HappiClose designs, makes and sells clothes which are uniquely easy to fit and fasten for babies and small children. Instead of poppers or buttons, special baby-soft Velcro  is used for fastening, which makes dressing an easy experience. The range includes dresses, pinafores, skirts and dungarees in 100% cotton. Limited numbers of each design are produced, making them truly exclusive. Stockists include Avoca, Fishers of Newtownmountkennedy, and Jane Carroll Design in Blackrock.  

DLRLocal Enterprise Office has provided invaluable support. In the early stages they put me in touch with  a mentor, whose guidance and support enabled me to get the business off the ground. In 2013 I received  a Feasability Grant which helped me extend the range of products and develop a website ( www.happiclose.com).

I have just been awarded Trading Online Vouchers which will ensure that I can promote my business and sell online. Their encouragement is invaluable.

Be positive, don’t take things personally, and keep trying!

In the early stages of my business, I was intent on developing an easy to fasten babygro. I spent lots of time and money trying to get the right design, without success. My mentor encouraged me to ‘let it go’, which was hard to do, as this was my ‘vision’. I did let it go, and focused on other items which are now selling well.

When I took early retirement from my career as a child psychiatrist, I earmarked a portion of my lump sum for investment in the business. It was an amount that I could afford to lose if the business did not work out. This is my second year in business, and as turnover has increased,  I have spent only a fraction of that sum.

The HappiClose website and Facebook pages. This year I will learn to use these more effectively to promote sales, and will use my Online Trading Vouchers to develop an online shop.

Enjoy the good times, keep going through the not so good times,  keep linked in with other entrepreneurs, and never be afraid to ask!