The Hero Podcast: Recent Episodes

Nicki Hoyne

Nicki Hoyne brings you unedited stories of Insight and Inspiration with guests giving their take on life, career, entrepreneurship and everything in between.

Limerick born Aoife Mc Namara is founder of her eponymous sustainable, Irish made fashion label, Aoife Ireland.

After attending a fashion show in her teens, Aoife was bitten by the fashion bug. While her friends went travelling Aoife upped sticks and moved alone to New York to intern with Marc Jacobs and then to Paris. After 6 months of multiple jobs in the fashion capital she returned to Ireland and launched Aoife Ireland in 2019. Flash forward a year she has won multiple awards and her designs have been seen on some of Ireland's most stylish ladies. In this episode she announces an exciting new venture that is set to bring her label to life.

We chat, showing at Paris Fashion Week, sustainability and how lockdown has reminded her what she really wants.

Website: https://www.aoifeireland.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoife-mc-namara-59155012a/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aoife_ireland/ & https://www.instagram.com/aoifemcnamarax/

Aoife's Favourite Books:

Robin Sharma 5am Club https://www.easons.com/the-5am-club-robin-s-sharma-9780008312831

Phil Knight - Shoe Dog https://www.easons.com/shoe-dog-philip-h-knight-9781471146725

Tamara Mellon - In Her Shoes

Ryan Holiday - Any Of His Books Daily Stoic, The Obstacle Is The Way https://www.easons.com/Search?q=Ryan%20holiday

Simon Sinek - Start With Why. https://www.easons.com/start-with-why-simon-sinek-9780241958223

Podcast:

Wardrobe Crisis with Claire Press

Follow Nicki on Instagram @nickihoyne. Please Rate & Review on Apple (we'll love you forever) and Share & Subscribe to see new episodes as they go live.

Dublin born Roisin Lafferty is CEO of award winning studio, Kingston Lafferty Design. Roisin has become a creative force in interior architecture and design. Her distinctive, innovative and inspiring creations have appeared in Elle Decor and Wallpaper Magazine. She has been recognised by multiple international design awards and is the 2020 president of the Institute of Designers in Ireland. We chat, never having a plan B, continuous innovation and being female in a male dominated industry.

Website: https://kingstonlaffertydesign.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/róis%C3%ADn-lafferty-00886317/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roisinlaffertykld/

Roisin's Home: https://www.image.ie/interiors/me-and-my-home-interior-designer-roisin-lafferty-31568

Follow Nicki on Instagram @nickihoyne. Please Rate & Review on Apple (we'll love you forever) and Share & Subscribe to see new episodes as they go live.

Due to Covid 19 we are not able to bring you new episodes of The Hero Podcast at the moment. Recording virtually brought some challenges and as the premise of The Hero Podcast is sitting down with someone and chatting to them in person I decided to take a few weeks off until I can do that again safely. For now, I am resharing some of the early episodes in a REWIND SERIES. This week we look back one of our most popular episodes, Episode 17 from May 2019 with the incredible Laura Cunningham. Laura Cunningham has done it all and she's only getting started. Popstar, Blogger, Award Winning Editor, Tech Entrepreneur, Author, Activist & Social Media Star. She is a seriously talented and accomplished lady. She talks through her career, life and taking a step back to get what she really wants. Instagram & Twitter: @cunninghamlaura Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-cunningham-42525417/ Please Rate, Review Share & Subscribe on Apple. It would mean the world! If you have any questions or suggestions please email nicki@nickihoyne.com or DM me on Instagram @nickihoyne. You can watch my TedxTalk at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-ah09HPIHo

Due to Covid 19 we are not able to bring you new episodes of The Hero Podcast at the moment. Recording virtually brought some challenges and as the premise of The Hero Podcast is sitting down with someone and chatting to them in person I decided to take a few weeks off until I can do that again safely. For now, I am resharing some of the early episodes in a REWIND SERIES. This week we look back at Episode 7 from November 2018 with the incredible Niamh O Donoghue.

I had watched from afar as she experimented, innovated and worked her ass off to the role of Digital Leader at Image Magazine, rumour had it she had approached Image while still at college and insisted they give her a job. Behind her big smile, warmth and colourful style is a story that might break some but has given her the drive and determination to live the life of her dreams. At the start of the episode I talk about how I think she is one to watch, a future Irish icon. She mentions how she gets up every morning and thinks about her future desk at Condé Nast...18 months on guess where she works now?? Yup!

Instagram & Twitter: @niamh_not_neeme

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamh-o-donoghue-21b52196

Please Rate, Review Share & Subscribe on Apple. It would mean the world!

If you have any questions or suggestions please email nicki@nickihoyne.com or DM me on Instagram @nickihoyne.

You can watch my TedxTalk at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-ah09HPIHo

This week following the death of George Floyd and the global outcry against systematic racism. It is not just a US problem but a global problem. I am working to educate myself to be actively anti-racist and to help dismantle systematic racism. It is important to keep this conversation going and to use our platforms to elevate black voices and to support the Black Lives Matter movement. This week we REWIND to our episode with the incredible Nadine Reid from September 2019. Nadine Reid is a former celebrity make up artist turned TV, Social Media and Cover Star. Born in Birmingham, with Jamaican roots she now lives in Dublin sharing a home with 94 year old Minnie. I met Nadine in Preen in December 2017. She did my makeup the morning of my TedxTalk when I was so nervous and apprehensive. She let me practice my speech, putting me right at ease. We talked about life, its meaning and the importance of happiness (thats what the TEDxTalk is about). Flash forward a couple of months and when I tried to book Nadine again, she was no longer doing makeup. Soon after she popped up as an Xposé's presenter and on the cover of magazines. Nadine tells her story of picking her wildest dreams and making them happen, how her mothers illness made her stop, slow down and make changes that have led her to new dreams. Nadine discussed being a black woman in a predominately white Ireland and how she stays connected to her black roots. Nadine is a lesson in the power of positive thinking, manifestation and self belief. Since we recorded this episode Virgin Media announced the end of Irelands much loved, Xposé but Nadine was already manifesting new opportunities, being announced as Tatler Magazines Woman Of The Year In Entertainment and staring in the Olympia Christmas Panto Cinderella. www.nadinereid.com Instagram: @nadinereid

blackgirlmagic

https://www.elderhomeshare.ie Please rate, review & subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Nicki on Instagram: @nickihoyne Nicki's TedxTalk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-ah09HPIHo

Unfortunately due to Covid 19 we are not able to bring you new episodes of The Hero Podcast at the moment. Recording virtually brought some challenges and as the premise of The Hero Podcast is sitting down with someone and chatting to them in person I decided to take a few weeks off until I can do that again safely.

For now, I am resharing some of the early episodes in a REWIND SERIES. This week we look back at Episode 3 with the powerhouse but most importantly sweetheart that is Michaela O Shaughnessy.

Michaela is the Galway Gal taking New York by storm. She arrived in New York after college, landing not one, not two but three dream jobs working at MTV, Teen Vogue and now at Instagram. We recorded this episode in September 2018 in the Condé Nast Offices in One World Trade Centre in New York City where she was then Social Media Manager at Teen Vogue. We chat, Anna Wintour, Kylie Jenner, The Met Ball and what it's really like to work at the most prestigious publishing house in the world.

Instagram: @lifeofaladybear

Linkdin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaela-o-shaughnessy-206a1a9b/

Please Rate & Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Share this episode with someone who would enjoy it and Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts

Wishing you and your family are safe and well at this time.

Shane Finn is an endurance athlete, personal trainer, podcaster, coach and speaker. In 2017 he ran 24 marathons in 24 days, followed by running and cycling 5,000 km across America in 5 weeks in 2018. To date, he has raised over €250,000 for spina bifida inspired by his best friend and cousin, Mary. Shane has turned his passion for endurance into a business. He uses technology to connect with clients all over the world from the beautiful Dingle in County Kerry. We chat through dropping out of college, why he decided to close his gym and how he maximises the 168 hours we all have in a week.

Website: https://www.shanefinn.com

Podcast: https://www.shanefinn.com/podcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shanefinnfitness/

Twitter/Instagram: @_shanefinn

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-finn-0b553aa4/

TedxTalk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFC2l_Kvhp8

If you have any questions or suggestions please email nicki@nickihoyne.com or DM me on Instagram @nickihoyne. You can watch my TedxTalk athttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-ah09HPIHo

Please Rate, Review Share & Subscribe on Apple. It would mean the world!

Brazilian born Pat Kane studied Economics and Finance in Rio De Janeiro. She worked across Latin America and the Caribbean for tech multinationals where she met her Irish husband while at Digicel. They now live in Dublin with their 2 boys. After having her first child she saw the amount of waste created by a family household and began to investigate alternatives. Her passion for sustainability flourished into reuzi.ie, a sustainability store and resource. reuzi has grown to a bricks and mortar store in Dublin. We chat sustainability, customer experience and how you can still be chic while consuming more responsibly. Website: https://reuzi.ie Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciamacieira/ & https://www.linkedin.com/reuzi/ Instagram: @iampatkane, @reuzi.ie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reuzi.ie

When a mutual friend connected illustrator Jill Deering to printmaker Gill Henderson in 2016 they realised their combined talents could create something really special. That initial collaboration evolved into Jill & Gill, a multidisciplinary design studio. Their limited edition collections of fine art, fashion, textiles and design sell out in record time, even getting a shoutout from the iconic, Iris Apfel. We chat through their story, it may appear that everything they touch turns to gold (it kinda does) but behind every success story is one of highs, lows and a lot of hard work. Website: https://jillandgill.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillandgill/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jillandgill Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillandgill/

In light of the Corona Virus Pandemic I decided to share how I am keeping positive in Covid 19. My structured routine is helping me to feel in control and comfortable at this very uncertain time. I share my dad, Michael Hoyne's top 5 tips for businesses dealing with the serious business challenges they now face. I hope I can inspire coping skills to get you through. If you are a small business owner, worried about the effect of Covid 19 on your business I'm happy to chat on the phone or video chat with you. I do not have all the answers but a problem shared is a problem halved. We can bounce ideas, problem solve, talk strategy & contingency planning. Email me at: nicki@nickihoyne.com Please Rate, Review & Subscribe wherever you get your Podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @theheropodcast & Nicki's Instagram @nickihoyne

Emma Hogan Eyre is the owner of award winning, top Irish skin clinic, Eyrebrushed Skin and Beauty Clinic. She excelled in music from a young age and became a music teacher in her early 20's. She loved to teach but not the constraints and challenges of working in schools. Always driven by her passions she turned to makeup artistry and caught the business bug. We talk, taking risks continuing to reinvent her business and the importance of the bottom line. Website: https://eyrebrushed.ie Instagram: @emmabeautybizconsultant, @eyrebrushedclinic Please Rate, Review & Subscribe wherever you get your Podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @theheropodcast & Nicki's Instagram @nickihoyne

Emma Farrell is a pioneer of Irish Makeup Artistry. The EF Creative Studios founder tells her story of cycling to jobs with her makeup kit on her back (because she couldn't afford a car) to winning the UK & Ireland leg of a global competition to be Creative Director for L'Oréal. She has painted the faces of The Corr's and Eva Longoria, walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival and worked with the iconic photographer, Rankin. Her meteoric rise came so fast it took a physical and mental toll forcing her to take a step back, reassess and pivot her career. She tells her story, talks about the industry now in a time of social media and how she's found balance and a new perspective.

Instagram: @emmafarrellreal, @efcstudios, @bridalhairandmakeup.ie

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmafarrell/

Website: http://efcreativestudios.com and https://bridalhairandmakeup.ie/

Please Rate, Review & Subscribe wherever you get your Podcasts.

Follow us on Instagram @theheropodcast & Nicki's Instagram @nickihoyne

Nicki's TEDxTalk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-ah09HPIHo

Aisling Keenan is a Freelance Journalist, Content Creator and Creative Director from Dublin. Her creative eye can be seen right across Irish media from contributing to your favourite magazines and radio shows to the stunning Brown Thomas beauty imagery and on her podcast, Private Education. We talk about losing her dream job, the freelance hustle, imposter syndrome and her latest genius project, Rogue Collective.

Website: https://www.aislingkeenan.com

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/private-education/id1463217827

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aislingmkeenan/

Instagram: @aislingmkeenan, @privateeducationpodcast

Twitter: @aislingmkeenan

Please Rate, Review & Subscribe wherever you get your Podcasts.

Follow us on Instagram @theheropodcast & Nicki's Instagram @nickihoyne

Dublin born Hannah Saunders is founder of her eponymous agency, Hannah Saunders PR. She cut her teeth in Dublin and New York before starting her London based agency in 2016. In under 4 years she has built a fashion, beauty and lifestyle PR business to rival any long established agency. She has worked with clients like Easilocks, Spotlight Oral Care, Therapie Clinic, Freddy Jeans and Bloom Magic to name but a few. We talk, setting yourself apart, being fearless and how experience will always trump what you study at university.

Website: https://hannahsaunderspr.com

Instagram: @hannahcjsaunders, @hannahsaunderspr

Podcast Recommendations:

Elizabeth Days Podcast How To Fail: Andrew Scott

The High Low with Pandora Sykes & Dolly Alderton

Please Rate, Review & Subscribe wherever you get your Podcasts.

Follow us on Instagram @theheropodcast & Nicki's Instagram @nickihoyne

Dublin born Stephanie O’Quigley started her blog, which is now called StephanieOQuigley.com, while at college. A chance seating arrangement at a Cocoa Brown event led to an internship and then the role of Marketing Manager at the Irish business phenomenon. As Marissa Carters right hand woman, Stephanie learnt on her feet as the business grew to selling 3 bottles a minute worldwide. At just 21 she attended the Oscars with Cocoa Brown and become an accidental social media star. Then in 2016, Stephanie gave it all up for her dream of living in New York. in one of the toughest cities in the world she has carved out a career as a beauty publicist, working with international skin and hair care brands that you'll find on the shelves of Sephora, Ulta, Barney's and more. She still blogs and last year started her own podcast, The Wall by Stephanie O' Quigley. It has been far from easy but this overachiever is only getting started.

Instagram: @stephanieoquigley

website: https://stephanieoquigley.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieoquigley

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3dIHzFlz3CkG0h7G72pMZt?si=U0Kl0xlpQQKu6W7UFENWmQ

Please rate, review & subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on: Instagram @theheropodcast Nicki’s Instagram: @nickihoyne

Fleur Emery is a start-up expert with 15 years’ experience both launching her own product ranges into major retailers and using her success to help other founders achieve. Her client roster includes Pip & Nut, Miso Tasty and Rosa Bloom. She recently spent three years setting up a premium ready meal business and with a product range ready to go, funding in place and interest from supermarkets decided to pull the plug and pivot her career. Fleur has lectured at UCL on Business & Branding, co-hosts the Courier podcast and has a regular column in the magazine. She regularly contributes as a speaker, podcaster, presenter and writer on all things modern business she also hosts ‘The Salon’ at The Wing.

Website: https://www.fleuremery.com

Instagram: @fleuremery

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fleur-emery-1841a617/

Podcast: You're Dead To Me, Courier Workshop, Griefcast, Two Dope Queens, Women Tech Charge.

Please rate, review & subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on: Instagram @theheropodcast Nicki’s Instagram: @nickihoyne

Fashion Designer, Emma Manley is the founder of her own eponymous label, Manley and Co-Creator of Bloss, a luxury Irish Designer Pop Up. Coming from an entrepreneurial family with a fashion designer mum, Emma always knew she wanted to be a fashion designer and nothing was going to get in her way. She interned in New York and in London with Alexander McQueen before returning to Ireland to launch her brand. We chat about making your own rules, competing by not competing and not taking no for an answer. Website: www.manley.ie www.blossintl.com Instagram: @emmakatemanley @manleystudio @blossireland Twitter: @emmamanley @manley @blossireland Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmamanley/

Maryrose Simpson is the ultimate slashie - Entrepreneur, founder of My Lady Bug, Irelands first period subscription box, Shopify Guru, Graphic Designer and Feminist Advocate. Side Note - She even vent viral on TikTok this summer (the girl who found the guys sunglasses lens at Electric Picnic!!) Maryrose and I met during the incredible Acorns program back in 2016 when we were both in the early days of our businesses. We chat about how her father's passing away at the age of 11 impacted her whole life, how her dream college degree wasn't right for her, starting her business, all things periods, her experience of remote working as a Shopify Guru and the craziness of going viral on TikTok! It's a great chat with many a tangent! Enjoy!

Website: http://myladybug.ie Instagram: @maryrosesimpson, @myladybughq TikTok: @Maryrosesimpson Twitter: @maryrosesimpson, @mylady_bug Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyLadyBugIRE/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryrose-simpson-b0015163/

Please rate, review & subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us on: Instagram @theheropodcast Nicki’s Instagram: @nickihoyne

30 Emma Kelly - Elevate PR

Emma Kelly is one of Ireland's PR powerhouses She founded her Dublin based PR and Creative Agency, Elevate in 2001. Clients include Charlotte Tilbury, Kildare Village, Universal and Lily O Briens. We chat the reality of PR, Influencer marketing and how trying to predict the future is a thing of the past.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmakelly3/ Website: https://www.elevate.ie Emma's Instagram: @emmaelevate Elevate's Instagram: @elevatepr Elevate's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevatepr Elevate's Twitter: https://twitter.com/elevatepr Emma Recommends: Simon Sinek "Start With Why?" https://www.easons.com/start-with-why-simon-sinek-9780241958223

Nadine Reid is a celebrity make up artist turned TV, Social Media and Cover Star. Born in Birmingham, with Jamaican roots she now lives in Dublin sharing a home with 94 year old Minnie. I met Nadine in Preen in December 2017. She did my makeup the morning of my TedxTalk when I was so nervous and apprehensive. She let me practice my speech, putting me right at ease. We talked about life, its meaning and the importance of happiness (thats what the TEDxTalk is about). Flash forward a couple of months and when I tried to book Nadine again, to my horror, she was no longer doing makeup. Soon after she pops up as an Xposé's presenter and on the cover of magazines. Nadine tells her story of picking her wildest dreams and making them happen, how her mothers illness made her stop, slow down and make changes that have led her to new dreams. Nadine is a lesson in the power of positive thinking, manifestation and self belief. Since we recorded this episode Virgin Media announced the end of Irelands much loved, Xposé but Nadine was already manifesting new opportunities, being announced as Tatler Magazines Woman Of The Year In Entertainment and will be staring in this years Olympia Panto Cinderella.

www.nadinereid.com Instagram: @nadinereid https://www.elderhomeshare.ie

Please rate, review & subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us on: Instagram @theheropodcast Nicki’s Instagram: @nickihoyne

Jo Browne is founder of her eponymous brand, Jo Browne. She always loved solid perfumes and when in 2013 she could no longer find any she decided to make her own. In 2016 she launched her business from her hometown of Hacketstown in Carlow. Since then, the brand has become a multi-award winning success story. Jo tells her story of building her business her way, balancing family life and the demands of a thriving business. She is a lesson in determination, grit and "where there's a will there's a way".

Website: https://jobrowne.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jobrowne_ireland/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jobrowneIreland/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jo_Browne Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-browne-063939124/

Please rate, review & subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow Nicki’s Instagram: @nickihoyne

26 Grace O'Mahony - Model

Kilkenny gal Grace O'Mahony is one of Irelands top model. A total sweetheart, she is a million miles from the stereotypical model. Case and point, she still works in the family petrol station often selling magazines with her face on the cover. Having suffered with scoliosis in her teens she owns her looks and has worked hard to get where she is today. She tells her story so far and her hopes for whats next.

Instagram @gracefomahony Bookings: https://1stoption.ie/talent/gracie/

Please rate, review & subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us on: Instagram @theheropodcast Nicki’s Instagram: @nickihoyne

Niamh Hogan is the owner of multi-award winning, Irish made, natural skincare brand, Holos. A serial entrepreneur, having been a holistic therapist for 15 years, her clients wanted to buy the blended oils she used in her therapy and Holos was born. Niamh has an unshakable belief in her products, proven by winning the coveted "Most Innovative Irish Brand at the 2018 Image Beauty Award. It has been far from an easy ride, Niamh tells her story of building her business, her way, in a highly competitive industry, what winning awards really mean and how she harnesses her fear to propel her forward.

Website: https://holos.ie Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamh-hogan-94383612/ Instagram: @niamhholos @holosskincarefromnature Twitter: @holosskinniamh Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Holosskincarefromnature

Please rate, review & subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

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Courtney Smith is a Fashion Stylist, Creative Director & Designer. Her online feeds are filled with dreamy outfits, exotic locations and glamourous photoshoots. She is "living the dream" but if you look closely you'll see that Courtney's life is hard work, long hours and being the biggest risk taker in the room. In this episode we talk the business of fashion, taking leaps of faith and how choosing passion projects over a pay cheque is the only way to keep delivering in a creative role.

Instagram: @courtneysmithstyle Twitter: @cocosmithstyle Website: https://www.courtneysmith.ie Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneystylist/

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Jackie Tyrrell is a Kilkenny All Star Hurling Superstar. Hurling is an amateur Irish sport played at a professional level. Kilkenny, (specifically the years that Jackie played) has been the most successful team in the history of the sport. He is one of the most hard working people I've ever met, a complete perfectionist, he gives 100% to whatever he is doing. This episode is not about hurling but about hard work, determination and making a commitment to be the best you can be. Now retired from the sport, Jackie tells his stories of the euphoric high of winning, overcoming self doubt and what now after such a successful sporting career.

Twitter/Instagram: @MrJackieTee Buy Jackie's Autobiography here: https://www.easons.com/the-warriors-code-jackie-tyrrell-9781910335727

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Geraldine has taken her passion for skin and turned it into a thriving business Mediskin in Nenagh, Tipperary. Her commitment to expertise and quality has seen incredible success, with the business winning multiple coveted industry and business awards. Not content with an award winning clinic, she has just launched her own cosmeceutical products and had a baby within months of each other. Geraldine is one of the most hard working, driven people I know, she does not settle for less than excellent and her expertise is clearly written all over her face with her own flawless skin.

Geraldine Jones: Twitter: @geraldineby10 Instagram: @geraldinejonesbyrne Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldine-jones-bb637391/

Mediskin: Instagram: @mediskin www.mediskin.ie

Skin Formulas: Instagram: @skinformulas.ie www.skinformulas.ie

Heidi Higgins always wanted to be a fashion designer. Some might say you must be in the fashion capitals of the world to have a thriving fashion label but Heidi has done it her way. She runs her premium fashion label, by her own rules, from her hometown of Portlaoise. From humble beginnings she stuck to her vision of creating high quality, limited quantity, design-led pieces to become one of Irelands shining fashion stars.

Heidi Higgins Boutique ‪42 Grattan St, Kylekiproe, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 HR62‬ Website: https://heidihiggins.com/ Instagram: @heidihiggins Twitter: @higginsheidi Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidihigginsfashiondesign/

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Jennie McGinn is some woman for one woman. An OG Blogger, Tech Entrepreneur of Prowlster & Opsh, University Lecturer, Brand Specialist, Agency Owner and all round Digital Expert. Jennie was at the forefront of the very new and very unknown world of digital and tech. She has a wealth of experience and wisdom that came from taking risks and experimenting in an evolving industry. Experience, no university can teach and that money can not buy. Her story to date is inspiring, exciting and scary. It hasn't been an easy road but it has been worth it. Enjoy!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniemcginn/ Webstie: https://sistertheagency.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/mcginnsisters Twitter: www.twitter.com/jenniemcginn

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Niamh Martin finished school at 16, throwing herself into the working world, keen to make money and find her niche. She discovered a passion for makeup and business. Niamh has done her time on counter in the beauty halls of Selfridges & Harrods, been a teacher, a sales rep and everything in between. She tells her story of how she combined her passions to create the award winning Nima Brush, the ups and downs of her career and finding allies in the unlikeliest of place. It hasn't been an easy ride but it has all been worth it.

www.niamhmartin.com www.nimabrush.com www.instagram.com/nimaniamh www.instagram.com/nimabrush www.twitter.com/nimabrush Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamhmartin080782/

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Claudia Gocoul graduated from DCU with a BA in Journalism in 2014. 2 years later she was fashion editor at Xposé Magazine. Now at 25, she is the Managing Director at Carter Beauty Cosmetics. We chat about how she has come so far in such a short period of time, how hard work, self belief and having to do it all at a fashion magazine gave her transferable skills that have seen Carter Beauty Cosmetics skyrocket in less than a year to international acclaim featuring on Arianna Grande & Kourtney Kardashian.

Instagram: @claudiagocoul LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-gocoul-78624748 Twitter: @Gocoul

Don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us on: Instagram @theheropodcast Twitter @theheropodcast_ Contact Nicki @nickihoyne on Instagram or Twitter

Laura Cunningham has done it all and she's only getting started. Popstar, Blogger, Award Winning Editor, Tech Entrepreneur, Author, Activist & Social Media Star. She is a seriously talented and accomplished lady. She talks through her career, life and taking a step back to get what she really wants. Instagram & Twitter: @cunninghamlaura Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-cunningham-42525417/

Joanne Condon is a creative force to be reckoned with. She studied Art in Crawford, Cork, intent on being an art teacher but soon found the structure of teaching capped her creativity. Flash forward to 2019, Joanne hosts sell out furniture painting workshops all over Ireland, she is RTE's Today Show upcycle and DIY expert, the DIY columnist for Confetti magazine and all round Instagram gold.

We chat about her journey to where she is today, what drives her, what it's really like to crowdfund, burnout, vision boards and what's next for her limitless creativity.

Buy her book, sign up to her workshops: www.kylelane.ie Instagram: @joannecondon

This week I’m chatting about travelling solo how I find it, why I do it, what it’s like, the pro’s & con’s of it and why you should give it a go!

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Follow us on: Instagram @theheropodcast Twitter @theheropodcast_ Contact Nicki @nickihoyne on Instagram or Twitter

Ever heard of Grainne O Malley, the Pirate Queen of Ireland? In the 1500’s she sailed from Ireland up the Thames to meet Queen Elizabeth 1 at Greenwich Palace to persuade her to stop the English from encroaching on Irish nobles. They struck a deal and became firm pen pals. A story that should have held a place in Irish history, instead was deleted from history and her story became nothing more than a myth. In recent years author Anne Chambers had proven the myth true. Joan Mulloy is a descendant of Grainne. She grew up with the stories of her heroic ancestor, in the same part of Ireland and learned to sail in the same bay. Having studied civil engineering in Galway, Joan left her promising career to focus full time on her dream of competing in the prestigious Vendee Globe Race in 2020. She will race solo (yes, on her own) around the world on a 60 foot yacht. Sounds terrifying! Joan is up for it. If she completes it, she will be the first Irish person to do so. Through a chance meeting in London, I sit down with Joan to hear her story of how her happiness is more important than a pay cheque, why she would take on such a challenge and how she will do it?

www.joanmulloyracing.com Instagram: @joanmulloyracing Facebook: Joan Mulloy Racing Twitter: @JMRacing

Don’t forget to rate, review & subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us on: Instagram @theheropodcast Twitter @theheropodcast_ Contact Nicki @nickihoyne on Instagram or Twitter

Cork native Stephanie Barry completed a degree is BIS in University College Cork and at 23 she moved to London to work in investment banking where she met her now husband, Tim. Steph caught Tim’s travel bug and love of Asia. Every trip away they imagined packing their bags and taking off around the world. About to get married and headed towards putting down roots. It was now or never. They sold their belongings and in April 2016 they left on a one way ticket to Bangkok with no plan beyond their first hotel. At first reluctant to blog Steph decided to create a website for those asking for her travel advice. In this episode we chat about how she’s turning her travel advice into a business, how they fund their lifestyle and will they ever go home?

Instagram: @stephmylife www.stephmylifetravels.com

Follow us on: Instagram @theheropodcast Twitter @theheropodcast_ Contact Nicki @nickihoyne on Instagram or Twitter

From discovering her love of "the sesh" to 10 years in PR at Thinkhouse to founder & Madam of Tropical Popical, Andrea Horan has some serious human insight. Saoirse Ronan's mention of Tropical Popical on the Ellen Show launched it into the stratosphere and Andrea was constantly asked when Tropical Popical would do "more". Andrea realised that success to her was how she could empower and make people feel. Her authenticity, outlook and passion for the power of the sesh is an interesting and thought provoking listen. Andrea is one woke lady! Have you ever thought about how crucial "the sesh" is to Irish society? me neither, but think about it, even better listen to Andrea's take on it!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreadhoran/ & https://www.instagram.com/tropicalpopical/ Website: http://www.tropicalpopical.com Tedxtalk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxtuGmcZj34 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreahoran/

Louise Stokes dreamed of working in fashion. After graduating from Trinity College Dublin she interned with Louise Kennedy before moving to NYC where she found herself working with cutting edge jewellery designers like Alexis Bittar. In the fast paced New York jewellery industry, she calls Game Of Thrones for interns, Louise was exposed to the best in the business and learnt everything from picking stones to invoicing. In 2007 she returned to Ireland to open Loulerie, a curated edit of design lead jewellery. Almost immediately she was faced with the economic downturn. She persevered and Loulerie now boasts 2 stores, a thriving online business and her own collection called Loulerie Fine Jewellery designs. A lesson in grit, knowing your niche and coming out on top..

https://loulerie.com Instagram: @louleriedublin Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-stokes-8a4849119/

I sat down with Rugile Mikutovskiene, CEO & Founder Of Ella Iconic known for its stunning CEO Of My Own Life Planner. We chat about her journey so far from City Of London corporate banking to Stationery Start-Up. How passion, perfectionism and never underselling herself has led her to create one of the stationery worlds hottest new brands.

Instagram: @ellaiconic Website: www.ellaiconic.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rugile-mikutovskiene-78b84821

My childhood friend, Julie Cobbe, creator of Stylefish.ie, tells her story of how a love of fashion and teaching has taken her on a personal journey that has evolved as she has through her 20’s and 30’s from fashion masterclasses in a recession to Dragon’s Den to realising that sometimes success is letting go, making your own rules and that finding balance can be the greatest success of all.

Instagram: @Julie_cobbe www.stylefish.ie Information on her next course: http://stylefish.ie/diploma-in-personal-styling/personal-stylist-training-cost-dates/

At 24, Leah Haines has a stellar career in luxury fashion. From Erdem to Simone Rocha, ASOS and now at Net A Porter she knows the inner workings of the fashion industry from packing boxes to presenting a collection to top fashion buyers. From Birr in Offaly she studied Fashion Design at Limerick School Of Art & Design. At 20 and in her 3rd year she spent the summer interning in London and realised that she had the skills to stay and get a job. Shes been in London ever since. The key to her success; “If you don’t ask, you don’t get”. From Paris to London she’s worked her ass off to get where she is today. She even negotiated finishing her degree at London College Of Fashion. She is a lesson in hard work and determination and you’ll love this episode.

Instagram: @leahhainess LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-haines-9317869a

If you don’t know who Niamh O’Donoghue is you need to stop and pay attention. I’ve watched from afar as she has experimented, innovated and worked her ass off to get where she is today. Currently the Digital Leader at Image Publications, she’s been part of its metamorphosis from fashion magazine to media powerhouse and she’s only getting started. Behind her big smile, warmth and colourful style is a story that might break some but has given her the drive and determination to live the life of her dreams. She has her sights set firmly on world domination and I have no doubt she is an Irish legend in the making.

Instagram & Twitter: @niamh_cupl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamh-o-donoghue-21b52196

Jane Asple always wanted to work in fashion retail and set her sights on her dream job as a fashion buyer. Travelling the world as a London based buyer for Primark she was living her dream. The funny thing about achieving your dreams is they are then stepping stones to bigger dreams. She gave up the dream job to chase a wilder dream of having her own fashion brand. She moved back to Ireland to launch Emma By Jane. Her jewellery designs have appeared in British Vogue and are firm favourites amongst Irelands most fashionable ladies. We chat about her story so far, how fast fashion is being replaced by meaningful forever pieces and how to do Black Friday right.

Instagram: @jane_asple @emmabyjane LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-asple-3b217823

Lorna Ruane is my favourite high achiever. The oldest girl in a family of 10, in her teens she worked as the clerk in her fathers bookies training her brain to work like a computer. We met on Snapchat and have become real life mates who spend hours chatting about anything and everything whenever I’m in NYC. Listen in on one of our mega chats where we talk about the reality of a PHD, even with a fun topic like fashion marketing, living and working in New York City, branding and how she came to work at Big Spaceship with YouTube & Google.

Twitter & Instagram: @lcscloset Blog: lcscloset.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lornaruane

One of the most common questions I get asked is, I have an idea but how do I start a business? This episode is a quick chat through my tips on how to take that leap and begin. From to do lists to business plans, networking and the 3 things I wish I knew then that I know now. Let me know what you think, what you got from it or if you have any questions DM me on Instagram @theheropodcast or @nickihoyne. I would love you to subscribe rate and review. Nicki :)

In this episode I’m joined by Michaela O’ Shaughnessy, the Galway Gal taking New York by storm. She arrived in New York after college, landing not one but two dream jobs working at MTV and now as the Social Media Manager at Teen Vogue. She invited me to One World Trade Center to chat, Anna Wintour, Kylie Jenner, The Met Ball and what it's really like to work at the most prestigious publishing house in the world. Follow Michaela on Instagram @lifeofaladybear and Linkdin https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaela-o-shaughnessy-206a1a9b/

Horray for Episode 1 Of The Hero Podcast. To kick off let’s start with Who am I (Nicki Hoyne)? Why have I started podcasting? and who’s the Hero? I’d love to hear your feedback and questions so DM us on Instagram @theheropodcast or see what I’m up to @nickihoyne. My Tedxtalk: https://youtu.be/I-ah09HPIHo