Networker of the Year: I’m a believer in the power of connection

Maura Mackey almost didn’t join Network Cork because she found the idea too terrifying, which is pretty ironic considering she recently won its Networker of the Year award.

“I can still remember walking in the door to my first meeting,” said the interior designer.

“I had been a stay-at-home mum for a few years and I thought it would be helpful to see what the Network was all about, but when I arrived – on my own – I couldn’t see my name badge anywhere on the table. I panicked and felt sick to my stomach! I turned to leave and was about to head off when the membership officer approached me and brought me back in.”

And that was the beginning of what’s been, and continues to be, Maura’s meaningful relationship with Network Cork.

“I’m so grateful to Rosemary McCarthy (AIB) and that’s why I’m now one of the current membership officers, and it’s why I want to give back and help others who are feeling that same apprehension,” said Maura.

Born and bred in Ballinhassig, she launched her interior design business in 2019, having previously worked in purchasing as a buyer for both Apple and Alcon.

Shortly after the birth of her second child, Maura decided to become a stay-at-home mum.

“I had a long wait, nine years, to get pregnant with my first child, Mikaela who is now 20, and that was very hard at the time; and then we had Ben, now 17, so I just wanted to be able to enjoy them,” she said.

Maura thoroughly enjoyed those years, and also used them to upskill in various areas.

“I had done an interior design degree course before the kids were born. I’ve always loved interiors. We built our house when I was in my 20s and I was motivated to know as much as I could to make it a family home. Then, when I was at home I did various business courses, a retail display and design course by night and more,” she recalled.

“When Ben was starting secondary school, I felt the time was right to start the business. It was a case of ‘jump now, this is your time!’ And the kids and my husband Ken were right behind me,” said Maura.

Being part of Network Cork already was a huge help in getting started, and the practical advice of the Enterprise Board was also invaluable.

“I started off in my spare room, but celebrated a major moment recently when I set up my own studio where I can now meet clients for consultations,” Maura said.

Her work could be anything, from giving a kitchen a refresh, designing a new-build, or a commercial space or staging a home for sale.

“Interior design is for everyone and for every budget, everyone deserves a nice home,” she said, adding that her own style is ‘modern contemporary’.

“My kids call me the ‘cushion lady’ because I’m always coming with new cushions or a throw – that’s an easy way to refresh a space.

“Biophilic design is also very on trend right now and great for wellbeing. It’s all bringing the outside in through plants, choice of textures, water features and lighting.”

Networking is a big part of her job. She’s dealing with clients, tradesmen, architects and other people in the industry on a daily basis, so it’s not surprising that she’s very good at it.

“What helped me is that I don’t think of it as ‘networking’, I just see it as making connections. I’m a real believer in the power of connection and genuinely want to know the real person behind the business, as opposed to what they can do for me. I just get such a buzz from chatting to people.”

Winning Networker of the Year was an honour, she said.

Judges said in their citation that Maura has ‘successfully developed relationships and created opportunities through networking while leading, supporting and collaborating with other members’.

They added that she ‘has been on a journey to transition from employment to developing a business from her passion’ and that she has ‘supported others through networking and participation’.

“I felt both humble and thrilled, if that makes sense!” said Maura.

What has been her biggest learning since launching her business?

“Being dynamic with my clients to best suit their needs and requirements in line with their budgets, and realising that every day is a school day.

“You’re always learning and I love it, and I’m never afraid to ask for help if I don’t know something and that’s important.”

Her advice is simply this: “Be yourself, there’s no need to reinvent yourself. I’ve always been true to myself and it’s worked out well.”

What helped me is that I don’t think of it as ‘networking’, I just see it as making connections. I’m a real believer in the power of connection and genuinely want to know the real person behind the business.