Cork business woman: Never give up, it’s tough putting yourself out there

Tracy McCarthy had been toying with the idea of her latest business venture for a few years before she finally took the plunge.

She was no stranger to the world of entrepreneurship, having run a Primark (Penneys) store in London when she was just 22, and having set up Clonakilty Home Made Ice cream, over 20 years ago. She then went on to establish Head to Toe Therapies, with clinics in Kinsale and Clonakilty.

However, the mum-of-six still needed some convincing before launching Naturally Balanced, an exquisite artisan range of body oils, face oils, foot soaks, soaps, and more.

“It is tough starting any new venture, and as women our confidence to make changes can be very slow,” Tracy admits.

I was being encouraged to make this journey by a very good friend a few years before I actually did because I was fearful to do so.

“I was a separated mum to six beautiful children, trying to make the decision between having a regular income to pay bills and support my family, or go self-employed with no financial backing.”

When her youngest child was three, Tracy wanted to do something for herself and went back to college part-time.

“I always had a love for reflexology, so I pursued that and I loved it. I was instantly hooked and I went on to study massage, beauty, neuromuscular, plus a wide range of therapies.

“While studying, I went on to work in spas and a holistic centre and gained much experience.

“Later in this journey, I got the opportunity to teach in a private college in Cork, and while teaching my love of skin came through, understanding why what we put on it is so important.

“So I began to blend oils for my clients and Naturally Balanced was born,” she said.

Living in Ireland since 1993, she moved to Kinsale eight years ago, where she makes her hand-blended products, and says her approach is all about “feeding the skin from the outside in”.

We produce the oils here in Kinsale and have recently moved to a new premises on Barrack Lane.

Tracy has availed of the support of her Local Enterprise Office to help her business journey and said it has been invaluable.

“I had a vision for Naturally Balanced and I needed advice and help for this vision to evolve, and they have been amazing. Every time I went knocking, they have always been there to guide me in what I need, this also included networking, mentoring, courses and finance,” she said.

Tracy is a strong advocate of self-care, but says that looks different for everyone.

“What I tell my clients, and from my own journey, is that if you don’t look after yourself, you can’t look after others.

“To make time or pre-plan time is always the hardest achievement for working mums with a family, but you have to step back for five minutes without guilt and ask yourself, what can I do for ‘me’, even if it’s going to meet a friend for a walk, a hobby, a drive in the country, or to listen to music.”

Tracy’s children range in age from 30 to 18.

“We don’t have twins and at one stage had six children under the age of 12.  When my kids were small, I used to go to the beach, sit in the car with the seat back, and close my eyes for a few minutes at a time. It’s your time out, your reboot,” she said.

For me now, it’s sitting in the evening and completing my facial routine with Naturally Balanced facial oils, with a sense of pride that I’ve produce a product that is true to me… no additives, completely natural.

Her best business advice so far?

“Never give up, it is tough putting yourself out there, but for every opportunity that might not work, keep moving forward to find another.”

See naturallybalanced.ie