Mullingar entrepreneur inspires at women in business gathering
More than 80 businesswomen gathered in Carrick-on-Shannon on May 29 for a tri-county networking event bringing together professionals from Leitrim, Longford, and Westmeath. Hosted at The Landmark Hotel, the event celebrated the innovation and resilience of women entrepreneurs across the region.
Westmeath was represented by Mullingar-based entrepreneur Denise Buckley, who shared her story of founding and growing two award-winning businesses, Sugar Plum Sweetery and Wholesome Kitchen.
The two firms now employ more than 70 people and have an online following of more than 110,000.
Denise launched Wholesome Kitchen in 2019 with her husband David. It is a modern restaurant and catering company built on fresh, health-focused food. She later introduced Sugar Plum Sweetery, a confectionery and gifting brand known for its handmade chocolates, viral product drops, and its pick ‘n’ mix.
The brand has grown into a national name, and its products are stocked in Avoca and Brown Thomas Arnotts; it has featured on RTÉ, 2FM, Ireland AM, and national press.
Denise’s entrepreneurial excellence has earned her recognition at the National Enterprise Awards, Blas na hÉireann, Great Taste Awards, and the Fit Out Awards.
The event also featured speakers from Leitrim and Longford. Leitrim’s representative was graphic designer Anne Dolan of Annie Design and Annie Ideas; representing Longford was Fiona McCormack, from The Farmhouse Bees and Trees Ltd of Abbeyshrule, which produces raw Irish honey and pure beeswax candles.
MC for the event was Ruth Larkin, founder and managing director of Lark Bridal Ltd, an independent global distributor of a portfolio of international brands including the largest bridal and bridesmaids brands in the world.
For more information on the Women in Business Network, contact Catriona Duffy at the Local Enterprise Office, Westmeath.
PHOTO CAPTION (pic at top)
At the Women in Business Network event were, from left, Jacinta O’Brien (Lake Lodge), Sheena Burke (Discovering Mindfulness), Helen McGauley (Reflex Relax), Mary Buckley, Catriona Duffy (Business Advisor, LEO Westmeath), Anne Dolan (Annie Designs), Ruth Larkin (Larkin Bridal), Denise Buckley (Sugar Plum Sweetery), Fiona McCormack (The Farmhouse Bees and Trees), Evgeniia Lurchenko (Jewellery Effect), Melanie Boylan (STOMP Social Media Training), Bernadette Martyn (LEO Westmeath).