Carly O'Donovan: ‘I had a lightbulb moment... by January I had become the owner’

When she left school after her junior cert, Carly O’Donovan didn’t have a plan and had no idea what her career might look like.

She certainly never envisaged working in the healthcare space, running her own business, or winning the Established Businesswoman award at the recent Network Ireland West Cork awards.

But she gave herself the time and space to figure out where her passions lay, and was prepared to dabble in different things, and it’s an approach she’d encourage other young people to try.

“After my Junior Cert, I spent the next few years exploring different courses – both online and in-person – to figure out what I liked. I dabbled in everything from nutrition to animal care,” she said.

“I even joined the British Royal Navy as a writer for a brief period, which sparked my interest in administrative work.

“When I returned home, I began working with West Cork Training and Development, where I gained valuable experience in leadership and found myself increasingly drawn to structured roles – the organised, perfectionist Virgo in me thrived!

“That job led me to the Irish Red Cross, where I became involved in training and organising unit activities. This opened the door to healthcare,” said Carly, who is originally from the UK, but has lived in Bantry since she was 15.

In 2013, she completed a Level 5 Nursing Studies course and was planning to move into Social Care.

“In 2014, I moved to Tralee to attend college, having been offered a place at IT Tralee (as it was then). But just before I was due to start, I came across a job ad for an admin role at a homecare provider, Bluebird Care. I deferred college for a year… and that year changed everything,” recalls Carly.

She joined the company in August, 2014, and by the following February was effectively running the office.

“When a potential sale of the business fell through later that year, I had a lightbulb moment: I could do this myself. I contacted head office with a hypothetical question – ‘What would I need to take this on?’ – and by January, 2016, I signed on the dotted line and became the owner (of Bluebird Care Kerry & West Cork).”

She’s never looked back.

“I’ve continued to grow the business, which is now a thriving part of the community, making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most, while also furthering my own education, most recently completing a degree in Health & Social Care: Management & Leadership to further strengthen my knowledge.

“I absolutely enjoy a challenge – I love pushing myself to try new things, either in work or personally. This drive has allowed me to expand service lines within the business to include disability services and children’s services, as well as completing a personal challenge of writing a book, ” said the mum-of-one.

No two days are the same, and that’s what Carly likes about her work.

“One day I might be out on the road doing assessments and reviews, and the next, I’m in the office, deep in paperwork or back-to-back in meetings. The only constant in my day is that it’s always changing,” she said.

Carly joined Network West Cork at the start of 2024 after a friend on the committee encouraged her. “To be honest, I was hesitant at first – I’m naturally quite introverted and didn’t love the idea of ‘networking’. But I’ve been blown away by how warm and welcoming the West Cork branch has been.

“There are a few key women I’ve connected with who have had a really positive impact on my confidence and inspired me to believe more in myself and what I bring to the table. I’d absolutely recommend the group to any woman in business – these ladies will become your tribe.”

Winning the Established Businesswoman award was a huge moment for her.

“It felt like a culmination of the past nine years of hard work, long nights, sacrifices, and persistence. When you’re running a business—especially as a woman in a competitive space—you don’t always stop to celebrate your progress. So, being recognised in this way was both humbling and empowering. This award reaffirmed the risks were worth it and that others saw value in what I’ve built and, while my name was on the award, I shared that moment with my team, my family, and everyone who supported me along the way. It was a collective win.

“My daughter and team are everything, without them I really wouldn’t have a business. They help me to ensure the vast array of services we provide ultimately allow our older customers to remain safe in their own home, surrounded by their treasures and memories, and for the younger customers to really engage with their community while providing much-needed respite to their primary care-givers.”

Her advice to anyone unsure of their career path is not to be afraid to pivot or take risks.

“Sometimes the path isn’t clear, but each experience teaches you something valuable. Stay true to your values, follow your passions, and remember that it’s okay to take your time figuring it out. You’ll find your way, and often, where you end up is even better than where you initially imagined.

“My daughter is now 18, and I’m incredibly proud of the young woman she’s becoming. It’s always been important for me to be a positive role model for her, not just through words, but through actions. I want her to see that it’s OK to chase your dreams, embrace challenges, and most importantly, to stay true to who you are.

“I hope she learns from both my successes and my mistakes, and that she knows she has the strength to carve her own path, just like I did. Being a role model for her is one of the greatest responsibilities - and joys - of my life.”