Finalists Announced for 2024 Powerhouse Women in Business Awards

women and men holding award

The Carlow County Council Local Enterprise Office is proud to announce the finalists for the 2024 Powerhouse Women in Business Awards, to take place on Thursday, 21st November 2024 in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow. This year’s awards ceremony will be hosted by Joanne Sweeney, CEO of Digital Training Institute, and former broadcast Journalist, and promises to be a celebration of innovation, leadership, and resilience in business.

In a new and exciting addition to the Powerhouse Awards, all finalists will also be invited to participate in a special Masterclass Away Day in January 2025. The masterclass, facilitated by Orlaith Carmody of Carmody Coaching and Consulting, will provide an exclusive opportunity for all finalists to benefit from expert insights into business strategy, leadership, and personal development.

The Powerhouse Women in Business Awards are designed to recognise and promote SMEs based in County Carlow, with a focus on businesses that have shown significant growth and development. These awards provide an invaluable platform for businesses to showcase their achievements and gain recognition in their industries.

Cllr Fergal Browne, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, congratulated the finalists, stating, " As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of this year’s Powerhouse finalists, we are reminded that our community’s true strength lies in the vision, resilience, and leadership of its people. These women exemplify what it means to turn challenges into opportunities, and their success stories inspire all of us to aim higher.” Cllr Browne continued to say, "Their contributions are not only shaping the future of business in Carlow but also setting a powerful example for the next generation. Best of luck to all the finalists. Your hard work, passion, and dedication have already made you stand out, and we look forward to seeing you continue to inspire and lead."

Melissa Doyle, Business Advisor, Local Enterprise Office, Carlow County Council also praised this year's entries: "The quality of entries for the 2024 Powerhouse Awards was incredible. I’d like to thank all who entered and congratulate each of you for putting your business forward. The innovation, leadership, and determination in these applications is inspiring. The Powerhouse Network is dedicated to empowering women to achieve their full potential, and these finalists are outstanding examples of what can be accomplished when ambition is paired with determination."

The 2024 Powerhouse Women in Business Awards Finalists are:

Powerhouse - Start-up of the Year 2024

  • Alex Kelly of Flowerchild
  • Rachel Doyle of Blueberry Soul
  • Laura Mullin of The Old Post Office Café
  • Noelle Bolger, Maria Haberlin & Karen Foley of Strands
  • Cheryl Stanley of Lazer Now

Powerhouse - Creative Businesswoman of the Year 2024

  • Emma Butler of White Meadows Interiors
  • Amanda Shasha of Steadfast Creations
  • Lorraine Glover of LoGlow by Lorraine Glover
  • Lesley Kelly of 5th Wall Interiors

Powerhouse - Best Customer Service 2024

  • Dympna Bramley of Bramley Jewellers
  • Jane Kavanagh of Feedalpa
  • Grainne Aylmer of Aylmer Solicitors
  • Ann O’Neill of ANNO Beauty Studio
  • Delia Nicolcea of ND Beauty & Holistic Centre

Powerhouse - Best in Professional Services 2024

  • Sinead Mulvihill of Sinead Mulvihill T/A S& R Property Experts
  • Deirdre Flanagan of View Solutions
  • Lucy Gernon of 360 LeadHERship Training and Development
  • Shauna Doyle of Doyle's Tarmacadam Ltd.
  • Aleksandra Kokoszko of AK Clinic & Academy

Powerhouse - Outstanding Management & Leadership 2024

  • Tracy Corcoran of The Green Lemon
  • Edyta Scibior of Home of Shellac
  • Caroline Davis of Caroline’s Breast Care
  • Linda Cummins of Pelo Hairdressing, Carlow
  • Maya Dzianach of Kobido Massage

Powerhouse - EmpowerHER Green Business 2024

  • Andrea Wenner of Mount Brandon Cottages
  • Ciara Stanley of Coppenagh House Farm
  • Alison Lyons of H2..OH!
  • Joanne Doyle of Enchanted Castle Melts
  • Maria Byrne of MarieSue Lingerie

 Powerhouse - Digital Transformation of the Year 2024

  • Ciara Stanley of Ballybar Ireland
  • Therese Meaney of TM Pilates
  • Caitriona Cullen of Cullen Nurseries
  • Maria Haberlin of Berlin Hair Lounge

Powerhouse - Young Businesswoman of the Year 2024

  • Jade Condron of JC Hair Design
  • Alison Lyons of H2..OH!
  • Shauna Doyle of Doyle’s Tarmacadam Ltd.
  • Meg Farrell of MD Hair

 The finalists are invited to attend the Powerhouse Awards on Thursday, 21st November in The Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow at 6.30pm with dinner followed by the awards ceremony with Joanne Sweeney as MC.

For further information contact 059-9129783 or contact Melissa Doyle mdoyle@carlowcoco.ie