“I wanted guidance on how to grow sustainably and build a business that could continue to develop for years to come. The support from the LEO has been invaluable.”

Lilypod is a small family run online platform for small brands, focused on quality self-care products with natural ingredients. Founded and created by Ellie Walsh, Lilypod is based deep in the countryside of west Waterford. It produces natural self-care and home fragrance products in small batches, focusing on quality ingredients, sustainability and products that encourage people to slow down and take time for themselves.

What began as a creative hobby quickly grew into something much bigger. Ellie started selling at local markets and online, and the support from customers was incredible. Today, Lilypod offers a growing range of handmade candles, wax melts, shower steamers, bath products and gifts, all made by hand in west Waterford with sustainability at the heart of everything.

Ellie says starting your own business is a leap of faith, “My biggest piece of advice is simply to start. You’ll never feel 100% ready, and your business doesn’t have to be perfect on day one. Start with what you have, listen to your customers and be prepared to learn as you go.

“Running a business can feel overwhelming at times, but don’t be afraid to ask for help. Build a network of people around you, take advantage of the supports available and remember that every successful business has grown one small step at a time. Consistency, resilience and believing in your vision will take you much further than waiting for the perfect moment.”

That support system included the Local Enterprise Office in Waterford. “I first contacted the Local Enterprise Office when I realised Lilypod had the potential grow. I wanted guidance on how to grow sustainably and build a business that could continue to develop for years to come.”

“The support from the LEO has been invaluable. Through mentoring, training programmes, networking opportunities and financial support, they’ve helped me develop both personally and professionally. Most recently, I was delighted to receive a Business Expansion Grant, which is allowing me to transform my workspace, invest in new equipment and increase production capacity to meet growing demand.

“Being shortlisted for the LEO Waterford Digital Awards was another huge milestone. It was wonderful recognition of the work I’ve put into building Lilypod’s online presence and showed me just how important digital innovation is for small businesses.”

Ellie plans to expand into more retail and wholesale outlets, developing new product ranges and continuing to invest in the business so she can increase production without losing the personal touch that customers love. She also hopes to bring Lilypod to even more customers across Ireland and eventually into international markets.

Local Enterprise Office Waterford is here to help you start a business, expand an existing business or reach new markets. It provides advice, information and supports in starting up or growing your business as part of a network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland. 

Contact your Local Enterprise Office Waterford for their latest training programmes, grants and events schedule on www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie for access to all their training support information.

To find out more about Lilypod see, www.lilypod.ie