Red clover on Cork farm inspires a tea and skin care brand
Sinead O'Keeffe of Cork's Red Clover Farm.
When Sinead O’Keeffe’s skin changed during perimenopause, she was determined to find a natural solution to help repair it.
And with 24 years’ experience in the beauty industry, she went so far as to create one herself, using red clover grown on her husband David’s farm.
“As I went through perimenopause, my skin changed from combination to having dry spots.
“Red clover has incredible benefits for skincare. It is rich in isoflavones, which help maintain skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
“It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for soothing irritated skin and conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
“Additionally, red clover aids in cell regeneration and improves the overall texture and tone of the skin,” said Sinead, who is originally from Knocknaheeny and now living in Mallow with her husband.
“Something clicked when I realised we grow red clover wild on our farm. So we decided to plant seven acres of meadow and red clover to develop my tea and skincare range designed to promote healthy, glowing skin from the inside out.”
It’s been a real labour of love for Sinead, who has combined her qualification as a cosmetic chemist with over two decades experience in the beauty industry, to create a range of red clover skin care products as well as tea.
“I’ve invested two years of research into the business, and about €20,000 and we launched this summer at Cork Summer Show,” she said proudly.
With a mini-lab on the farm, all products are made on site, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
“The plants are dried in a dehydrator, then placed into the fridge. The flowers are soaked in glycerine, a humectant that draws water to the skin. We use an ultrasonic machine to extract the nutrients. After extraction, it’s drained and stored in the fridge. We use this nutrient-rich glycerine in our products. The same process is used for our water.
“All our products are fragrance-free because my mom and sister have sensitive skin, and it was important to us that the products wouldn’t cause irritation,” said Sinead.
She cites the support of the Local Enterprise Office as crucial.
“I wouldn’t have my business without them,” she added.
All her family are also self-employed and are a great source of support.
“My dad Paul Egan, of Southern Green Homes, is like another mentor and I get his advice on everything,” she said.
Naturally, like all business founders, there have been challenges along the way.
“Cash flow is the biggest one. Beauty is a luxury, so the past few years have been tough in the industry cost of living packaging and raw ingredient increases. Just trying to keep afloat. Launching a new brand makes cash flow even tougher. Try to get some idea of your response, sample and test the market first. Find your USP as well,” she said.
Best business advice so far?
“Just believe and keep moving forward; it will take time. I have experience in this industry, so I don’t expect overnight success, but it will get there.
“Don’t compare yourself to big brands and influencers - they all started small too. Building a brand from the ground up is a marathon, not a sprint.
“Stay true to your vision, and don’t be afraid to seek help and advice along the way, and remember the support of local enterprises and the community can make all the difference.”
Sinead is working on a body range made from her meadow and has been selected to represent LEO Cork North and West at Showcase Ireland – where superior Irish products across home and gift, fashion, jewellery and wellbeing are showcased – next January.
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