Empowering Business Women: Powerhouse Picnic Unites Visionaries, Sparks Connections, and Ignites Inspiration!

Lucy Kennedy to hosts second Powerhouse Picnic in Woodford Dolmen Hotel on 29th June 2023

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Business women from across Ireland are invited to come to Carlow as Summer 2023 sees the return of the “Powerhouse Picnic” with the amazing Lucy Kennedy and a host of enterprise talent sharing their stories in association with Network Ireland. The Powerhouse Picnic is on Thursday, 29th June 2023 in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow?

The Powerhouse Picnic is an excellent opportunity to build new connections and expand your professional network while enjoying a fun and relaxed atmosphere. By attending this event, you may meet potential customers, clients, or business partners that could help your business grow, all while enjoying a delicious picnic spread. Additionally, the event is in association with Network Ireland, which means you can meet and connect with other members of this professional organization. This can help you build relationships and access a wider network of professionals in your industry. The panel for the event for 2023 includes President of Network Ireland?Emma Early Murphy , Tamara Seerkissoon, Tamara Seerkissoon Art & Coaching?, Klara McDonnell,?Entertainer and Content Creator, Miriam Lloyd,?Christening Generations and Melissa Doyle of the Local Enterprise Office.

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Welcoming the event , Cllr. Brian O’Donoghue , Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said "As a society, we thrive when we create inclusive spaces that empower women in business. The Powerhouse Picnic is a shining example of fostering connections, inspiring success, and celebrating the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs. We wholeheartedly welcome this networking event, recognizing that it's through collaboration and support that we build a stronger, more prosperous future for all."

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In regards to the event, Melissa Doyle, a Business Advisor from the Local Enterprise Office, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to host this event, and the Powerhouse Picnic presents a wonderful opportunity for enhancing your communication skills. During the event, you'll have the chance to refine your elevator pitch, improve your presentation skills, and engage in conversations with fellow attendees. Additionally, you'll be able to learn from industry professionals, exchange ideas, and receive valuable feedback on your own work. This will ensure you stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices, all while enjoying a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

The event is open to business owners and their key staff members throughout Ireland, providing a platform for networking and knowledge sharing in a semi-formal environment."

The event is run in partnership with Network Ireland – Carlow Branch and Megan Manning , President of the Carlow Network said “"As the President of our Women's Networking Group, I strongly encourage women to attend this event. It offers a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth, empowering women to build valuable connections, expand their knowledge, and embrace their full potential. By joining this event, women can unlock doors to new opportunities, gain inspiration from accomplished speakers, and foster meaningful relationships with like-minded individuals. Remember, when women support each other, incredible things happen. So, let's come together, uplift one another, and make our mark in the world."

The Local Enterprise Office in Carlow County Council , during 2023 will host a series of networking events and Kieran Comerford , Head of Economic Development & Enterprise said “we are delighted to host this event as part of our series of networking and business development activities in 2023”. Comerford continued to say “Networking is the lifeblood of business development. By actively engaging in strategic networking, business owner managers open doors to endless possibilities for your business. It's not just about exchanging business cards and contact information ; it's about forging meaningful connections, building trust, and establishing mutually beneficial relationships. Networking allows you to tap into a vast pool of knowledge, experience, and resources, enabling you to gain valuable insights, uncover new opportunities, and stay ahead of the competition”

To book your free place at the Powerhouse Picnic Log onto www.localenterprise.ie/carlow or by calling 059-9129783

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Photo Caption: Melissa Doyle, Business Advisor, Megan Manning , President of the Carlow Network , Lucy Kennedy

For further information contact Melissa Doyle Business Advisor on 087-2705020

Event Agenda:

5.30pm-5.45pm Registration / Networking

5.45pm-6.15pm BBQ & Networking

6.15pm Welcome to the Powerhouse Picnic with Kieran Comerford , Head of Economic Development & Enterprise , Megan Manning , President of Network Ireland , Carlow , Cllr. Andrea Dalton , Jennifer Murnane O'Connor TD

6.35pm Powerhouse Bingo Networking with €200 Love Carlow Gift Voucher Prize

6.45pm The Powerhouse Panel

7.30pm Close of Event.

The event is free of charge and includes?BBQ on arrival by the award-winning team at Woodford Dolmen Hotel-

Bio of Speakers

Lucy Kennedy, TV and radio presenter and number one bestselling children’s author of ‘The Friendship Fairies’ and ‘The Friendship Fairies Go To School’.

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President of Network Ireland?Emma Early Murphy

With 20+ years of experience in Corporate Sales, Marketing & Leadership roles across Telecoms, Retail and Hospitality, as well as self-employment, Emma has gained huge experience in her various roles and is passionate and dedicated towards supporting women in business at all levels to achieve their goals.

Emma founded Balloon HQ in 2017 & works alongside her husband Noel and the team who are based in Co. Kildare. Balloon HQ is an innovative, creative, event design agency specializing in Corporate Events bespoke branded décor, gifting and event solutions for business and consumer needs nationwide.

An active member of Network Ireland at branch and National level - Emma successfully led the Kildare branch as President in 2019 and is set to lead the National organisation as President in 2023 when the organisation will celebrate 40 years. She is also a member of the County Kildare & DLR Chamber, past Chapter Director & Director Consultant with BNI Ireland, and also an active client of the Local Enterprise Office Kildare. An award winning businesswoman, Emma won Networker of the Year in 2014 (County Kildare Chamber) and was crowned Network Ireland National SME Businesswoman of the Year 2016.

Emma loves spending time with her husband Noel, children Ayda & Kayla, dog Bailey and the donkeys!

"Your Smile is Your Logo,

Your personality is your business card,

How you leave people feel after they have done business with you is your trademark."

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Tamara Seerkissoon, Tamara Seerkissoon Art & Coaching?

As a former Head of Finance in the telecoms industry for over two decades, I experienced firsthand the demands and pressures of a high-stress corporate environment. However, after a personal health crisis in 2021 led to hospitalization, I discovered a new passion for helping others reduce stress and anxiety through therapeutic art. Now a vibrant abstract artist and mental health advocate, I want to use my expertise to guide individuals and organizations towards holistic wellness. My unique blend of experience and creativity allows me to create customised therapeutic art programs that help individuals explore and express their emotions in a safe and empowering way. Through my art and advocacy, I hope to reduce stigma around mental illness and promote the healing power of creativity.

Samantha Byrne,?Vanilla Hair Design

The Proud Owner of Vanilla Hair Design. Where it all started 17 years ago and I still haven’t left I love what I do everyday making people smile, whether that is a beautiful cut , fabulous Bridal Hair upstyle or a little chat. One of my favourite things to do is educate the younger generation and making their dreams reality. I love my industry. Being the former Irish Hairdresser of the Year also was one of my stand out moments so far. The other is having the most Amazing Team ( The Vanilla’s)

Klara McDonnell,?Entertainer and Content Creator

Klara McDonnell is an accomplished entertainer and content creator on social media, who has recently expanded her expertise into social media consultancy. After being diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer when she was 37, she documented her recovery on social media with uplifting and fun videos. She became passionate about the power of video, especially short-form videos on Tiktok, where she felt you could connect with people more easily from all walks of life, all over the world. Since her recovery, Klara voiced characters on RTé Junior's Royal's Next Door and her social media clients include; St Patrick's Festival, Samhain Family Festival, Garageland, Patrick Bergin and Bloomsday Festival.

Miriam Lloyd,?Christening Generations

I am in business over 12 years now and have successfully achieved an awful lot having being told early on opening a business in my back garden in a rural community in a recession in 2011 was absolutely nuts! I suffered very badly in 2017 with mental health issues that I haven’t spoken about really. I was in treatment for 3 months after 2 suicide attempts and during that time I completed 5 christening gowns as I was determined this was not going to ruin my business. I unfortunately had a nervous breakdown in 1996 following the death of my mother and moving my family back to Ireland. In hindsight currently I feel my mental state that got to rock bottom in 2017 was mostly ignored by my doctor and I actually think now that is was due to my hormonal changes approaching menopause which was not discussed or mentioned back then. I’m on HRT the last few years and feel like myself. If any of my experiences as a woman in business can help anyone else I am more that happy to discuss these issues openly as it has taken me a long time to be ok with it and not feel embarrassed, pathetic, stupid and insignificant.

Melissa Doyle – Business Advisor – Local Enterprise Office Carlow

Melissa is Business Advisor in the Local Enterprise Office in Carlow County Council. She is responsible for providing financial and strategic advice to small and mid-sized companies. She has provided information, support, advice and guidance to the people within their business.

Previously, Melissa worked in the legal sector as Legal Executive for over thirteen years prior to her role in the Local Enterprise Office in Carlow County Council. Over the years, she gained a great understanding of the law and legal procedures. She also acquired administrative skills, attention to detail, time management and the ability to produce professional correspondence. Melissa was also Office Manager which coincided with her role as a Legal Executive. Prior to her legal background, she worked in the hospitality sector where she gained customer service skills and developed vital communication skills.

Melissa is a graduate from Carlow Institute of Technology and holds a Bachelor of Honours Degree in Law and has completed Certificate in Local Government Studies.