Cork solopreneur: ‘14 lessons I’ve learned from 14 years in business in Cork’
Lucy says that beginning her own business was one of the best decisions she ever made.
When the country was in the middle of a recession in 2012, Lucy O’Donoghue did the unthinkable: she left her role at Cork Chamber of Commerce and went into business for herself.
It’s a move that describes Lucy perfectly: gutsy and determined.
And not only did the solopreneur survive the recession, but she also weathered the global pandemic and everything in between, and now, 14 years later, the Bishopstown woman is celebrating her milestone business anniversary.
A graduate of European Studies at UCC, she did an MA in European Integration in UL and was then awarded a prestigious Schuman Scholarship to spend six months working in the European Parliament in Luxembourg.
“It was an amazing experience where I worked in the Social Affairs Division, travelling extensively across Europe and developing a love of travel and discovering new places and cultures,” remembers Lucy.
After moving back to Cork, she joined the European Information Centre (EIC) as Information Officer, where she used her knowledge of the European Union and its institutions to promote the Centre and its services to the local business community.
Next, she joined UCC as Alumni Officer, and after six years her career took her to Cork Chamber of Commerce, where she was appointed Membership Development & PR Manager, and also managed media relations across local and national print, radio and social media.
“Even though the country was in the midst of a recession at that time, in 2012, I began feeling restless and sensing that it was time for a change,” said Lucy.
Pooling her vast experience across different sectors, she set up Lucy O’Donoghue Consulting with the aim of providing clients with expertise in strategic thinking, mentoring with an experienced advisor, marketing and communications, project delivery, and preparing grant applications, award submissions, and business plans.
Despite the challenges that came her way, she says it remains one of the best decisions she has ever made.
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“Now, as I celebrate 14 years in business, I’m reflecting on the people who supported me in those early days, those who trusted me with their business, the lessons learned through challenging times, and the importance of continuing to evolve as unexpected curveballs came my way.
“The past 14 years have taught me that success is rarely a straight line. It’s a journey of resilience, reinvention and being brave. It’s about showing up, embracing change, and moving forward, even when the path ahead isn’t entirely clear,” she said.
Lucy has shared 14 lessons from her 14 years in business:
“If I’d waited for the perfect moment, I would never have started. I knew I was ready for a new chapter, even if I didn’t know exactly what it would look like.”
“There were times when I didn’t feel confident, especially when stepping outside my comfort zone or taking on something new. I learned that confidence and self-belief grow, stepping up when it matters.”
“Clients may come and go, but personal and professional relationships, built over years, endure. Investing in people, all through my career, has led to new opportunities, referrals, collaborations, and sometimes a valuable chat over coffee when it was most needed.”
“Some of the best ideas come from conversations with clients and understanding their changing needs. Taking the time to listen often reveals opportunities that might otherwise be missed.”
“The services I offer today are very different from those I started with 14 years ago. The pandemic, in particular, challenged me to adapt, and new opportunities quickly emerged. That growth required an open mind and a willingness to learn new technology.”
“Learning to say no is just as important as learning to say yes. Early on, it can be tempting to pursue every opportunity, but not every opportunity may be aligned with your expertise or values. I have learned to trust my instinct and recognise that saying no is sometimes the right decision.”
“Whilst actively promoting others, I’ve learned that it’s equally important to ensure people know who I am and how I can help. If people don’t know I exist, they cannot benefit from what I offer.”
“Active participation in business organisations such as Ballincollig Business Association and Network Cork, while supporting local initiatives, has created opportunities that would never have arisen otherwise. The connections made through these networks have led to numerous referrals and friendships.”
“You don’t need to have all the answers. Asking for advice, support or expertise when needed will save time and reduce stress.”
“Surround yourself with people you trust. A supportive network will celebrate your successes, help navigate the challenging times, will act as a sounding board, and remind you that you are not alone.”
“You are only as good as your last job, so every interaction matters. Showing up, delivering on your promises, communicating clearly, being reliable, and often going the extra mile, all contribute to the reputation you build over time.”
“Protecting your energy, your focus, your self-care, is not a luxury. It’s essential for maintaining momentum, creativity, making smart decisions, and showing up consistently for your clients and your business.”
“Treat personal time with the same importance as a client meeting or time in the office. Blocking it into your diary makes it far more likely to happen and creates healthy boundaries. Taking regular time away allows you to recharge and return more focused and energetic.”
“Some business owners often move quickly on to the next task. Taking the time to acknowledge winning a new client, receiving a complimentary testimonial, or seeing a client succeed matters, and should be celebrated.”
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