'The girls are powerhouses': Cork collective of creative women preparing for Christmas
Virg Laveau outside The Wildflower Collective.
Flooding, issues with parking, neighbouring businesses closing down - all have “drastically” impacted them, according to Virg Laveau.
Virg, who hails from , is one of the talented group of creatives working together to showcase their unique array of arts and crafts, clothing, and other artefacts.
How did Virg learn her craft?
“I moved here from over 25 years ago,” she says.
“I accidently became a self-taught designer and ceramicist. Chaos is my greatest teacher to this day!”
Wildflower Collective has been open for more than a year.
“We work together to showcase our unique handmade wares,” says Lynn Shead, from Knockanore, who is the mother of three. Lynn makes products for sensitive skin, Nature’s Alchemy, and she is a herbalist.
“I have had a keen interest in skincare since having experience of extreme psoriasis,” says Lynn.
The skin problem extended to the next generation..
“And my children suffered from eczema,” says Lynn.
“The highest quality of natural ingredients and organic native herbs contained in my products help calm redness, soothe itch, and repair dry sensitive skin.”
Lynn explains what the talented creatives are about.
“As a collective, we share equally the shop costs and the selling and promotion of our work. Purchases go directly to the makers and that helps us continue new work.
“We think it is a win-win. We hope you do too! We love having a space to display and sell our products,” says Lynn.
The group, who work together, think alike.
“We try to be as sustainable as possible,” says Lynn. “Some of our ranges include materials which are by-products from industry which were destined for landfill.”
There are perks going with the job.
The concept is a good one.
“We find that people like to meet the person behind the product,” says Lynn.
The creatives are always full of ideas.
“There are so many of us, we never run out of ideas to promote our shop,” says Lynn. “The input from all of us is important, we all have a say in any decisions that are made.”
Including adopting a rescue dog?
“Including adopting Mr Manny!” laughs Lynn.
East Cork is a hub of creative people, and here, at Wildflower Collective, they are all in it together.
“A number of us have children and we have other jobs as well,” says Lynn.
“We all enjoy the nature of this job here at Wildflower Collective and the working flexibility it provides.”
“The girls are powerhouses, with lots of energy and enthusiasm for the work they create.”
They are all pals. “We work together, and we socialise together,” says Lynn.
“We discovered that we are all like-minded and we all got friendly.”
Lynn introduces me to the creative ladies working in the shop on the day I visit, who create a buzzing, friendly atmosphere piquing the iration of locals and visitors alike.
“Hi there!” says Connie. “I’m an artist based in east Cork, and I have always been drawn to the art of crochet and the meditative process of creating.
“A lot of my work is focused on mandalas, a symbol of balance and harmony. I believe in the importance of mindfulness and incorporating it into my work by using repurposed materials,” says Connie Murray.
She breathes new life into her work.
With a love and ion for all things candles, twin mum Natalie Kelleher started her Home and Fragrance business last year. Natalie creates beautiful clean burning candles using an eco-soy wax with ingredients and products sourced in Ireland.
“I want every customer who burns one of my candles to feel a sense of happiness and calm in what can be a busy chaotic world,” she says.
Candles have a special place.
“Candles create a safe space. It helps us to feel grounded and connected,” says Natalie.
“Feather & Wick fragrances are all unique creative scents, with each one sure to appeal to the senses.”
Gosia Gawicka’s jewellery appeals to many of her customers.
“I fell in love with glass crystals!” says Gosia. “That is how my adventure as a jewellery- maker began.”
How does she create her original pieces?
“Mixing crystals with silver gives my jewellery lightness and a unique look,” says Gosia.
“It makes me very happy to make something very special for customers, Recently, I added to my collection ‘sun catchers’ made from brass and wood.”
Gosia likes spreading happiness, adding: “Making my jewellery is my way of sharing the happiness from the sun light.”
There is a rainbow of colours displayed in the brightness of the shop.
“Hi, I am Lucija Titulic of Rainbow Design.”
What does Lucija do?
“I make babies’ and kids’ sustainable clothing,” she says.
Lucija is from Croatia.
“I have a diploma in Fashion & Design which I earned 20 years ago in Croatia. I started my small business four years ago and I also work full-time as a worker.”
Does she enjoy ing others?
“I enjoy my work as a worker, even though it can be challenging to manage everything,” says Lucija.
Sparking joy, Lucija is motivated.
Since the devastating floods last October, Wildflower Collective is going strong - but they are seeking as people head into the busy gift-buying season.
“The Midleton community were wonderful to us after the floods,” says Lynn.
“The encouragement we all received built us all up.”
Locals and visitors alike are drawn to Wildflower Collective. Why is that?
“I think it is the thrill of finding something unique that nobody else has!” says Lynn.
There are many things on offer to attract people into the shop.
“Some of our artists/crafters run workshops at various times.”
Front of house is very pretty. Back of house is intriguing, a treasure trove of delights eagerly waiting to be discovered.
See https://thewildflowercollective.ie/en-eur/
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