MY KIND OF COUNTRY
Designer Sarah Quinn
Sarah Quinn of Enrich & Endure on her love of Ireland and its long tradition of linen
Sarah Quinn was born and bred in Banbridge, County Down in Northern Ireland – an area that was once the heart of the Irish linen industry. In 2013, Sarah and her brother, Lorcan (above), founded Enrich & Endure, with a clear vision of reviving linen, giving it a unique, vibrant, 21st-century twist. Their thriving business now sells linen aprons and napkins online to the public, as well as customised ones for prestigious restaurants, cafés, and a diverse range of companies from Covent Garden to Tokyo. We made a beeline to Banbridge to meet Sarah…
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE…
I’m lucky to live in a lovely house in a stunning, countryside location, close to Banbridge. Back in the 1800s, there were no fewer than 26 linen bleach greens along the River Bann. Banbridge was also once a staging post on the mail coach route between Belfast and Dublin.
HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN A COUNTRY GIRL AT HEART – WHAT ARE YOUR EARLIEST MEMORIES?
Yes, always! I do love the city... but in small doses. I have amazing memories of going on family camping trips to County Down’s beautiful Mourne Mountains every summer. At the time, it felt like we were on holiday in another country – but in fact, we’d only gone 30 minutes up the road. Lorcan, our sister Fiona and I would spend our holidays having all sorts of exciting adventures. Our parents definitely taught us to respect and enjoy the countryside from a young age – and, in the future, I hope to have my own children and pass on this same love affair.
HOW DOES LIVING IN COUNTY DOWN ENHANCE YOUR LIFE?
I love being outdoors and the sense of total freedom and energy that gives me. Practically wherever you are in the county, you can catch a glimpse of the Mournes which really do, as the folk song states, roll down to the sea.
This combination of coast and mountains is very special to me, particularly as I’m a keen fell-runner and walker. Being immersed in nature is good for body, mind and soul.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH…
I’ve always been arty. Having left Manchester School of Art, I went to New Zealand where I worked with a stylist. I loved the chance to be creative and make things even more
beautiful. When Lorcan was travelling and thinking about changing careers, he met me in New Zealand. At that point, we started formulating ideas for launching a business.
HOW DID ENRICH & ENDURE COME ABOUT?
Proud of the Irish linen legacy of our town, we originally decided to produce a range of innovative homewares, using this unique material. However, with both of us being ‘foodies’ and loving good coffee, the idea of creating an apron kept coming up. An initial collaboration with a coffee shop to design the perfect apron for their team, blossomed into something much bigger. In the lead-up to Christmas, our staff will be producing around 200 aprons every week from our workshops in Banbridge.
TELL US WHAT MAKES YOUR APRONS SPECIAL.
It’s the attention to detail, from the 100% brass hardware on the adjustable straps, to the vast range of colours from turmeric to turquoise, different weights of the fabric, and the fact that every time the linen is washed, it becomes softer which gives it more character. Our designs are generally classic with subtle details tailored to our customers’ needs.
WHAT WAS THE THINKING BEHIND THE COMPANY NAME?
Enrich & Endure is much more than just a name – it’s the pledge our products fulfil. Our ethos is simple – quality materials, longevity, local craftsmanship and top-class design.
AND WHAT INSPIRED THE LOGO?
All our products boast the linnet bird logo. This little bird feeds on flax – the hardy plant from which linen is made.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE YOUR BUSINESS ROLES?
I head up the design, marketing and anything of a more artistic nature, while Lorcan focuses on sales and business aspects.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS?
There have been so many great moments so far. One particularly memorable occasion happened when our first Us-based customer got in contact following a research trip to London. Having spotted
our aprons in several top restaurants, he returned to Boston and immediately placed a large order. It’s also always incredibly rewarding when we receive repeat custom.
WHAT’S THE SECRET OF HAPPINESS IN YOUR CAREER?
Working with my family. Lorcan and I fully support each other and share the same common drive.
WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL SHOP?
I’m a big fan of Woven in Banbridge – and that’s not just because of the name! It’s a lovely homewares and lifestyle store, which was opened recently by a young girl who has a great eye for sourcing gorgeous, high-quality products from artisan makers.
HAVE YOU A FAVOURITE LOCAL CAFE?
The Rosehip in Banbridge is a café/bakery that’s perfect for coffee or a tasty lunch. There’s always a friendly atmosphere, great baking smells wafting through and interesting local art on the walls.
WE’RE COMING TO VISIT COUNTY DOWN. WHAT PLACES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THAT WE VISIT?
Oh, there are so many, including several fabulous National Trust properties, such as Castle Ward and Mount Stewart. Tollymore Forest Park is beautiful at all times of the year and, if you’re after a beach, you’ll be spoilt for choice. In the Mournes, there is the Silent Valley and Slieve Binnian. Strangford Lough is the largest sea inlet in the British Isles and yet another magical spot.