LOUTH MAKERS HOPING TO FIND NEW MARKETS

THANKS to the support from the Local Enterprise Office, are three local craft brands, Celtic Valley Ceramics, Emma’s So Natural and Sea Remedies, are exhibiting at Ireland’s biggest trade exhibition for the craft sector.

Laura Shaw of Celtic Ceramics reveals that they already export their range of handmade bas relief tiles and giftware to the United States and this year are hoping to appeal to the Irish market with their range of tiles which can be incorporated into interiors.

Having lived and worked in Hong Kong, Laura and her husband Andrew bought their house in Louth Village after seeing it online. ‘We bought it without even seeing it,’ she confesses, adding that its outhouses were the big attraction. These now house their ceramic studio, with Andrew, who previously worked in IT and banking, helping Emma as a technician, glazing their products.

They have five children, four of whom are still living at home. Laura says that working from home has been a huge asset, especially as her youngest daughter has special needs. ‘It gives me a chance to be at home and spend time with her when she needs it.’

Sea Remedies is a family-run business on the shores of Carlingford Lough producing a range of sea salts, soap and seaweed baths.

‘We spent five years on research before setting up the company fourteen months ago,’ explains Cathal Durnin, who had been in the property industry before the recession.

The shore close to the family’s home at Templetown inspired their range of natural products created using sea salts, sea water and seaweed.

There is, he says, a growing demand for natural products and their range is stocked throughout Ireland, as well as the UK, Switzerland and Germany.

‘People are looking for all natural products with no parabens or perfumes, and there’s no plastic in our packaging which is all recyclable.’

Emma Fallon set up her business making soy candles and soap with her husband Dave at their Ardee home in 2010. ‘We started small with a home based studio making candles and soaps using all plant based products and natural oils.’

As a vegan herself, she has noticed a huge demand for vegan products, and the Emma’s So Naturals range is stocked in craft shops, salons and spas throughout Ireland.

Emma also likes to support other local businesses and her packaging was designed and produced locally and she is also sourcing essential oils from a local organic supplier.