IT takes guts to keep a business going in the current climate and even more to start one, so hats off to Siobhan Boyle who has just opened Sculpt Studio and Sculpt Cosmetics in Letterkenny.
Watch out on Donegal Daily on Monday for a chance to win a Make-up Lesson For Two.
Siobhan’s new business is based at 1 Academy Court, on the Oliver Plunkett Road.
Here she talks about her Donegal:
What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
I love the Poisoned Glen and Dunlewey area. It is stunning, so beautiful and it mesmerizes me every time I pass through it. I have family in Gortahork and always take that road to get there!
If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
The attitude towards entreprenship and success in the county. So many people have said to me, ‘if you can make your business a success in this country you can do it anywhere, it is just so bad out there right now’. With that attitude nothing will prosper. There are so many companies continuing to remain open and employ staff in Donegal, while there are some others that are thriving. We should look to this as a positive and let it filter throughout the county.
Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?
I really admire Moya Doherty, who is originally from Donegal the producer of Riverdance with her husband John Mc Colgan. I feel that the show not only showcased Ireland’s skills, brought Irishness, Irish dance and song around the world. She is also behind Today FM and Tyrone productions, who produced TV programmes that gave me my first ever TV job as a make up artist. I owe a bit of my career to her!
Daniel O’Donnell or Packie Bonner?
I think Daniel is in a better placed position to act as an ambassador for Donegal and its people, being in the media more than Packie so I’d choose him. I have never met him personally but the time he takes out to meet his fans is impressive. I admire his wife Majella and have seen her TV programmes on her struggles with depression. She truly is a strong soul and I respect her a lot.
What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
Lifting Sam Maguire in September, without a doubt. The team did the county proud not only by such success on the pitch, but also by touring every nook and cranny in this big county and reaching out to so many people. They really have made a difference to Donegal and its mood and should be very proud.
What was Donegal’s saddest moment?
This is a tough one as unfortunately there have been so many especially on the road. We have a bad reputation for road tragedies and it would be great to change this.
What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Football Special!
Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
Again I think Moya Doherty has brought so much of Ireland around the world with Riverdance. Before it I don’t think anyone would have imagined Irish dancing being performed in the Far East. It also made Ireland proud of their history, music and dancing.
Who is Donegal’s most successful businessperson in your opinion?
Anyone that is still operating and employing someone else is a hero in my eyes. I really admire the independent stores that stay alive and try to compete with the chains. Mc Elhinneys has been a huge success for Ballybofey as well a large employer. Evolve Menswear in Letterkenny has proven that it can compete with well known international brands also, with its location.
Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Shay Given without a doubt, he came to my prize giving in St Columba’s College, his old school and I have admired him since then! Despite being a highly paid sports star he has been true to his roots and often meets and greets local schoolboy footballers.
What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
La Fantasia, an Italian in Letterkenny. Some of the best food I’ve had and the friendliest staff I’ve seen in a long time.
Donegal’s golden eagles or basking sharks?
Golden eagles, the water is too chilly around here!
Your nomination for Donegal’s most stylish person?
Pauric Sweeney- not for his personal style but for his handbag designs, he was born in Donegal but went to school in Dublin, so he has been a bit forgotten. I think we should hold on tight to him though!
What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
I love the accent more than I love a particular saying! I have lived in Dublin, Galway and London and it’s just the nicest accent around.
What is your favourite Donegal food?
I don’t have one food but I love all the independent restaurants available in every town.
Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
Just the weather! But if we were a very warm climate the coast would of been ruined with holiday apartments! The people are lovely, friends that visit me always comment on how people are very cheery and willing to help.
If you had a million euro to spend on improving something in Donegal, what would it be?
I would love to develop a creative hub in Donegal for people of all ages, to train in all aspects of creative mediums. From dance to art, to print and design, hat making, make up artistry, cinematography, making jewellery etc. etc. the list is endless! A place to hone their skills and to develop new ones. School is so academic focused and if you are creative it isn’t classed as intellect.
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