My Career: ‘Starting your own business is challenging but rewarding’

Name: Sonya McWhinney

Age: 53

Lives: Belgooly, Co Cork

Job title: Owner & Founder of Kbamboo

Salary bracket: €60,000 +

Education background:

Bachelor Business Studies (BBS) Degree, Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation, and Diploma in Reflexology.

Hobbies:

Pilates, swimming, walking, sea sauna and reading

Describe your job in five words:

Helping people sleep naturally better.

Describe yourself in five words:

Dedicated, creative, ambitious, caring, trustworthy.

Personality needed for this kind of work?

I think you have to be friendly with a customer-focused mindset and a good knowledge of bedding.

How long are you doing this job?

I founded Kbamboo in February, 2019

How did you get this job?

After leaving college, I started my career in sales, where I developed valuable skills in communication, building relationships, understanding customer needs and the importance of excellent service. I enjoyed working with people and learning how to find the right solutions for their individual needs.

I then took several years away from my career to raise my family before returning to sales. I spent over 10 years working in the bedding departments in Casey’s Furniture & EZ Living Interiors, where I developed extensive knowledge of bedding products, materials, and the importance of choosing the right products to support comfort and a good night’s sleep.

My journey into business ownership began at the age of 44 after having a hysterectomy. As I was unable to take HRT, I experienced severe night sweats that affected my sleep and everyday life. I began searching for bedding that could help regulate my temperature and make sleeping more comfortable. During this research, I discovered bamboo bed linen and its incredible benefits, but I was surprised to find that luxury bamboo bedding was not available in Ireland.

There is a saying that ‘necessity is the mother of invention’, and this perfectly describes how Kbamboo began. My own need for a better night’s sleep highlighted a gap in the market, and I realised that other people experiencing similar challenges could benefit from this solution too.

Using my years of sales experience and my knowledge of bedding, I decided to create Kbamboo. What started as a personal search for comfort became a mission to help others experience cooler, more comfortable and more restorative sleep.

Building Kbamboo has required me to develop many new skills, including product sourcing, branding, digital marketing, website management, stock control, customer service, wholesale sales and running every aspect of a growing business.

Today, I combine my passion for helping people sleep better with my experience in sales to continue building an Irish brand focused on quality, sustainability and exceptional customer care.

My career journey shows that the skills and experiences we gain throughout life can lead us in unexpected directions. Sometimes, a personal challenge can become the inspiration for creating something that helps many others.

Do you need particular qualifications or experience? The quick answer is no, but I do think that the experience I gained working in bedding for over ten years, coupled with my BBS degree, was a great foundation for the business.

Describe a day at work:

Every day is different. I answer customer enquiries, process orders, pack products with care, and arrange deliveries. I update my website, create social media content, write email campaigns and develop marketing strategies to reach new customers. I source new products, work with suppliers, manage stock levels, set prices, and monitor sales to ensure the business continues to grow.

Alongside the day-to-day running of the business, I manage finances, solve problems as they arise, and plan for the future.

My goal is simple: to help people enjoy a healthier, more comfortable night’s sleep while building a sustainable Irish brand known for quality, exceptional customer service, and a genuine passion for wellbeing.

How many hours do you work a week?

40+ hours

Is your job stressful? How? Rate it on a scale of 1-10: Running my own business can be very rewarding, but it is also demanding. I would rate the stress level as 6/10.

Do you work with others or on your own?

I work mainly on my own, but I do have additional help for the busy periods of the year.

When do you plan to retire or give up working?

As the owner of Kbamboo, I don’t have a fixed retirement date. My goal is to continue growing the business for as long as I enjoy it and can make a positive impact.

I hope to build a successful, sustainable brand that could one day be passed on, sold, or managed by a trusted team, allowing me to step back gradually rather than retire completely. I believe I’ll always stay involved in some way because creating products and helping people sleep better is something I genuinely enjoy.

Best bits:

The most rewarding part of my job is receiving positive feedback from customers who tell me our products have improved their sleep and comfort. I also enjoy creating new products, building relationships with retailers, and watching Kbamboo grow from an idea into a recognised Irish brand. Every day brings new opportunities to learn, be creative and make a difference.

Worst bits:

The most challenging part is balancing all aspects of running a business on my own. Managing finances, dealing with unexpected problems, and handling busy periods can be demanding. There is always something that needs attention, so switching off from work can sometimes be difficult.

Advice to those who want your job?

Starting your own business is one of the most challenging and rewarding things you can do. Be prepared to work hard, learn constantly, and wear many different hats. Don’t wait until everything is perfect - start, listen to your customers and keep improving. Believe in your product, be resilient when things don’t go to plan, and celebrate every small success along the way. Most importantly, remember that building a successful business takes time, patience and persistence, so don’t give up too soon.

Any other comments?

Currently, I am preparing for my first trade show at the Gift & Home Fair in the RDS from August 23-25. I’m looking forward to meeting new retailers and hopefully expanding into more stores across Cork and Munster.

I’m also delighted that Kbamboo will be returning to the Ballymaloe Christmas Fair in November, one of my favourite weekends of the year. It’s a special place, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of it.