When did you set up your business and why?
I set up my business in December 2020 because I believe that developing a love of nature in young children will help make them more aware and caring of the environment we all share.
As a mother to two little girls, aged seven and four, I have seen the importance of imagination and creativity in my children.
Having a lifelong love of art and nature myself, I wanted to encourage my girls to explore and connect with Irish nature and wildlife.
We had been watching two wild rabbits every morning in the field behind our house and started making up stories about them and their adventures.
This led me to begin drawing the rabbits and then their other wild friends and the idea for my fine art keepsake business, named after these rabbits Fiadh and Finn, began to emerge. It started with a story.
Can you explain your process?
Fiadh and Finn take pride in making sure all products are made to the highest standards.
My original artwork is painted in watercolour and each piece is then expertly reproduced as a fine art giclée print on premium 310gsm textured, acid-free fine art 100% cotton card by world-renowned Hahnemühle papers.
To ensure the art will last for generations, it is printed using archival pigment ink for the finest detail reproduction.
Every component has been carefully selected for both its quality and its eco credentials.
Picture frames are made in Ireland from sustainable solid wood.Unframed prints are packed in 100% compostable clear sleeves.Gift cards, info cards and booklets are printed on 100% recycled card.Gift wrap is recycled tissue paper printed using soy ink.All of the gift cards, stickers and thank you cards are made from 100% recycled card.I only use paper tape for packaging.Every element of your shipping packaging is recycled material, recyclable, reusable, compostable and/or biodegradable. Shipping labels are 100% compostable.Packaging is completely plastic free.What is your best seller?
My Natural Ireland Alphabet personalised name collection, which is inspired by Irish nature, illustrating Irish animals, birds, flowers, trees, insects and butterflies, perfect as nursery and playroom art.
Each framed name includes an A-Z of Ireland's natural alphabet and exclusive information booklet, containing interesting facts for each illustrated letter. A gift to be treasured for generations.
What is it about your business that brings you joy?
When each order comes in, it truly makes my day. To have something I have painted on the walls of children’s rooms all over the world is a true privilege and pure joy.
I love hearing the stories behind the orders and one of the best parts of my day is writing the messages that I send with the gifts.
Every message of congratulations, love, hope and joy is a privilege to write and reminds me every day of how generous and kind people are and how much love and goodness is out there.
What are your hopes for 2022?
To keep growing the business and provide employment. I want to complete my floral alphabet and lots of other lovely new creations.
I am also working on some potential retail partnerships, which is very exciting for 2022.
I also recently won the Network Ireland businesswoman of the year 2022 award in the creative category for the Kildare branch.
What advice would you give to another start-up business?
I have been inspired by so many incredible businesses and in particular the women running them and I would advise anyone with a dream to go for it.
And maybe the dream will become something that can change your life!
For further information, visit www.fiadhandfinn.ie.
Read more
Meet the Maker: Fiona Foley of Pear Shaped Studio
Meet The Maker: artist Kim Gaffney
When did you set up your business and why?
I set up my business in December 2020 because I believe that developing a love of nature in young children will help make them more aware and caring of the environment we all share.
As a mother to two little girls, aged seven and four, I have seen the importance of imagination and creativity in my children.
Having a lifelong love of art and nature myself, I wanted to encourage my girls to explore and connect with Irish nature and wildlife.
We had been watching two wild rabbits every morning in the field behind our house and started making up stories about them and their adventures.
This led me to begin drawing the rabbits and then their other wild friends and the idea for my fine art keepsake business, named after these rabbits Fiadh and Finn, began to emerge. It started with a story.
Can you explain your process?
Fiadh and Finn take pride in making sure all products are made to the highest standards.
My original artwork is painted in watercolour and each piece is then expertly reproduced as a fine art giclée print on premium 310gsm textured, acid-free fine art 100% cotton card by world-renowned Hahnemühle papers.
To ensure the art will last for generations, it is printed using archival pigment ink for the finest detail reproduction.
Every component has been carefully selected for both its quality and its eco credentials.
Picture frames are made in Ireland from sustainable solid wood.Unframed prints are packed in 100% compostable clear sleeves.Gift cards, info cards and booklets are printed on 100% recycled card.Gift wrap is recycled tissue paper printed using soy ink.All of the gift cards, stickers and thank you cards are made from 100% recycled card.I only use paper tape for packaging.Every element of your shipping packaging is recycled material, recyclable, reusable, compostable and/or biodegradable. Shipping labels are 100% compostable.Packaging is completely plastic free.What is your best seller?
My Natural Ireland Alphabet personalised name collection, which is inspired by Irish nature, illustrating Irish animals, birds, flowers, trees, insects and butterflies, perfect as nursery and playroom art.
Each framed name includes an A-Z of Ireland's natural alphabet and exclusive information booklet, containing interesting facts for each illustrated letter. A gift to be treasured for generations.
What is it about your business that brings you joy?
When each order comes in, it truly makes my day. To have something I have painted on the walls of children’s rooms all over the world is a true privilege and pure joy.
I love hearing the stories behind the orders and one of the best parts of my day is writing the messages that I send with the gifts.
Every message of congratulations, love, hope and joy is a privilege to write and reminds me every day of how generous and kind people are and how much love and goodness is out there.
What are your hopes for 2022?
To keep growing the business and provide employment. I want to complete my floral alphabet and lots of other lovely new creations.
I am also working on some potential retail partnerships, which is very exciting for 2022.
I also recently won the Network Ireland businesswoman of the year 2022 award in the creative category for the Kildare branch.
What advice would you give to another start-up business?
I have been inspired by so many incredible businesses and in particular the women running them and I would advise anyone with a dream to go for it.
And maybe the dream will become something that can change your life!
For further information, visit www.fiadhandfinn.ie.
Read more
Meet the Maker: Fiona Foley of Pear Shaped Studio
Meet The Maker: artist Kim Gaffney
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