Irish Design Spotlight: NearlySisters

Tell us about you and your shop/brand
We are an Irish gifting company specialising in corporate and personal gifting. When you choose to gift with NearlySisters you are supporting Irish makers, crafters and businesses the length and breadth of the country. 

What is your mission?
We are striving to be the first company you choose to use when you want to send a gift for either personal or professional reasons. We want our customers to know that no matter what they choose to give, it will be something that is sustainably sourced and supports communities and people in Ireland.

Did you always know you wanted to work in the retail space?
We both dreamt of very different career paths when we were younger – Nic, a life on the stage and screen and Sue a fashion designer. There is no doubt we use elements of those career traits in what we do day to day in our business.

What kind of items do you stock?
We stock artisan products from Irish makers, crafters and artists as well as some of our own products such as candles, coffee, chocolate and ceramics to name but a few.

What new brands or items are on your radar?
We’re very excited to be working with a product designer at the moment… our dream is to have our own NearlySisters range of sustainable lifestyle products in the future. 

Was money/funding a concern when starting out?
For sure… we started NearlySisters in March 2020 when we both found ourselves restricted from work, so money/funding was a huge concern but we tried to look at the bigger picture and almost 3 years on we’re delighted we did!

Best business advice you’ve gotten
We spoke with a marketing consultant back in March 2020 and we were unsure about lots of things regarding the direction we should go with our idea(s). Her advice was, “Just start” and that’s exactly what we did! Thanks, Joanne at Applejack Marketing!

Favourite fashion/design accounts you follow
Simone Rocha, Kindred of Ireland, Roisin Linnane

Best fashion purchase
We’re on our feet a lot, so comfort is key… we both switch between Converse and Birkenstocks most of the time.

Other Irish brands you love
Linen Shirt Company and Peelo are definitely up there for us. There are so many to choose from! 

Most useful learning since setting up a business
You need to keep going and be able to adapt to change. Sometimes you have a plan in your head and then you’re thrown a curveball. Growing your business is a marathon, not a sprint – so lots of patience is needed!

Proudest moment so far
The day we became owners of a roller door! We started our business quite literally at the kitchen table… then moved to the sitting room, then took over the whole house! We gradually grew bigger and hired portacabins for a year then bit the bullet and moved into a commercial premises. It was very daunting but very exciting. It’s like watching your child grow up!

I want my brand to be remembered for… NearlySisters want to be remembered for being ethical, sustainable and for always doing the right thing with regard to supporting people and communities.

If I could work with anyone, it would be… Clodagh Mc Kenna. We reckon we’d get on like a house on fire!

Recommended mother’s day gifts… well, we have a great range of things so choose from any of our Mother’s Day gift bundles! They’re all filled with Irish artisan goodies such as Mother Dearest, Tasty Treats and Sweetness Is – they’re all 10% off at the moment too.