Helen Clark - Meditation Teacher & Mindfulness Coach
Meet Helen, a Meditation Teacher & Mindfulness Coach based in Killinchy, Northern Ireland.
Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Helen, a Meditation Teacher and Mindfulness Coach based in Killinchy, Northern Ireland. She welcomed me into her home where she holds her group and one to one meditation classes. I spent the morning with Helen taking some portraits and chatting about what she does and why.
I must admit that my knowledge of meditation was very small so I was really interested in learning more about her skills and how she helps others.
After our shoot I asked Helen a few questions about her work and what inspired her to start her business. Read more below.
Hello Helen, Can you start by telling me a little bit about yourself and your journey to becoming a Meditation Teacher?
I’m a Chopra Certified Meditation Teacher, based in Balloo, Killinchy Co Down, and a former Senior Civil Servant who worked in London specialising in behaviour change communications (campaigns like drink drive).
I’m passionate about helping people to integrate a self-care practice into their day to support their lifestyle, starting with, but not limited to mindfulness and meditation, while also helping them to manage stress.
I also teach Primordial Sound Meditation (PSM) which is a healing practice that allows us to experience inner calm and deep relaxation, which benefits our emotional and physical health.
Like everyone I’m dealing with stress every day, and it comes in all shapes and sizes -some stress can be good, but a lot of stress is bad for you, your health and those around you.
I spend as much time outdoors as I can for the sheer love of it and because I find connecting with nature so powerful and healing. I take inspiration from nature and the seasons and it’s one of the reasons we moved to Balloo - we’re surrounded by the countryside on the banks of the River Blackwater, and it’s teeming with wildlife from badgers to woodpeckers. It’s also just a few minutes away from Strangford Lough and all with an easy 25 minute drive to Belfast.
The benefits of meditating became even more apparent to me last year when I had major surgery. Apart from medical appointments I was largely housebound for several months and had to learn to walk again. My world suddenly became very ‘narrow’ and being able to meditate really helped me navigate all the ups and downs of my rehab.
For someone new attending one of your classes what would you tell them to expect?
While meditation is very easy when you’re taught how to do it, everyone is unique which is why I offer a range of sessions.
You can dip your toes in with a guided meditation where I coach people through the session so they get the best of out their practice regardless of their level of experience (group on a Monday evening or 1-2-1s) or you can dive right in and learn to meditate through a four class programme.
I also deliver guided meditations to businesses and the corporate world.
Was there something that inspired or encouraged you to become a Meditation Teacher?
When I first moved back to NI six years ago, I was still weekly commuting to London, but I began to make more time to develop a self-care practice that worked for me. It started with sea swimming and then a friend suggested that I try meditation. Anyone who knew me then would have though this was hilarious as I was full of energy and ideas and the idea of sitting quietly didn’t seem like a good fit for me!
However, a 21 day meditation challenge popped up on my social feed with Deepak Chopra and Oprah Winfrey. I gave it a go and was hooked. I loved the sense of peace, the time for self-reflection and the opportunity to develop greater self-awareness, so I continued beyond the 21 day challenge, simply meditating every morning for 10 minutes, instead of hitting the snooze button and my daily meditation practice built from that. The benefits of meditation to release stress, improve sleep, increase focus and creativity etc are well documented and I wish I’d started practicing it regularly much earlier in my life so I want to share meditation, mindfulness and all the benefits.
A lot of people worry that they won’t be able to meditate and ‘quieten their mind’ but like anything it can take a bit of practice, and it becomes easier if you’re taught correctly.
I’ve found meditation hugely beneficial, and it really is ‘doing less to gain more’ and that’s why I worked towards a professional qualification to make sure I had much more knowledge and insight to share with others.
Is there a particular part of your job that you love the most?
The feedback so far has been humbling and it’s lovely to see people go on their own journey and enjoy the benefits of meditation. I love the whole process of sharing meditation from research and writing (I started out as a journalist) through to coaching and teaching.
Do you have a certain clientele or are your classes open to everyone?
Meditation is open to everyone.
What advice would you give someone who is interested in becoming a Meditation Teacher?
Follow your heart and do your research to find the best teachers you can. I’d been meditating for a few years before I started my teacher training. My training took a year and was very thorough with inspirational teachers including Deepak Chopra, Devi Brown and Roger Gabriel. It culminated in assessments through teacher practice with a variety of students, an exam and three presentations. I’m now part of the Chopra global alumni which means I continue to learn and can access guidance from the teacher support team.
What hopes and goals do you would you like to achieve for your business in the year ahead?
I hope to share meditation with more people and I’ll also be offering Mini Mindfulness sessions to children aged 4 to 11 from early next year to provide them with some tools to help navigate their day and set them up for success. (It’s a requirement that a parent or guardian also attends each session to watch or join in so they can support their child at home).
Thank you to Helen for taking the time to answer a few questions about her business. If you are interested in speaking to Helen or in taking one of her classes get in touch here via her Instagram.
The Studio Helens Bay
Have a closer look at this unique new Airbnb in the quant little town of Helens Bay, Co. Down…
A few months ago I was invited to a beautiful new Airbnb in the quaint little town of Helen’s Bay. This unique holiday rental is located just a short walk from the delightful coastal path and sits beside the owner, Sara’s house. What once was the annex of their family home has now been converted into a delightful Airbnb, perfect for a solo trip or for a new family. Sara has a great eye for detail with her design background. Her house is full of character and charisma which has followed through into the Airbnb. Read more below about how Sara and her family began their Airbnb journey.
Tell us a little bit about yourselves and the story behind The Studio Helen’s Bay
My husband and I recently returned to live in Northern Ireland after almost twenty years working in London. With careers in fashion design and marketing, we would often joke that one day we would leave it all behind to run a bed and breakfast in Ireland.
And then one day it happened!
What inspired you to start an Airbnb?
Just prior to Covid hitting, and following the birth of our second child, we decided to swap West London for Helen’s Bay and the slower pace of life it offers our young family.
Enthusiastic about rediscovering the North Down coast, we are keen to share the place we love with visitors to our fledgling Airbnb.
The Studio is set in the grounds of our own home and takes its name from its use as a functioning design studio. When not occupied as an Airbnb, the large limed wood table in the living area is a perfect work space for to work from. Airy and peaceful, it really encourages relaxed, creative thinking.
I love the minimal style of your Airbnb, was there any interior inspiration behind the styling of it?
We have used a lot of salvaged and upcycled furniture, heavily influenced by interior stylists Mark and Sally Bailey and their ability to mix old with new.
Above all, sustainability was a key consideration from the repurposed furniture, to the solar powered skylight fittings, even carrying through to the zero waste toiletries sourced locally at Without Waste, Holywood.
The Studio is a space to champion local design and we have used its walls to showcase local art with pieces by Ruth Osborne, bespoke paintings and hand crafted wreaths from locally gathered willow.
Do you have a favourite detail in your Airbnb?
Our favourite feature in the Studio has to be the double height white washed vaulted ceiling in the open plan living space. With multiple sky lights and double doors opening on the leafy private garden, the light bright space feels like a little oasis of calm.
Have you any advice for those wanting to start their own small Airbnb?
What we hadn’t appreciated when we started out our plan is that all Airbnbs in Northern Ireland must be Tourist board accredited. We found the people at Discover NI hugely supportive and informative when starting out for the first time.
For guests coming to stay at The Studio, where would you recommend as good places to visit nearby?
The Studio is perfectly located just by The North Down coastal path and Crawfordsburn Country Park.
Helens Bay Organic Farm Shop is a beautiful spot to drop into and pick up a few local ingredients during your stay. Restaurants like Frae and Lynchpin in Holywood are on our recommendation list for visitors. Slightly Further afield, a day trip along the banks of Strangford Lough with a stop off In the village of Greyabbey with its pretty antiques shops and a visit to National Trust property Mount Stewart makes for a perfect day.
Thank you to Sara for taking the time to answer some questions about her Airbnb and for inviting me to capture it.
You can keep up to date with all that is happening at The Studio via their Instagram.
Click here to book your stay.
Só Soy - Hand Poured Home Fragrance
Get to know a little bit more about Hannah from Só Soy in my new Local Natives blog feature…
I first met Hannah (through Instagram) in 2017 shortly after launching Native Ivy, and have had the privilege of capturing some of her candles and diffusers over the last few years.
It was lovely to be invited to her studio in Ballymoney to capture her everyday work life, making products and running her shop.
After our shoot I chatted to Hannah about how her candle making journey began.
Read more below...
Hello Hannah, can you tell me a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to start making candles?
Hi! I’m Hannah and I started Só Soy in October 2016, so my ‘baby’ is almost 6 years old. I’d always had a love for home fragrance and one day curiosity got the better of me. I struggled to find a minimal candle that I loved the smell of, so I made my own. I have experience in design and knew I wanted the fragrance to do the talking. After a lot of research and kitchen-pours, Só Soy was born. For the first 5 years of Só Soy I kept it solely online as my ‘side-hustle’ until I finally took the leap to self-employment in January 2021. Mid pandemic I left my full time job and opened my own studio in Ballymoney, opening my in-store shop shortly after.
Can you tell me a little bit about your making process and what is involved?
Everything is hand poured by me in my Ballymoney based studio in small batches. Every product starts off raw and is designed, created, and packaged in house by my one-woman-team (just me!). I work with UK based perfumers to select the perfect fragrances for my products. I’ll always consult family and friends and ask them for fragrance reviews, but by that stage I’ve usually already made my mind up!
What does a typical workday look like for you?
To be perfectly honest most days look the same! I’ll usually pack online orders and stockist orders in the morning and make stock in the afternoon. Wax melts are great for multitasking as they’re usually quick to melt and quick to pour, so you’ll normally find me doing those alongside other products. They’re also nearly impossible to keep in stock!
On Saturdays I’ll open the shop from 11-3 and continue to pack and pour behind the curtain between visitors.
In the evenings I’ll normally take my work home with me - and by that I mean updating socials, checking emails, and answering blog questions until late. It can be really hard for me to switch off sometimes, especially if I know there’s things that need doing.
Can you describe your brand in three words?
Hand-crafted
Uncomplicated
Calm
Do you have a product that is most popular with customers?
The most popular product is my Black Coffee, Jasmine + Vanilla Candle (or anything in this fragrance really). It’s always one I’ll have to double-up on when I’m making. It’s so popular and so well loved, I’ll always steer people towards it for gifting if they’re unsure of what to choose. You really do need to smell it to experience it.
What do you think makes it so popular?
I think it’s the perfect fragrance in terms of notes - it’s got subtle hints of coffee, is quite floral, a little sweet but just enough that it’s still sophisticated.
Do you have a favourite product?
At the minute I’ve been grabbing for my Lavender + Tonka Bean Wax Melt - it’s the most relaxing fragrance (maybe this says something about my current stress levels!)
I’ll always have a soft spot though for my Lemongrass, Lime + Ginger Root Candle. It was my first born fragrance so feels a little nostalgic for me.
Do you have anything new or exciting coming up for Só Soy?
I do! I have a new Autumn/Winter fragrance that I’m hoping to release early September across the all products. It’s so cosy and homely, I can’t wait for everyone to smell it. I’m also taking part in the Tedberry Market in Antrim on 20th August, it’s always exciting for me to go out, meet new people and introduce them to Só Soy.
What advice would you give people wanting to do something similar?
Research until the cows come home. My industry is really trial and error - it takes such a long time to really perfect your ratios and temperatures etc. and there are a lot of safety laws and legislations required. I’m lucky I’m in the swing of things now and can work quickly and confidently but there’s lots of helpful information online for those just starting - I’m completely self taught.
I also think you need to have the passion before you start - I LOVE my products and I genuinely love getting up for work every day. You need to ask yourself are you starting a business for the right reasons.
Where can people buy your products?
You can shop in store each Saturday 11am-3pm or book online for a weekday visit. Find me at Unit 17 Phase 1, 2 Riada Avenue, Ballymoney Co. Antrim BT53 7LH
Thanks to Hannah for taking the time out of her busy week to answer some questions about her business and how her Só Soy journey all began.
You can shop online at sosoy.co.uk for home delivery or free click + collect in store.
Follow Só Soy on Instagram
Read my last Local Natives feature with Ivy & Gold here
Ivy & Gold
My latest Local Natives blog featuring Ivy & Gold, a local handmade jewellery business based in Broughshane.
Ivy & Gold is a local jewellery business based in Broughshane. Erinn, the face behind the business started making bracelets just before the pandemic hit. In the two years since, she has grown Ivy & Gold into a thriving business with over 24k followers on Instagram and a feature in Heat Magazine.
After capturing Erinn at her shop in Broughshane, I was able to ask a few questions about her business and how her Bracelet making journey all began.
Hi Erinn, tell me a little bit about yourself and your journey to starting Ivy & Gold.
I was on maternity leave from my job as a journalist at the BBC when I first spotted these lovely personalised bracelets on Instagram. I couldn’t find any UK or European sellers so I decided to make them for myself.
Before long my friends and family were asking me to make bracelets for them too. This was in February 2020, just before the pandemic.
When the first lockdown came along I was really afraid. My baby daughter was just five months old and had received a cystic fibrosis diagnosis shortly after her birth.
Because she was clinically vulnerable we were told to shield.
I was extremely fearful of what would happen if she were to come into contact with Covid and my anxiety about her condition sky rocketed.
I turned to Ivy & Gold, making bracelets and running the Instagram page as a way to cope and something to focus on that wasn’t terrifying.
I used the time in lockdown while my baby was sleeping to grow the business into a full-time job.
So when it came time to go back to work at the BBC I had the choice to stay at home and keep her safe, do her daily treatments and be there 24/7 for her, which was what I was used to by then.
I took the chance on my business and haven’t looked back since.
What are the joys and challenges of being an independent maker?
The joy for me is really the flexibility that it gives me in my life. I have the freedom to work around my daughter and to enjoy as much time with her as possible as well as being there for her as a medical mama in a way I don’t think would have been possible with a ‘proper’ job.
The challenge I suppose is just managing a business when I really had no business experience. It’s been such a steep learning curve for me and things have taken off at a rate I never could have imagined.
I now have four employees who work in the business with me and I have to manage large quantity ordering of supplies, cash flow, staff holidays and sickness, a shop etc.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
So I come into the office after dropping ivy off to her granny’s house at 9.30 in the morning, turn on the lights and make sure everything is sitting nicely in the shop should anyone pop in.
I then open all the post which can include new stock, bills and bracelets which are sent in for repair, before looking at our emails and answering them (usually about 20 each morning when I log on).
After that part of the admin I would print off the labels for any ready to ship items and get those posted out.
I would then look to see if there were any priority orders or problems I had to deal with and make and ship any bracelets that needed to be done that day.
Then it would be on to some planning task - at the minute it is planning for the Ted Berry market and our Christmas photoshoot.
I would serve any customers that came into the shop, helping them to decide on how to add to or start their bracelet stack.
I close the shop and head home at 5pm.
Can you tell us a little bit about the process used to create your products?
I knew I wanted our bracelets to be made with the best possible quality beads. I am a gold jewellery wearer and I had been burned so many times buying gold plated or gold vermeil jewellery which tarnished with wear and eventually just had to go in the bin.
I favoured ‘real’ gold jewellery but obviously couldn’t afford much of it.
When I discovered gold filled beads I was so excited - they wear just like gold and are more expensive and better quality than most jewellery on the fashion market.
I did a lot of research into both gold filled and sterling silver jewellery and settled on using the beads for our bracelets.
I then had to watch hours of youtube videos and try a lot of different stringing materials and knots to make sure our bracelets would last (as stretch bracelets notoriously do not).
Do you have a most popular product? If so why do you think that is?
YES! Our personalised bracelets are our best-selling products and it’s because of the meaning that we can all attach to a piece that is fully customised by us. Wearing what matters to us on our wrist.
I think so much of what Ivy & Gold is about is that connection between family, friends and other special relationships.
Because I created the brand out of love for my daughter and everyone knows the story.
Do you have a favourite product?
I think the plain gold filled 3mm bracelet is my favourite - really for the same reason as I’ve explained above. It’s a really great quality and simple bracelet which wears like solid gold at an excellent price (£37).
If you were to share any encouraging words to others looking to start a creative business what would you say?
Believe in yourself!
It sounds so simple, but you do have to believe in yourself to take the chances / risks required to have success.
I was scared to hire people, to move into a space outside my house, to sign up to markets and to invest in growing the business, but I had to do all those things to get to where we are now.
Quarry Hill Church
Take a look inside this historic Church building in Strangford, Co.Down that has been converted into a beautiful holiday rental.
In February I had the opportunity to capture the beautiful Quarry Hill Church in Strangford.
Marty & Melanie came across a worse for wear looking Strangford Presbyterian Church when they bought the house right next door. Built in 1845, the Church had been lying derelict for many years. Being natives of Strangford, Marty & Melanie were familiar with it and in 2017 decided to take on the job of restoring, conserving and converting it themselves. The couple worked together to complete the incredible task of turning it into the stunning holiday rental that can be found there today. Deciding to keep so many of the original features, they have made this Presbyterian Church turned totally unique guest house shine once more!
Tell us a little bit about yourselves and the story behind Quarry Hill Church
We are a local couple with a young family. My wife Melanie was born in Strangford and I grew up on a farm in the countryside nearby, we both went to school in the village hardly 50m from the church. We had noticed the church slowly falling into disrepair over the years but it was when we moved next door in 2016 we saw close up what a bad state it was in. It had been for sale for years but perhaps the listed status and the scale of the challenge had deterred anyone from taking it on. Whether brave or stupid we decided to try and buy it! There was a lot of blood, sweat and tears but thankfully we didn't regret it.
The style of your Holiday Rental is amazing! Did you take inspiration from other places you had stayed or seen when designing it?
There are not many examples of churches in Ireland that have been converted into homes or accommodation. Melanie is an Architect and specialises in conservation, so she gets all the credit for the design. Really the inspiration came from the church itself, it is such a graceful building with beautiful classical original features and a rich history. Our approach was very much conservation led, every original feature that could be retained and restored was kept in place, the new aspects of the conversion are modern in style but we endeavored to maintain the volume and light such that the spaces still feel very much like a church.
Do you have a favourite room or detail?
It is so hard to choose. It might be the fantastic 2m diameter ceiling rose, the original organ restored to working order by Melanie's dad Tom, perhaps the huge original Georgian arched windows. I can't forget the pulpit which forms the staircase to the mezzanine level, our guests particularly enjoy a go at literally preaching from the pulpit. The Session House is our favourite room, previously used as a meeting place for the Church Elders, it is fully paneled and converted as the master bedroom. Sorry we couldn't choose just one thing!
Have you any advice for those wanting to create or design something similar?
Restoration of a listed building is hugely rewarding but go in with your eyes open, get a good understanding of the state of the building, the necessary repair work and any special restrictions that may apply. It will be very frustrating and slow at times and there will be unwelcome surprises but don't get discouraged! Don't be afraid to mix modern with the original features but allow the heritage to lead the way.
For guests coming to stay at Quarry Hill Church, where would you recommend as good places to visit nearby?
We are so lucky in Strangford, you can park your car and not get back into it for the rest of your stay. It has become a real foodie destination in recent years with 3 high quality restaurants to choose from. There are beautiful walks on our doorstep, our favourite being "The Avenue" which is directly opposite the church, it goes in the loop around the peninsula the village sits on through woods and along the shore of the lough. It's normal to see seals, otters, all manner of birds and other wildlife. Castleward National Trust Estate sits next to the village, you can spend a day there exploring 30+ miles of trails, castles, the main house and farm yard (Game of Thrones "Winterfell"). The ferry departs Strangford every 30 minutes and is worth it for the journey alone, on the other side of the lough in Portaferry the Aquarium is definitely worth a visit and a walk up Windmill Hill will reward you with stunning views of Strangford Lough.
Broad Skies
My latest Local Natives blog featuring Broad Skies. A converted static Caravan transformed into a beautiful cozy cabin Airbnb based in the North Coast of Ireland.
In 2020 I captured the beautiful Oat Box for Olive, so it was a pleasure, one year on to be asked to photograph Broad Skies, a static caravan converted into a beautiful Cabin located just outside the town of Bushmills, Northern Ireland.
Olive got in touch as soon as she launched Broad Skies in May 2021. Ever since, I have been itching to get in the doors to see all the unique details that I knew Olive would have decorated it with. Her amazing eye for interior design is evident in every room, on every wall, in every corner.
As soon as I stepped into Broad Skies, I was hit with a great sense of warmth. The autumn tones dotted around the main kitchen area had me instantly feeling all cozy and ready to nestle in to a relaxing evening by the stove.
Off to the side are two striking bedrooms. A main bedroom detailed with accent lights at each side of the bed and a second bedroom, with bunk-beds, a striking Mustard Made yellow locker and vintage tennis rackets comfortably fixed on the walls. These are the types of details I love to capture and the details that are only found in an Airbnb owned by Olive.
After my stay at Broad Skies, I asked Olive some questions on what inspired this comforting Cabin.
Keep scrolling to read more about Olive’s insight into creating this unique stay...
Hello again Olive, first of all can you give us a bit of insight into the name Broad Skies and how it came to be?
The cabin at Broad Skies is all about relaxing in a secluded rural setting and soaking in the amazing views over Portballintrae and the surrounding countryside. What is most striking to visitors are the big skies that are always changing, like an ever changing painting and we thought the name 'Broad Skies' perfectly encapsulated that sentiment.
I said a few words above about your amazing eye for interiors. Was there any interior inspiration behind the styling of it?
I looked to the style of lots of rural retreats that I admire for inspiration, like the Soho House properties and The Pig hotel group. I also love the electric styling that the Artists Residence Hotels use to decorate their spaces. Sustainability was an important factor in design decisions as well, choosing to re-purpose, reuse and use secondhand where possible.
If you could sum up the style/ feel of this cozy space in 3 words , what would they be?
Relaxed, Rustic, Calming
The details are all so unique, where do you find these amazing one off pieces?
Almost all the decor details in the cabin are second hand, vintage or antique. I like to buy secondhand as it allows me to customise pieces to suit the look I am trying to create and gives a more unique feel. Most of the furniture was bought via Facebook marketplace and then refinished, for example the sofa was being offered for free but I knew it was a really good quality make so we grabbed it and my mum made new linen covers for it. The paintings in the house were all eBay, house clearance and auction finds, we live very close to North Coast Auctions and I do keep a close eye on their weekly sales! I also like to support local designers too and have a number of pieces and prints in the cabin created by craftspeople.
Do you have a favourite detail in your Airbnb?
I have to say it's that view! And the wooden hot tub, perfectly positioned to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Broad Skies is situated in such an amazing location. For guests coming to stay can you recommend any places to visit nearby?
The Giants Causeway is very close to the cabin, as are all the popular attractions of the North Coast, so you won't ever be stuck for something to do Whitepark Bay is just a short drive away and can be teamed with a pit stop at Bothy Coffee. The walk from Portballintrae to the Causeway is well worth doing and not steep so suitable for everyone to enjoy.
Thanks so much to Olive for having me to stay at the cozy cabin and for chatting to me about those striking details, unique decor and of course that wonderful view!
During my stay, we didn’t have the best weather with rain and wind. We didn’t venture out to have dinner however with my seven month old in tow we decided to try one of the local takeaways. We got some beautiful fish and chips from Flash in the Pan, Bushmills. In the morning we took ourselves off to Portrush to Magercross viewpoint and grabbed a coffee at Babushka. On our way home we stopped into Fidela Coffee Roasters for brunch and couldn’t resist popping to my favourite Interiors shop BTS Concept Store.
It was a wonderful stay and I highly recommend you add it your list of places to stay in Northern Ireland. It has all the amenities for you to bring your own groceries and cook for yourself but its also the location to treat yourself and eat out.
Birds & Words
Click here to learn a little bit about Artist and Designer Jessica Hollywood and her Screen-printing process.
This week I had the pleasure of capturing the lovely Jessica at work in her studio space at Seacourt Print Workshop.
Jessica who goes by the Artist name Birds & Words is a master of many talents including photography and marketing but this week I got a little bit of insight into her screen-printing process.
For someone who isn’t very familiar with the this process I really enjoyed watching Jessica work. Each aspect of it is very intriguing and I loved watching and learning about each element that goes into creating one of her beautiful limited edition prints.
During our shoot I was able to ask Jessica a few questions about her work and how her road to becoming an Artist all began.
Tell me a little bit about yourself and your journey to becoming an Artist.
Hi, I’m Jessica, an Artist and Printmaker living in Bangor by the Sea, with my daughter Juno. My company Birds and Words was founded in 2012 as an outlet for all of my creative pursuits. Under this umbrella, I undertake many freelance jobs, as well as creating my own original prints. I have been a member of Seacourt Print Workshop since I graduated from collage, and am also Artist in Residence at Wallhangers Gallery and Framing on High Street in Bangor. Printing is in my bones. I was immediately hooked back during early demos at Seacourt as an A Level student, and have practised the art form ever since. There is no better feeling than pulling a print. The element of the unknown and the subtleties in the lay down of ink on paper, are parts of this process that I will never tire of! Printmakers are a complex bunch, but once you know, you know
You mostly work from your studio space at Seacourt Print Workshop, Can you tell me about this space and what happens there?
Seacourt Print Workshop was founded in 1981 by Margaret Arthur and Jean Duncan. They wanted to be able to practice printmaking close to home and starting small, they established a print workshop. To help pay for overheads and purchase equipment they delivered courses to local people, then schools and the membership started to grow. It is an open access printmaking studio with fantastic resources, courses & workshops. It is a lifeline to many artists, and has provided a space to exhibit, learn and create, thanks to the Arts Council N.I. support over the years.
Your prints have a lot of different aspects to them, does your printmaking process take long? Can you tell me a little bit about your making process and what is involved?
Of recent years, I have been increasingly interested in creating work that has a modern, contemporary aesthetic, but using imagery which harks back to a distant era, mainly focused on my home town of Bangor. Primarily interested in the notion of memory and nostalgia, I look to these images for clues of how lives were lived then, in comparison to now. I aim to revive old, nostalgic memories and help to form new, positive ones, closely linked with the regeneration of my home town through other avenues such as Bangor Waterfront Master Plan, and Queens Parade Regeneration. Screen printing is about layers of colour and imagery, printed in succession, to create a complex work of art. Some of my pieces may have 10-12 layers, which equates to a lot of work! You have to enjoy the process, and be interested in the technical side of things. Otherwise you would get quite frustrated! I love to see a piece come together. I use the screen and inks as my tools and the paper I print on like my sketch pad. I find it hard to visualise a piece before I have started printing, but once I start laying down layers of colour and photographic elements, it all naturally comes together.
What advice would you give people wanting to start or learn screenprinting?
Come and take a class with me in Seacourt Print Workshop!
What has motivated you to create this new series of artwork?
I wanted to have a play with some different imagery, and illustrate the revival of sea swimming around Bangor’s coastline. Not that I’m brave enough to tip my toe yet, I enjoy watching the little fluorescent floats bobbing in the water, and wanted to honour the connection of Bangor back with the sea.
Jessica’s new Limited Edition Prints will be released on Thursday 10th December and will be available to view and purchase at the platforms listed below.
You can view Jessica’s work on Instagram @birdsandwords
On her website www.birdsandwords.co.uk
Or locally at Wallhangers Bangor where you can purchase all of her work, expertly framed of course!
The Oat Box
My latest Local Natives blog featuring The Oat Box. An old horse box converted into a unique Airbnb based in the North Coast of Ireland.
Last Weekend I had the absolute pleasure of staying at the ‘The Oat Box’. It was such a delightful experience, both to capture and to stay in. ‘The Oat Box’ is so full of character and style…I came away thinking how fun it must have been to create and design somewhere so unique.
The Airbnb is located a little inland from Portrush, with the beautiful North Coast beaches, Coffee Shops and Restaurants just a short drive away. ‘The Oat Box’ sits just off Olive’s family home, beside a big open field and from the very moment I arrived, I was excited to capture this little treasure…
Stepping into ‘The Oat Box’ for the first time was mesmerising, not only were the colours and decor perfect but the smell of ginger and lemongrass from the soap in bathroom made the place smell so fresh.
After my stay, I was able to ask Olive some questions about how she went about creating ‘The Oat Box’.
Continue reading below to get some insight into how it all began…
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how ‘The Oat Box’ came to be?
I’m a product designer and left work when I had my third child as the price of childcare was just too high! I was looking for a business I could run while the children are small and that could be based at home. I also really love renovating vintage furniture and collecting anything with a bit of history to it, so I wanted to utilise those skills into whatever project I took on.
The idea of an Airbnb always came to my mind as we are in an ideal location, being on the North Coast of Ireland. I researched renovating outbuildings and then moved on to investigating various types of quirky accommodation, collating numerous Pinterest boards along the way. Eventually I came to the conclusion that a horsebox conversion would give me the greatest freedom to customise a small space exactly how I wanted to.
How or where did you manage to find an old Horse box to renovate?
I kept an eye on Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace for a good few months, but it was Ebay that came up with the goods in the end! I bid on our horse lorry pretty much on a whim, thinking I wouldn’t get it and someone else would beat me to it at the last second, as that’s what usually happens but they didn’t, and I won the auction! I then had to figure out how to tell my husband what I’d just bought and also how to get it from the South of England across to us in Northern Ireland!! Thankfully the seller was really accommodating and helpful at getting the lorry safely over to us!
What was your inspiration behind the style of ‘The Oat Box’?
I knew I wanted to use salvaged materials and vintage finds as far as possible in the design of the interior, but I did struggle to find a starting point!
The ceiling and floor of the lorry are original, and it was important to make anything we added in enhance these features. Once I sourced the wooden panelling from a church renovation, everything else seemed to fall into place around that. I think the warm wood panelling really helps to achieve the cosy cabin vibe I was aiming for.
Do you have a favourite aspect of ‘The Oat Box’, a decoration or piece of furniture?
I love the kitchen splash-back tiles because they are antique and hand painted. Each one is a little bit wonky and just slightly different to the next when you study them closely. I also love the fact I found them in a house clearance for £10!
For guests coming to stay at ‘The Oat Box’, where would you recommend as good places to visit nearby?
We have lots of gorgeous places to visit on the North Coast.. the beach at White Rocks, Ballintoy Harbour, White Park Bay, The Giant’s Causeway of course, and I just love the drive from Bushmills to Ballycastle via the coast, it’s beautiful!
What advice would you give others who may want to create their own unique Airbnb?
To keep in mind that you are creating a little escape from reality for your guests for a couple of days. I think people are searching for places that can transport them to another world, even if they haven’t traveled far to get there. I found it really helpful to write a list of all the things that I found memorable about various places I had stayed in over the years to figure out what it is that really makes a lasting impression. There are enough bland spaces out there already for people to stay in, push the boundaries and create your own dream space and guests will respond to that.
‘The Oat Box’ is such a unique and wonderful stay. Do you have any other renovation plans for the future, either changes to ‘The Oat Box’ or any new project ideas?
Oh my head is always swimming with too many ideas!! We have plans to plant a wildflower meadow around the oat box and hope to add an outdoor bath next spring.
I also have a couple of vintage caravans that I’m renovating at the minute and eventually would love to run creative workshops from my studio on the farm.
One of my favourite parts about this stay was ending the evening outside beside the fire pit, watching the stars and toasting marshmallows. ‘The Oat Box’ is the perfect little getaway for two!
Kathryn Callaghan
Starting off my first in the series of Local Artists with the wonderful Kathryn Callaghan.
Starting off my first in the series of Local Artists is the wonderful Kathryn Callaghan. I have known Kathryn’s work for just over 3 years and have always been captivated by her paintings and how she creates them.
Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Kathryn’s new art studio just outside Comber. This converted old school house is such a sanctuary and an amazing space. I must say, I am a little jealous of this perfect set up... If I was an Artist it would be my dream!
Kathryn is strongly inspired by her surroundings. She creates beautiful paintings of wildlife and Irish Landscapes and using her unique style, she manages to make every image pop with colour which often leaves you staring in wonder at each unique piece of art.
During my visit to capture Kathryn in her element, I asked her a bit more about her work and how she got started.
Tell me a little bit about yourself and your journey to becoming an Artist.
I grew up painting and drawing from an early age – it was my favourite pastime. After school, it wasn’t until I was age 31 and on maternity leave with my second child, that I decided to return to study art at college. I was working part time in a product development role and undertook a 3 year Fine Art HND at Belfast Met. It was a fantastic course and I learned so much from the amazing tutors there. After completing the course I continued experimenting with different techniques and developed what has become my signature poured style. I didn’t ever imagine I could ever make a living as an artist; it still surprises me every day.
Can you tell me about your new studio and what you do there?
I absolutely adore my new studio space. It’s such a tranquil and peaceful space to work in, as well as being close to home and set in the beautiful County Down countryside. It has a rich heritage as an old school house and running club house – so I feel very privileged to have been able to renovate it and turn it into an art studio. It’s full of light and is perfect for creating art. I run my entire business from the studio – from making art, meeting clients, and managing my online print sales.
Is there anything that inspires or motivates you to create or try new designs?
My new collection, which is to be launched soon, was inspired by my daily lockdown walks between my home and the studio. The hedges and gardens exploded with colour and life and this lead to the creation of a new collection of florals. In general, everyday beauty inspires me.
What materials do you use to make your work?
I use inks, paints, alcohol and acrylic gels. I love to mix materials and discover how their properties can be changed.
You paint a lot of different subjects from animals to Irish landmarks Do you have a favourite piece that you have created?
My favourite subject matter is birds. I love the energy they have whether in flight or hopping along the patio. However I also truly enjoy painting a wide range of subjects and the challenge that comes with capturing the essence of each one.
And finally where can people purchase your work?
There are a number of galleries that show and sell my work across the UK and Ireland. Locally, this includes The Yard Gallery, Sheldon Galleries, Portstewart Gallery, Gallery 1608 and in klöver. I sell online via my website at www.kathryncallaghan.co.uk and I also welcome clients to my studio for viewings of originals and prints, or to discuss a commission by appointment. The studio is located just outside of Comber.
As well as selling her original art and prints in lots of local galleries, Kathryn also works on commissions. If this is something you are interested in, you can contact her through her website linked above.
Follow Kathryn on Instagram here
Find Kathryn on Facebook here
Stay Open Yoga
Get to know a little bit more about the faces behind Stay Open Yoga.
Stay Open Yoga is a great yoga team made up of two lovely friends of mine. Kellie & Josh.
Kellie moved to N.I in 2018 and in 2019 started teaching her own yoga classes in Bangor.
Bringing her Californian vibe to her classes, Kellie has such a calm, controlled and fun way of teaching that leaves you feeling 100% fresh after each class! Have a little read below about how Stay Open Yoga began and learn some more about the faces behind the name.
Let’s begin with telling us about the faces behind Stay Open Yoga.. Tell us a little bit about yourselves…
I’m Kellie! I grew up in Southern California with a big love for sunshine, the outdoors, yoga, and a good cup of coffee. I got my Bachelors in Psychology as I am passionate about people. I have always loved to travel and explore new places. With my love for travel I have been able to live in Nashville, Argentina, Colorado, and Northern Ireland. I met my husband while living in Northern Ireland and we got married in June 2018. I have been living in Bangor since then and have been teaching Yoga and working in Cargo Coffee since then.
Josh is born and raised in Bangor, and is similar to most guys here- he likes soccer and Guinness. He does a lot of the behind the scenes stuff like admin, accounting and supports me with the social media. You will also find him signing people in at the welcome desk before class.
What was the inspiration behind the name Stay Open Yoga?
It sounds obvious, but we want to help people Stay Open throughout their whole lives. There is so much that happens to people throughout life that the tendency can be to close off. This can be through trauma, disappointments, fatigue- all legitimate reasons but we end up playing safe and the world gets smaller. We think that by practicing Yoga and living in a healthy community people can continue to live the lives they would have wanted for themselves before it got heavy. That's the shortened answer, I would have to sit down over a coffee with someone to give more detail!
Do you think there are differences to yoga practice in Cali compared to N.I?
There is more of a culture of outdoor Yoga in California because of the sunny and warm climate. It is also just a bit more embedded into the culture, so there are more people who have either tried Yoga or have a regular practice. As far as how it is taught, or the feelings in the Studio things are very similar. There are a lot of great Studios and teachers in Northern Ireland.
What are some positives have you found since starting your own classes?
I love meeting new people and I love the community that SOY has started to become. It’s amazing seeing people be so brave stepping into their first ever yoga class. It's great to hear feedback after class like “I actually sleep through the whole night!”, “I can touch my toes now after coming to classes!” or “I have never focused on breathing ever, and it is life changing to me!” It’s those small victories that make my job so rewarding and fun.
Who are some local businesses/products you are loving at the moment?
We love Copeland Distillery because they have chosen Donaghadee as a home and are doing all they can to make the town a better place to work, live, and socialize. We believe that healthy businesses help create healthy towns and the guys at Copeland are our role models in that!
Keeping in the theme of food and drink I want to give a mention to the Guillemot in Bangor. Every time we go in there we feel loved by the staff (shout out to our man Mark!). This has been so important to me as I have moved to Bangor and I love the community feel. Their food and drinks are always perfect. I would eat 10 vegan rolls and cinnamon scones every day if my budget would allow me to.
Since lockdown, we have been getting all of our produce from Home Grown in Newtownards. We have been so pleased with their produce and how tasty all their fruit and veggies are. The staff are always so friendly and it has that local feel.
What do you see for Stay Open Yoga in the future..Any exciting plans?
Business is unpredictable and you never know where you could be in five years. But if I could have my own studio, that would be my big dream. But in the meantime, we would love to collaborate with more local businesses, offer more classes, and do what we can to help the town of Bangor thrive.
During this uncertain time is there anything your followers/ fellow yogis can do to help you and Stay open Yoga?
I have been amazed by all the love and support from our followers and fellow yogis. We have had to bring everything online and the truth is that most yogis love being with people so that has been a big shift and it can feel quite vulnerable. So through comments, views, and shares you can encourage us to keep going with it. When people decide to do paid online classes, obviously that helps financially which then allows us to plan ahead for when we can all get together again!
Stay Open Yoga are still running online Zoom classes and you can also subscribe their Youtube Channel for more Yoga videos.
Follow them on Instagram for regular updates.
Yoga Mats from Zenbear Yoga
Bancran School
My latest Local Natives blog featuring the beautiful Bancran School. A great family in Moneyneena hosting three luxury Air Bnb’s.
Last a week I had the luxury of staying in The Black Shack at the beautiful Bancran School.
Bancran School is located about 5 minutes from Draperstown in Moneyneena, N.I.
Owned and run by Chris and Aileen, Bancran School was originally an old school house that they have transformed into their family home. Situated in the back garden are three luxury Airbnbs. The Pod, The Loft and the delightful Tiny House that is The Black Shack.
I had such an amazing time capturing these Airbnbs and experiencing a night stay in The Black Shack. I couldn’t recommend it enough, it is a beautifully styled house and everything about our stay was incredibly relaxing. From the moment we arrived, greeted by Chris to the moment we left. I am already trying plan my next stay.
After my sweet little stay I was able to ask Chris & Aileen a little bit more about how Bancran School all started…
Tell us a little bit about yourselves and how you came to being Airbnb owners?
We are Chris & Aileen, we live in Bancran School with our two children Bella & Ollie and our furry friend Noodles. The National school building was built in 1876. It was derelict for 30 odd years when we bought it back in 2009 and we have been working to transform it into a family home since.
During our University and early working years we loved to travel. We had always talked about taking a year out but with one thing or another it never happened. So instead we saved hard and booked to go away for three or four weeks each year.
Our last big trip was about 7 years ago around Arizona, Utah and its National Parks. It was April and the plan was to camp and hike. We set up camp in Flagstaff, that night there was a freak snowstorm! -8c in a tent and a few expletives later we decided to check out Airbnb, we had read an article a few weeks earlier about this new website and thought it sounded interesting.
We booked into an amazing Mining Camp house in the middle of the woods in Flagstaff. Jeff and Kari Maurer owned the home. We absolutely loved the house and the family made us feel so welcome. The next morning we left for the Grand Canyon having fell in love with our first Airbnb experience. When we returned home we decided to complete the two downstairs bedrooms & our Airbnb hosting journey was born.
Did you know you would always have three Airbnbs? Which one came first?
After spending just over a year hosting people from all over the world in our home we were expecting our first born, Bella.
Babies need space and we decided we would get the back of the house into a bit of shape and planned for a Glamping Pod to continue our hosting experience. We plonked The Pod in the back corner of the garden and rented it for a couple of years while we tried to get the rest of the yard into shape. When we look back at the early days with The Pod we cringe a bit as the rest of the garden and yard resembled a building site but we kept it cheap and made the inside as comfortable as we could and people continued to come. We are very grateful for those early guests and would love to have them back for them to see the progress we have made since.
The double garage was built in such a way that we could put a private loft apartment up top. We completed The Loft during 2017. Having two Airbnb units we wanted a place for guests to be able to interact so we set about creating an outdoor decking space with shelter where guests could mix, have a drink, grill on the BBQ or just watch a bit of sport. The Gin Tin was built in 2018.
The old school had a toilet block outside for the pupils. When we were renovating a digger tried to remove the concrete foundations but they were too deep. Up until February 2019 it was sitting visible in the middle of the garden, it even housed a few chickens at a time! The initial plan was to put shipping containers on top of the foundations but it was working out to be very expensive and impractical due to the nature of the site. We settled for a Black Siberian Larch clad Tiny House. The Black Shack was finished in July 2019 and we had our first guests that August.
The style of each accommodation is amazing! Did you take inspiration from other places you had stayed or seen when designing them?
The Pod came really well made and we wanted to keep the glamping feel. We recently installed a new fixed bed, which has made a real difference to the space and our guest’s comfort. We’ve added a couple of comfy chairs and tried to utilise every inch of space in the small kitchen area to make it as practical as possible. The Pod got a new metal top hat in the summer to keep the top boards safe and it ties in well with the Gin Tin now.
We both wanted to give the Loft a simple Scandinavian theme, comfortable and clean lined minimalism. We went with Oak Herringbone floors and got a local craftsman to do polished concrete terrazzo kitchen worktops and the bathroom floor. Subway tiles were always going to feature in the bathroom space. We were delighted to find a grey matte kitchen that we agreed on and crammed as many appliances in as we could so guests can whip up a storm or cater for small children.
The Black Shack was built on a very tight budget so we agreed to be creative with what we had laying around. We are absolutely thrilled with it has turned out and we are very grateful to friends and family who donated materials left over from their own projects. A lot of thought went into the structure and design of the Black Shack and we are lucky to have found local craftsman Martin Maguire (Garden Rooms Ireland) who has been working with us for most of the journey.
For someone planning to stay at Bancran for the weekend do you have any recommendations of where to visit close by?
The Sperrins are jammed pack with things to do while staying at Bancran School. From hill walking to exploring one of the many local forest parks, mountain biking in Davagh, jogging around Lough Fea, visiting an outdoor play park or just taking a stroll around local towns - Draperstown, Magherafelt, Maghera and Cookstown are all just a short drive away.
We have some excellent restaurants and coffee shops on our doorstep: Apparo, Aroma and Silky’s are some of our favourites.
Once you’ve been fed there are plenty of watering holes - Regan’s Market Inn and The Shepherds Rest are worth checking out.
If you are just feeling lazy we have plenty to do on site to spend a day relaxing without having to leave. The hot tub at night while sipping a drink and watching the stars is top of the list!
We are very lucky and proud to live in an area with so much natural beauty.
What are your top tips for someone wanting to create their own Airbnb?
It is really fun but it involves a lot of hard work. We are a small family set up and we are both busy with our own jobs so we have to rely on help from our family and friends at times. It is impossible to consider doing what we do without that support and we are really grateful for it.
However, if it’s something you think you would enjoy just go for it! It is rewarding and getting feedback from our guests makes all the hard work worthwhile! Plus our kids have a ball meeting and greeting people from all over the world.
Do you have any future plans for your Airbnbs or plans to have more?
We have a few things we would like to finish on the site, things happen slowly here and it has worked for us to this point so we will get there eventually.
At the end of 2019 we bought an old school bus. The plan is to convert it into a motorhome that will accommodate Noodles and the 4 of us on our adventures. Things are progressing slowly with it at the minute but we are all very excited to see how it turns out (if we ever get it finished!!).
Click here to book your stay at Bancran School.
Brent Cove Airbnb
Chris & Marty are the owners of the beautiful Brent Cove, a luxury 5* Airbnb on the edge of Strangford Lough.
I had the pleasure of spending a lovely evening at the beautiful Brent Cove last week. For all the size of this little house it is one of the most warm and relaxing stays I have ever had. Located on the shoreline of Strangford lough this quaint stay offers you the best view to wake up to!
After a short and sweet stay at this luxury 5 star Airbnb I wanted to ask Chris & Marty a few questions about themselves and what inspired them to build Brent Cove.
Tell us a little bit about yourselves and what inspired you to build your luxury accommodation?
“We are Chris & Marty, vehicle restorer and teacher by day, luxury food and travel blogger and Airbnb hosts by evening/anytime that’s not the day job! We recently moved into our new home and renovated the entire property from top to bottom. There was a garage on site that was pretty much a store for all of the left over building material so we decided to put it to good use - and that’s how Brent Cove was born! We modeled the renovations on our own house, cladding the building in black corrugated metal. I love the idea of historic buildings having a smaller replica as their gate house and we feel that we share this sentiment with our home and Brent Cove.”
How did you decide on the name Brent Cove? Is there a story behind the name?
“For us, the naming of the property was integral to the build and the overall process of the project. Every year, thousands of Brent geese make the flight from the arctic to seek warmer climes and to feast on our abundance of eel grass - and it just so happens that they land right on our doorstep, Strangford Lough. The ‘Cove’ portion comes from our location on the Lough; a selection of 5 houses on a bend on the coastline that inspired the name. “
I absolutely loved the style of your Airbnb! Did you take any inspiration from other homes when designing the style of Brent Cove?
“When renovating our home, I poured countless hours into designing and sourcing furniture and objet that fitted my ideal design aesthetic. I would consider our home to be eclectic, and I think that some of this has fed into the design of Brent Cove. We wanted to draw on the hygge vibe with us being on Strangford Lough, with its strong Nordic roots. We wanted to nurture a cosiness with the space being small whilst bringing the outside indoors with the views and features inspired by the landscape. We used fur, animal inspired objet, greenery and clean, minimalist furniture. The overall result being a cosy, tiny home that maximises the views while remaining inviting and feeling like a home from home.“
I see that you are now a super host! How does that feel?
“It feels amazing! We had only been open three months when we were awarded the status and it validated all of our hard work! I doesn’t matter which project we take on, we always pour our heart into it 100% and I think our guests can see and feel that when they stay with us.”
Do you have any recommendations of where to visit for guests staying at Brent Cove (Locations, Coffee shops or restaurants)?
“There are so many things to do while staying at Brent Cove that it’s hard to list them all; but I will give our perfect day…
We would start with a walk around Mount Stewart, a national trust park and stately home that is mind blowing! It’s our local park and dog park so we are there nearly every day, but it’s beauty still catches us unaware as it is constantly changing.
We would then head to Haptik, a local landmark for coffee and in our opinion, the best brunch available anywhere in The country - trust us, we’ve tried them all .
Then we would walk around the town centre for a browse in some of the shops, Wardens especially as their kitchen shop is amazing!
Then finish off with supper at TukTuk Bistro, an authentic Asian restaurant serving the freshest Asian food you will find! Delicious.”
Do you have any future plans for Brent Cove?
“We have toyed with the idea of installing a more ‘out there’ rental property on site, like a tree-house or cabin - but we are so busy with our dishyouwerehere supper-clubs, working full time, singing in our folk group and Brent Cove that we would have to consider the idea before building. But never say never!”
Bookings for Brent Cove are available through Airbnb. I couldn’t recommend staying there enough. From amazing views of Strangford lough an the Mournes on your doorstep, to minimal warm interiors highlighted by some comforting house plant greenery.. what more could you want for a relaxing stay at a home away from home!
Follow Brent Cove on Instagram to see regular updates.
Lynette Murray - Studio A114
The first in a series of ‘Local Natives’ features Lynette Murray Hair and her beautiful homely studio in East Belfast.
I have known Lynette for just over two years, ever since she styled my wedding hair - it has always been such a pleasure to be in her company. I was extremely happy to be invited to Lynette’s homely studio in Portview to capture her in her element and ask her some questions about the journey she had been on to get her where she is today.
Tell us a little bit about how you got into hairdressing?
”I always wanted to do hairdressing but my parents always encouraged me to focus on my education first so I agreed and continued with my studies. Unfortunately around that time my Granda fell ill and before he passed away, he had always encouraged me to follow my dream. He told me that if I wanted to be a hairdresser that I should step out and go and be the best goddamn hairdresser I can be. I went to study hairdressing at Rupert Stanley college in Belfast and from there I went on on train at Patrick Mulholland hair in Holywood at the age of 21…
I was always interested in hairdressing, from a young age I used to play with my sisters hair and style it when I was 5 or 6 years old. Although I grew up with very academic siblings, hairdressing was always the one thing I was passionate about.”
When did you decide to open A114 and why?
“I opened my studio in March 2017 and it was the best decision I ever made! Stepping out on my own from working in a studio with other people was scary, I loved the comradery of working with people but I had come to a point in my life where I wanted a place that was my own, with my own values and my own ethic. Opening A114 was a breakthrough of realisation for me that I didn’t have to follow the crowd. I have the opportunity now to use all ethically sourced products that are chemical free, products that I know won’t harm me or my clients. Now that I use ‘O Way’ a company that make chemical free products, I have a refillable station for shampoos, conditioners and hairsprays which provides less plastic waste. It is so important for me to know where my products are coming, from even the tea and coffee that I offer my clients is Fair Trade.”
"There are so many benefits of having my own studio. One of the most important reasons to me is that it gives me the flexibility to spend time with my family, especially my little daughter. I choose my own hours and work 4 days a week to give me the time to be with her. She is the most important thing to me in the whole world.”
I noticed that you have a lot of local art on your walls, tell us a little bit about who they are and why you choose them for your studio…
”When I first opened the studio I wanted to support as many local artists as possible. I love Deborah Toner, she is epic! I got married in the Ulster Museum and have a postcard by Deborah in the studio and I also have some of her smelly pouches around the studio. I have some framed Arbee Cards, lovely embroideries by Roberta Marina Stitches and some greenery displays from Innocent Chaos who is also based in Portview along with lots of other local businesses. On the back wall of the studio I have artwork by a friend of mine who I have known for years. Being a Christian is a big part of my life and I love how she portrays God through her work. I have a few of my favourite Bible quotes dotted around the studio, I love having the opportunity to support local artists in my own space and display work that means a lot to me.”
What are your future dreams for Studio A114?
“I started off hairdressing as Lynette Murray Hair but when I moved to Portview I realised that my space in portview was called A114 so that was when I changed my studio name to Studio A114. It would be an absolute dream for me to be able to have more Studio A114’s dotted around the world. A Studio that was started by me that uses ethically sourced products. I hope and believe that more and more people will become aware of the environment, using less plastic and less chemical filled products. I believe that all small impacts, over time make a difference so with that in mind I would love to have more than one Studio A114 that I could proudly say ‘I did that’ I have only been in Portview a short time so there is a lot more to come!”
Studio A114 is based in Portview Mill in East Belfast. You can follow Lynette and her studio on Instagram.
@lynette_murray_hair
@studio_a114
You can also get in touch with Lynette and view some of her handy work on her website.
www.lynettemurrayhair.com