bouquet that lasts. Perfect listening for anyone who loves creativity, community, or the quiet power of following your instincts. 00:00 – Introduction: Kevin sets the scene for Alena’s story 01:30 – Why Alena chose Ireland over England (and what the Kelly Family band had to do with it) 04:00 – First impressions of Raheny and how it instantly felt like home 05:30 – The origins of Blooming Boutique, from hanging planters to flower shop 07:00 – The secret of preserved French moss and how it’s used in design 09:30 – From a small shop to renovating a gym into a thriving boutique 12:30 – What makes a signature bouquet (and why it’s more science than guesswork) 15:00 – The role of creativity in workshops for customers and corporates 17:00 – Why flowers change with the seasons, and how that shapes the work 19:00 – Alena’s favourite parts of running the boutique and the role of her team 20:30 – Pro tips for keeping flowers fresh at home longer 23:00 – The surprising joy of working on weddings, funerals, and corporate events 26:00 – The reality of floristry: creativity, deadlines, and even dirt 27:00 – What’s next for Blooming Boutique and a heartfelt thank-you to her family, partner, team, and community

S02 E04 Brewing Stories, Building Community with Wim of Hope Beer

In this episode, I sit down with Wim de Jongh, co-founder of Hope Beer in Dublin, to explore how storytelling and community shape a brewery’s identity. Wim shares the origins of the Hope name, the folklore behind their labels, and the challenges of growing a mission-driven business in a crowded market. Perfect for podcasters, founders, and leaders who want to see how narrative and community can turn a product into a movement. 00:01 – Kevin introduces Wim and the story of Hope Beer 02:17 – How the name Hope was chosen and what it represents 07:14 – Why every beer label tells a local story 11:32 – Building a brand rooted in community values 15:40 – Challenges of running a brewery in Dublin’s crowded market 19:05 – The role of local business in keeping culture alive 23:28 – What big breweries can’t replicate about small, story-driven brands 32:14 – Wim’s advice for anyone trying to build with purpose

S02 E03 How Village Vets Raheny is Becoming a Community Clinic

In this episode of The Raheny Podcast, I chat with Sorcha, owner and partner at Village Vets Raheny. From training in Budapest to opening a three-floor veterinary hospital in the old Ulster Bank building, Sorcha shares what it takes to run a modern clinic while keeping the warmth of a local community practice. She talks about common pet issues, why insurance matters, and the little touches that make vet visits less stressful. Perfect for pet owners, animal lovers, and anyone curious about Raheny’s evolving village life. [00:08] Why Sorcha chose Raheny and the origins of the clinic [01:27] What partnership with Village Vets really means [01:59] Sorcha’s journey: from zoology to veterinary medicine in Budapest [03:41] Inside the three-floor hospital and its facilities [04:29] Starting out with a small team and building momentum [05:17] Typical cases—itchy skin, tummy upsets, vaccines, and more [05:28] Handling exotics and when to refer to specialist clinics [07:09] The mindset shift from junior vet to clinic partner [07:43] Building a welcoming, community-first practice [09:29] Why continuity of care and familiar faces matter for owners [10:06] The underused but vital role of pet insurance [14:58] Introducing fear-free medicine and behavioral support [18:37] Full surgeries, diagnostics, and advanced care in-house [19:58] The warm welcome from the Raheny community [21:02] Funny clinic stories and pets with unforgettable names [22:47] Future plans: expanding services and a dermatology specialty [23:31] Summer advice: ticks, hydration, overheating, and safe travel [24:50] Clearing up a local myth: they’re not the Ulster Bank anymore!

S02 E02 Capturing Emotion Through the Lens with Nicola Webster

Photographer Nicola Webster has built a career on capturing the fleeting moments families treasure most. In this episode of The Raheny Podcast, she talks with Kevin Redmond about her creative beginnings, the lessons she’s learned across 25 years in business, and why the best photos are never about posing, but about connection. A thoughtful listen for anyone curious about creativity, memory, and the value of preserving life’s chapters. 00:00 – Kevin asks Nicola about the first photo that set her on the path to photography 01:10 – Early influences, mentors, and the importance of great teachers 02:30 – From waitressing to her first weddings: building a career from scratch 04:07 – The reality of “winging it” at her first wedding shoot 05:47 – Finding guidance through the Irish Professional Photographers Association 06:53 – Shifting from weddings to studio portraits with the help of a mentor 07:44 – Why she still loves photography after 25 years: the kids, the families, the buzz 09:06 – The emotional impact of seeing family portraits for the first time 10:48 – Creating a welcoming, stress-free studio experience 12:56 – Behind the curtain: her system for capturing natural smiles 13:56 – What makes a photo truly great: the emotion it carries 15:20 – A favourite family photo—taken of her own parents 16:40 – Seeing the world differently as a photographer 18:46 – What most people misunderstand about photography as a business 20:00 – Why families finally book that portrait session 21:00 – Reassurance for those nervous about photo shoots 21:43 – Moving into her new studio in Raheny and loving the village community 24:25 – Where to find Nicola online and view her work

S02 E01: Stepping into Success: The Lil Stompers Story

In this episode of The Raheny Podcast, we dive into the inspiring story of Louise McEvoy, the owner of Lil Stompers, a children's shoe shop nestled in the heart of Raheny Village. Louise shares her journey from starting the business in December 2019, navigating the challenges of COVID-19, and her passion for providing the perfect fit for little feet. Discover how Lil Stompers became a community favourite, the unique challenges of specializing in children's shoes, and the heart-warming moments that make it all worthwhile. Tune in to hear about Louise's entrepreneurial spirit and her commitment to making shoe shopping a delightful experience for both kids and parents.