Making It: Mayo's Women in Business

Lou Brennan graduated in textile design just before the fashion world underwent a massive change from analogue to digital. For many years, it didn’t matter: she worked for Alexander McQueen and John Rocha, and sold designs to Donna Karan, Giorgio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana. But having kids widened the skills gap further. When the time came to re-enter the fashion workforce, Lou had a mountain to climb.

McKinley Neal is owner of PAX Wholefoods and Eco Goods, which enables people to do their shopping as packaging-free as possible. But working against established supply chains, and converting customers to new ways of shopping, takes time and energy. This week: how the PAX team is putting a more sustainable future in reach for Irish consumers. paxwholefoodsecogoods.com

Mid 90s Co Longford: Lorraine is bored in Home Economics, negotiates her way into Mechanical Drawing instead, and loves it. 2017 Claremorris: Lorraine and her husband buy the Cosmetic Creations factory and soon purchase another plant in Cork for 7.5m euro. This week, Lorraine Corcoran's inspiring journey from rare female STEM graduate to co-owner of Lynoslife.com.

Elaine Browne set up her pioneering mental health support centre in 2018, and was named Mayo Inspirational Woman that same year. Her experience of mental health survival gave her the tools to help others. And during the Covid pandemic, she is providing a service that is needed more than ever. perspectiveireland.ie [http://www.perspectiveireland.ie]

Former nurse Deborah Coyle spent literally years planning & researching a business idea, only to decide the world was not quite ready for it. In the meantime her new business, Glan Assured, is keeping schools & public transport safe during Covid with advanced disinfection. If you have a business idea of your own, Deborah’s story is an inspiring one.