Founder of West Cork skincare business shortlisted for prestigious sustainability award 

A Cork entrepreneur has said she is “more than a little shocked” to be one of three finalists shortlisted for a prestigious sustainability award at one of Ireland’s largest international trade shows.

Claire O’Sullivan, founder of Bantry-based WASI (Wild Atlantic Seaweed Ireland) Seaweed Skincare, has been shortlisted as one of three finalists under the category of Sustainability Champion for the Business of Craft Awards as part of the upcoming international showcase for Irish craft and design businesses.

WASI is one of 14 Cork businesses being supported by Cork county and Cork city Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) at the showcase, which will run in the RDS Dublin from January 19 to 21 with the winners due to be announced on January 20.

Mentoring

LEOs support thousands of established and emerging businesses each year by providing them with mentoring and a wide range of support and grants.

Ms O’Sullivan said she could not thank the Cork LEOs enough: “Without the LEOs, my business wouldn’t be where it is now,” she said.

“Their mentoring has meant the world to me, and going to showcase, those have been two incredibly important turning points in my business.

“I sell all over the country, and I sell directly to customers all over the world, and there’s not a hope that would have happened without the Local Enterprise Office and the help that I’ve received from them.”

Showcase is presented on behalf of Design and Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Local Enterprise Offices and from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally through their network of offices overseas.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the showcase, one of the country’s largest international trade shows, offering manufacturers, designers, and craft makers the opportunity to exhibit their collections to 3,500 buyers visiting from Ireland and overseas.