When it comes to the relentless and unforgiving world of business, there’s just some people out there who know what they want and go out and take it. Armagh has no shortage of these pioneers, who provide the backbone of the local business community.
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by The Hungry Goat, recognises those who have used new and innovative ideas and passions to help make their own way in business.
This year’s nominees are Gail Walker, Christine Marshall, Alisha Thompson, Leanne Seeley and Narelle Height. Vote for your winner here.
Gail Walker is the founder of The Big White Coach Events Company, which provides mobile sensory and well-being environments and creative activity experiences for events across the island of Ireland.
Gail found herself on her current path when her son was diagnosed with autism aged three. She says this moment, “marked the beginning of an extraordinary transformation in me in understanding Autism and Neurodiversity”.
Gail decided to leave her life of marketing and the arts to set out on a mission for Neuro inclusivity and acceptance.
Her double-decker bus caters for events from birthday parties to community events, with Gail determined to ensure that no family has to leave early or stay at home due to lack of accessibility.
The coach is a specialised designed to provide a multi-sensory and wellbeing experience on wheels, featuring two levels, designed to allow maximum space and versatility.
Another Entrepreneur who has vowed to press on despite life’s challenges is Markethill’s Christine Marshall, who didn’t let a bee allergy hold her back from her dream of being a bee-keeper.
The 29-year-old started Marshall Beekeeping in 2020 and has since expanded her portfolio from two hives to 50.
Recently, Christine was honoured with a Gold Award at the London International Honey Awards, a prestigious accolade that has solidified her produce as the ‘bee’s knees’ across the world.
At the start of her career four years ago, Christine met a number of challenges including the cancellation of a beekeeping course she was due to take because of COVID.
She also was refused work out in Australia and New Zealand due to fears she may have been allergic to bees – she later discovered, ironically, she was!
Despite that, Christine says she decided to “plough on anyway” with what she knew would become her passion.
Alisha Thompson from Lurgan set up Just Two Sweet in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic at the age of just 16!
During that difficult time, her unique, personalised selection boxes brough joy to family and friends alike as customers could sent a sweet treat box with a personal message to their loved ones amid the restrictions.
The business only grew from there and in October 2022, Alisha’s dream became a reality when she opened her very own sweet shop.
With the aim of creating a place that is welcoming, bright and fun, Alisha has expanded on her initial offering and has even brought her mum Lisa on board to help her fulfil her true potential.
The mother and daughter team work side-by-side every day to help ensure the business thrives.
Alisha even provides the ‘Star of the Week’ from local youth groups with free treats every week.
Leanne Seeley launched her Simply Beautiful salon in Portadown in 2011, before going on to open a new location in the South Lake Leisure Centre in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Leanne took a leap of faith to make the South Lake branch happen and ever since has been very highly regarded for her professionalism, kindness and integrity.
Recently, she scooped the ‘Best Beauty Salon in Co Armagh’ Award in the NIBBeautiful Awards.
A nominator said of Leanne: “Leanne is potentially the hardest working person I know in all aspects of her life but most significantly her two businesses. She has significantly contributed to the community through creating jobs, supporting local suppliers and supporting the community in events they are holding.
“Leanne’s strategies have resulted in massive growth including expanding to a second location, making her brand Simply Beautiful known far and wide. So because of her contributions to the community, exemplary leadership, innovative ideas, and forward thinking that is why I think this makes her a deserving candidate for the “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award.”
Another nominator, who works at Simply Beautiful, said: “Since working with Leanne I have seen the Simply Beautiful brand grow and this is no surprise due to how hard she works. She lives and breathes her business and as a result we all try to match her enthusiasm!”
Back in 2000, at the tender age of 17, Armagh-born arts enthusiast Narelle Height decided to open her own arts academy for the benefit of young people in her area.
DFK Performing Arts Academy is a not-for-profit, cross-community, all-ability performing arts group for young people from the age of three right up to 18.
The young people have the opportunity to enjoy learning about acting, singing, dancing, film, tech, innovation and theatre in a friendly and safe environment.
Her academy started out in her dad’s cow shed and former milking parlour, which was converted into a space for her to teach.
Following the passing of her dad in 2009, Narelle decided to produce a show with her students.
A true ambassador for the arts, Narelle is second-to-none in her teaching methods, her work ethic and her commitment and knowledge of the arts.
