Louth LEO brings five emerging local makers to Showcase 2023

^{Above: Representing Louth at Showcase 2023 are local makers Yvonne Mullen of LORE Natural Skincare, Designer Caroline Duffy, Designer Sophie Hunter, Caóilfíonn Murphy O’Hanlon of Cushla of Gullion and Maria Morgan of Esker Fields. They are proudly supported by Local Enterprise Office Louth, represented here by Sarah Mallon. Visit www.showcaseireland.com for more information. Photo: Pause Time Photography}

“Louth is home to some stunning creative industries, artists and makers whose creations are exported and enjoyed across the world. Showcase is Ireland’s creative expo and we’re thrilled to bring five emerging local makers to this year’s event,” explains Sarah Mallon of Local Enterprise Office Louth.

Taking place at the RDS from 22-24th January, this trade event attracts top international retail buyers to sample Ireland’s finest creations. Sarah continues “Each year Louth County Council and the Local Enterprise Office use this event to showcase emerging creative businesses from Louth.

“It so important for buyers to experience products for themselves. They get to touch, smell and see the products and packaging and they can anticipate how their customers will respond. “It is a huge opportunity for each of the makers and we are delighted to offer it to them.”

The featured makers for 2023 are:
Created by Yvonne Mullen, LORE Natural Skincare, uses ethically-sourced sustainable ingredients and premium essential oils to create a beautiful skincare range. She combines traditional methods and ingredients with contemporary scientific knowledge to create her face creams, cleansers, face oil, body lotion bars, lip balms and soaps.

Yvonne places a huge emphasis on sustainability and her packing is eco-friendly and recyclable. Discover more by visiting: lorenaturalskincare.ie

Caroline Duffy, of Caroline Duffy Designs, is an artist and designer. With a passion for creating from nature and flowers, she combines her exuberant floral paintings with her signature feminine uplifting style.

With a focus on the energizing, healing power that nature and colour have on well-being, Caroline’s collection includes a range of silk scarves and dresses, woven blankets, original art, prints and notebooks. View her collection on carolineduffydesigns.com

Designer Sophie Hunter believes that we often overlook the beauty of nature that is all around us. So she has created a collection of real, pressed and framed botanicals and feathers, showcasing and celebrating natures works of art.

She collects botanicals and flora from country and coastal walks around Ireland, while feathers are naturally shed. Be inspired by Sophie’s collection by visiting instagram.com/sophiehunterdesign

Visual artist Caóilfhíonn Murphy O’Hanlon, of Cushla of Gullion, creates stunning wall art and home accessories. She uses naturally dyed wool and silk to create pieces that celebrate the myth, magic and rugged beauty of Irish landscapes.

Her pieces hang in homes all over the world, using memories and nostalgia to evoke memories of home. Visit cushlaofgullion.com to see her work.

Esker Fields, founded by Maria Morgan, is a range of natural skincare products inspired by nature and handmade with love. Each product is made using natural ingredients and pure essential oils, creating a delightful sensory experience.

Esker Fields users report improvements in the appearance of their skin, easing of stress and anxiety, relief from muscle aches and better sleep. Visit Eskerfields.ie to learn more.

In addition, other Louth designers exhibiting at Showcase this year include Garrett Mallon Jewellery, Sarah McKenna Ceramics, Edmund McNulty Knitwear, Karen Lavelle of Soilse Candles and the team from Branigan Weavers.

Sarah Mallon of LEO Louth concludes “Buyers at Showcase are looking for unique, handcrafted, Irish products to sell to their customers all over the world.

“We are so proud of the local enterprises that are attending Showcase this year and hope that this event opens up new opportunities for them and their products.”