I’m a firm believer in the working to live as opposed to living to work school of thought. I’ve always dreamed of starting up my own business doing something that I knew I would enjoy.
In 2001, I took the plunge and started up the challenge of creating Bog Standard, a range of gift ware that would marry my passion for Ireland with my love of style and good design. I wanted the products to sit comfortably on the shelves of popular tourist spots as well as in the large retail stores of the towns and cities.
Initially, my research took me across Ireland several times and whilst I revelled at the variety and quality of local craft products, I saw enough leprechaun key rings and Guinness memorabilia to last me a lifetime! I was surprised at the shortage of Style conscious home fragrance gifts that were truly local. And so I set about the development of the core range of candles and soaps with gorgeousily evocative scents reminiscent of Ireland, all beautifully packaged and presented in stylish boxes.
Over time the range has grown to include carefully complimentary products such as the unbleached Irish linen homewares trimmed in vintage inspired florals and our new range of hand washes and creams in our most popular scents Irish Linen and Irish Field.
Bog Standard has fast become a vibrant favourite for stylish giftware with a quirky Irish twist in Ireland and beyond. The products are available in fashionable boutiques, giftware stores up and down the country and in the UK. In recent times, the company has also developed a global online business at www.bogstandard.ie.