Cork twins: ‘We’re best friends and each other’s biggest fan’

Twin sisters and best friends were honoured at the recent Network Ireland Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards, and say they couldn’t have done it without each other.

Therese Deane won the Shining Star award and Sue Nelson won the Creative Professional category.

They now go on to the Network Ireland BusinessWoman of the Year awards in September.

Therese works for MACOM, a leading semiconductor manufacturer, as a Senior Director in Corporate Sustainability, while Sue works as an artist and graphic photographer, after a relatively recent and radical career change.

“I spent two decades working as an engineer in the corporate world. It was a great experience in many ways, but over time I realised I just wasn’t where I was meant to be.

“Three years ago, I made the leap into the unknown and started my creative business, Sue Nelson Designs, and I haven’t looked back,” she said.

The twins say they’re ‘incredibly close’ –it helps that they live 10 minutes from each other in Ballygarvan and their children are around the same age. Therese is mum to Teddy (16 ) and Robin (11) and Sue is mum to Zara (16) and Rhys (11).

“We’re actually still often mistaken for one another, especially if you meet us separately!” said Sue. “I’m chairperson of the Parents Council in Christ King Secondary School, which is quite close to where Therese lives, and I had to tell them all at the beginning, if you see me and I don’t say hi, it’s because it’s not me!”

The pair grew up in a household ‘full of optimism and love’, where they learnt that ‘anything is possible, if you put time, energy and focus behind it’.

“We’re a very creative family, though none of us really started out that way,” said Sue.

“We have two younger brothers in the film industry: one is a digital imaging technician living in London, working on huge movies like Jurassic World, The Marvels, Doctor Strange, Indiana Jones, and he’s starting on the new Spiderman in July. Our other brother is a multi-talented director, producer and writer and is currently a producer on The Young Offenders, filming right now in the city. So creativity definitely runs in the family, it just took us all a while to realise it!” said Sue.

As well as being able to lean on each other for professional support, the twins say that joining Network Cork was an important part of their success story.

“I joined Network Ireland Cork in 2023. Since then, it’s become an integral part of my journey. When women support and recognise each other, magic happens! Network Ireland is a fantastic example of that support and recognition in action,” said Therese.

Sue joined a few years ago when she was just beginning to find her feet as a creative business owner.

“It was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Starting your own business is exciting, but it can also be lonely. Network Cork gave me a real sense of belonging. It’s filled with women who are not only ambitious and talented, but also generous with their time, their experience, and their kindness.

“I’ve grown in confidence through the support and encouragement I’ve found there and made some brilliant friends too,” she said.

Winning the awards naturally meant a lot to them.

“It was honestly one of the most meaningful moments in my entrepreneurial journey so far. This award felt like a milestone, a recognition not just of the business I’ve built, but of the decision I made to walk away from a comfortable career and follow my creative instincts.

“Starting over in your forties isn’t always easy, but this moment felt like a quiet affirmation: you’re on the right path,” said Sue.

For Therese, it was an opportunity to reflect both on the incredible achievements of women in Network Ireland, and recognise what she has accomplished in her own career.

The twins said their own families played a role in their wins.

“My husband Derek and my family have been such a huge support to me throughout this journey and I genuinely couldn’t have done it without them,” said Sue.

Therese also thanked her husband Billy, and children. “As a working mum, I’m proud to say everyone contributes to the house, with the boys doing a lot of work. My teenager shares in the cooking and even rolls up his sleeves and gets stuck into the ironing.”

Sharing the limelight with each other at the recent awards ceremony was unforgettable.

“We’re best friends, each other’s biggest fans, and we lean on each other constantly. We talk through challenges, share advice, and help each other see things from new perspectives. We’re similar in lots of ways, and very different in others, which makes us a great sounding board for each other.

“The only time we’ve lived apart was in our twenties when she moved to Dublin and we were probably on the phone twice a day!” said Sue.

Therese added: “It’s already a gift to move through life with someone by your side and in your corner. But, sharing this experience with Sue is extra bonus. Creativity has always been in her heart, and I’m delighted to see her succeed in sharing that creativity in such a beautiful way.

“I’m so proud of what she’s accomplished, and truly believe the best is yet to come for her.”

See www.suenelsonartist.com.