On how Ireland inspires, how she keep paces with the industry and what’s coming next …
What’s new? “It’s been a crazy busy year so far – we’re just back from launching in Canada and the reception was so positive. I think Canadians are our North American cousins.”
How do you stay relevant in a crowded market, and keep pace with trends? “We’ve been around awhile, nearly 15 years and counting. We’re blessed with a loyal army of wonderful customers and it’s staying relevant to them that matters most to me. I’m a bit of a cynic when it comes to a lot of ‘trends’, as so many have little substance to them and are just a reinvention of an existing tradition; for example, rosemary in hair oils is a trend that has been around for centuries.”
What impact does your location/environment have on the brand? “Galway city, where I now live and where our offices are, is another great source of inspiration. I walk to work through the city every morning, past the tourists, students, shopkeepers and buskers. It has such a distinct vibe that I’ve come to appreciate so much this year when I’ve been travelling a lot. Coming home to here is the best and reminds me to be playful and mindful of our rich culture.”
Plans for 2026 – what to look out for? “We are on the cusp of an exciting announcement. I can’t say too much but it’s something I’m very proud of. Aside from that, we have new products coming out – and that’s always big for us as we formulate everything from scratch here in Ireland and painstakingly tweak every detail until we feel we’ve got it right. It can and has taken years for us to bring out new products. That’s a long time to be investing in something, but our customers really value our quality and innovation.”
Your favourite Irish brand or beauty store? “I like the Irish Handmade Soap Company – they create and make gorgeous products. Our neighbours at The Burren Perfumery have also created a beautiful space that’s well worth a visit. I also really love Sara O’Neill, from what she creates and how she’s brought Irish mythology into beautiful wearable art, to how she does business on her own terms to craft what looks like a lovely life in balance. I’m still working on that bit!” www.kinvaraskincare.com
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