Carlow design creatives take their wares at Showcase expo at the RDS
Two Carlow companies to showcase the very best of the county's creativity, design and innovation
Two craft and design companies will display the very best of county Carlow’s creativity, design and innovation at the Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo this January.
Taking place in the RDS, January 21-23, Showcase is one of the country’s largest international trade shows, with over 3,350 buyers visit the event from across the world and generating sales orders of over €25.6 million over the 3 day event.
Two craft and design companies, Enchanted Castle Melts and Flower Child, will be showcasing the very best of Carlow, with the assistance of Local Enterprise Office Carlow.
Enchanted Castle Melts, owned by Joanne Doyle, is based in Bagenalstown, where each of their products are carefully crafted by hand.
Made with eco-friendly ingredients, such as soy wax, a wooden wick and a sustainable, recyclable glass jar along with a seed-infused paper lid, which can be planted to produce lovely wildflowers, the all-natural ingredients of these candles ensure a clean burn up to 40 hours, providing a long-lasting, indulgent scent for any space and bring elegance to any room in your home.
The Flower Child brand, owned by Alex Kelly, offers handmade aromatherapy candles and products that promote well-being and a strong connection with nature.
With a focus on sustainability and mindfulness, they aim to create a transformative experience that nurtures the mind, body, and soul.
Working in partnership with the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, the 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) around the country set up a dedicated area within Showcase every year – the Local Enterprise Showcase – enabling up to 100 designers, manufacturers and craftspeople to sell directly to international buyers.
Melissa Doyle, Business Advisor with the Local Enterprise Office has called Showcase "an invaluable stepping stone to any craft-maker or designer getting an audience with potential clients".
"With buyers from Ireland, Europe, the USA and Asia, Showcase is truly established as the must-see trade event. For anyone in the fashion, jewellery, home or giftware business the event offers exposure to new international markets."
"Not only is their place subsidised by the LEO, in advance of the expo the businesses will avail of training and briefing days in order to help them perfect their pitch and give them the tools, advice and insights to take full advantage of this fantastic opportunity," she continued.