New shop in Cork towns sells plants, gifts... ‘and all the things that I love’ 

TRAVELLING the 2,500 kilometres from Croatia to Cork may seem quite like the adventure.

But if, like Damira Levacic, you want to change careers and re-invent yourself, the journey seems worth it.

Damira, from Croatia, who opened Downstairs in Cobh in March - a treasure chest of plants, pressies and scents - has been on an intriguing venture.

“I moved to Cork from Croatia in 2017,” says Damira.

I’ve had quite an adventure since then.

Why did she make the decision to move cities and countries?

“I decided on a career spin,” says Damira.

“Back in Croatia, changing careers is quite challenging. In Ireland the opportunities are more available if you wish to take on something new to earn a living.”

She is a good cook.

“I learned how to cook growing up,” says Damira, who was working in a pharmacy.

“I had my mind set on cheffing when I arrived here. And so I did. I worked as a commis chef in one of the city’s best five-star hotels.”

Damira moved around.

“Since then, I’ve lived on the Mayo/Galway border.”

The ambitious young lady moved on.

“In 2020, I decided to open my own restaurant with my business partner at the time,” says Damira.

The timing wasn’t right to be moving on in business.

“We unfortunately opened the doors of the Old Couch café in Ireland’s Ancient East, Waterford, just three weeks before lockdown occurred.”

That must have been a big set-back for Damira and her business partner?

“As I said, it’s been quite an adventure,” says Damira smiling.

But that brief foray into business had its advantages.

“Going through all the struggles that Covid brought gave me more of an insight into how a business should work,” says Damira.

She was determined to succeed.

It showed me what aspects one should focus on most. Given the situation, it had to work. There were no other options at that time.

Darina learned some lessons.

“First of all, it was focus on local. The second was doing something that made you happy.”

Damira was happy for a time.

“The restaurant started as a breakfast and lunch spot,” she says.

But she pushed the boat out.

“It finished with a serving of an 11- course tasting menu with wine pairing.”

Her business was put on the map.

“We eventually caught the eye of Michelin inspectors, and we were included in the guide as a Michelin recommended restaurant in 2022.”

But Covid left its mark.

“The negative sides of lockdown did hit the business in more of a personal matter and eventually it was time to let go and move on.”

When did Damira move to Cobh?

“I moved here from Waterford in April, 2023,” says Damira.

“I completed the circle coming back to Cork.”

She moved into an upstairs apartment. Then she opened up shop downstairs.

“The moment I saw the space that is now Downstairs, I knew it was meant to be,” says Damira.

However, fate intervened in an untimely fashion once again.

“At the time I had a leg injury,” says Damira.

“So I took on a job position that was more office-related and in a way I needed recovery not only for the leg but also of the 24/7 work day that you do have if you’re working in hospitality.”

Damira missed all the nice things that interacting with customers brings.

“The summer had passed, and I missed the customers, the chats, putting a smile on someone’s face.”

When Damira opened Downstairs at 21, West Beach, a smile was painted on her face.

“My journey Downstairs began on March 9, 2024, and I always like to think,’ I would rather travel well than arrive’.

I can’t wait to see in what direction Downstairs will go and in the future and where my life travels will bring me.

My tour around Downstairs with art curio lover Damira is a unique experience.

“I stocked the shop with plants and gifts that I would like to receive myself,” says Damira, who decorated and painted the shop herself.

Is that the reason for the variety of exotic-smelling bath love bombs?

Damira laughs.

“Yes, one of my friends is very fond of beautifully scented love bombs, so I decided I had better stock them!”

Damira, with a head for business and a heart for people, is delighted with the community support since she got up and running.

“And I must mention a few of my amazing makers,” Damira adds.

“I am lucky to work with Millis from Waterford, Baressentials from Kildare, the Mood Design form Castlebar, and Fiáin from Galway.”

The Cork-designed Sixty Second Journal takes my eye, as does the Tide Clock, which comes in handy if you’re into sea-swimming.

“I like to think there is a gift here for everyone,” says Damira, who is loving living and working in West Beach, Cobh.

Receiving gifts or choosing gifts is a very personal thing and people love the personal touch.

Living upstairs and working Downstairs suits Damira.

I have a feeling this lady doesn’t rest on her laurels, she likes to keep busy.

“Yes! You might have gotten the feeling already that I like to keep busy,” says Damira.

“I am still working the job that I took last year in the office and at the same time, I’m running the shop.”

Downstairs is open Wednesday to Friday, 5.30-7.30. Weekends 10am -5pm.