Irish Product Review: Felt by Sheena - Handmade Soap

Felt by Sheena Soap

As someone with a cute and delightful dash of OCD, I LOVE my cleansing products. It's something that gets me really excited in an adorable way, although some people misconstrue this as being weird. Imagine my delight when I got my hands on a Felt by Sheena soap which according to the Irish entrepreneur is your antibacterial washcloth and soap all in one!

Stunning Colors

Upon opening the wrapping, the first thing that hit me was the stunning and vibrant colors of the felt wool enveloping this soap. An exciting mix of yellow, red and deep pink encase a deliciously sweet scent of 'Rhubarb & Custard'. Similar to how a young child can't wait to play with their new toy on Christmas day, I couldn't wait to jump into the shower to try my Felt by Sheena soap!

Having tried the soap, I was not disappointed. The felt gently exfoliated my skin, leaving it feeling extra clean. Surprisingly it did not dry out my skin at all. According to Sheena Walsh, the Irish entrepreneur who hand makes this, it is the glycerin base which is high in moisture and kind to the skin that prevents that dried out feeling that you typically get with soap. 

An added bonus is that the felt casing not only removes scum residue but it also eliminates that 'icky and gooey' wet soap feel.

 I would highly recommend this product as not only is it great for gently cleansing your skin, but it also smells wonderful during and post shower. 

Competition Time!!!

Win a delicious Rhubarb & Custard felted soap by Sheena.
Many other great prizes to be won, worth €170!
Ends 26/12/13. Enter HERE: https://a.pgtb.me/2SPNV6

Buy your Felt by Sheena soap here for only €4: www.etsy.com/ie/shop/FeltBySheena

Interviewed by Her.ie

Irish Women In Business: Shen Wong Jewellery

Recently I was featured by popular Irish women website, Her.ie. They interviewed me for their section on Irish Women in Business. It was such a buzz to be contacted by such a huge well known website in Ireland.

This interview was quite different to the ones I have done before with Clothes.ie or on air as there was a real focus on my career background and the fashion industry. A very fun meeting all in all!

After I posted about my interview on Facebook, I got a huge response from my fanbase offering supportive and kind words. It always lovely to see the support out there for me. I am spoiled with love! :)

Read my interview here.

Leave a comment to let me know what you think.

3 Steps To Getting Financial Support

Many people may be put off setting up their own business due to tight finances. But with some savings and a bit of financial support from the government, your dreams can be within reach!

How I got financial support:

1. Applied for the Back To Work Enterprise Allowance,
2. Prepared a detailed business plan,
3. Applied for the Short-Term Enterprise Allowance with the Tolka Partnership.

          Weekly allowance approved!

After I left my job, I knew that I wanted to set up my own business. This will be a slow process as there is a lot of set up work and I will not be bringing in much money within the first couple of months.

To overcome the lack of income in the early stages of my set-up, I applied for the Back To Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) otherwise known as the dole or scratcher. This is a fund for people who are unemployed. Until I've created business viable products, I considered myself to be an unemployed person pursuing on a VERY expensive hobby/idea. On that basis, it is fair for me to avail of this fund.

Recently I completed my online shop set up on Etsy, and made some sales, so it was no longer fair for me to be on an unemployment allowance. I have since successfully applied for the Short-Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA). This pays the same as the BTWEA and for the same nine month period, but rather than coming out of a pot for unemployed people, it is for start up entrepreneurs. 

Benefits of STEA over BTWEA

• Money is paid straight into your bank account.
• No need to sign-in anymore at the unemployment office.
• No need to attend meetings with case worker.

Note: You cannot get the STEA grant if you are registered as a sole trader.

The resources I mentioned are only available in Ireland. But there should be support in most countries. Remember, Google is your best friend for information!

Resources

Read more about Irish government support and process > here.

Application for STEA form > here.

How to apply for STEA:

- If you live in an area covered by a local development company (xls) (LDC), apply to the Enterprise Officer.

- If you do not live in an LDC area, apply to the Jobs Facilitator in your social welfare local office.