MBTA 2025: The finalists in the Excellence in Style category
SPONSORED BY MEATH CHRONICLE
A champion of Irish craft, creativity and conscious design
SIOBHAN DALY DESIGNS
Tell us about your business and team
Founded in 2016, Siobhán Daly Designs has grown from a creative idea into a multi-award-winning jewellery and accessories brand stocked in 24 boutiques across Ireland and loved by customers in 10 countries.
Each piece is handcrafted from Italian leather offcuts, blending sustainability, heritage, and style. Around 15 kg of leather has been saved from waste, with smaller remnants donated to schools and artists. The brand has featured on Ireland AM, in Irish Country Magazine, and at major events including Bloom and Gifted. Proudly representing Meath, Siobhán, who is based in Athlumney, Navan continues to champion Irish craft, creativity, and conscious design.
Describe the best thing about your service?
The best thing about my business is seeing how my designs make women feel. When someone puts on a pair of earrings or a necklace I’ve made, I want them to feel confident, uplifted, and a little more like themselves.
My pieces are handcrafted with care and meaning, using sustainable materials that reflect both strength and beauty. Whether it’s a pop of colour that brightens a day or a statement piece that sparks a compliment, each design is made to celebrate individuality. Knowing my work helps women feel good inside and out is the most rewarding part of what I do.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever been given?
Start before you’re ready, if you have an idea go for it! Don’t wait until everything feels perfect, it never will. Believe you can do it, even when you’re unsure. Starting small is still starting, and momentum builds from there. Trust your instincts, back yourself, and take the leap.
What does the future hold for your business?
The future of my business is about growth with purpose. I’m increasing wholesale stockists across Ireland and expanding exports. My focus remains the same, making women feel good through my designs while reducing waste and creating a positive environmental impact through sustainable, thoughtful handcrafted designs.
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Passion, innovation and care drives welcoming, award-winning salon
L'AVENUE HAIR & BEAUTY SALON
Tell us about your business and team
L’Avenue Hair & Beauty Salon, based in Ashbourne, has been a trusted name in style since 1993. Its talented team of stylists, apprentices, and beauty specialists offer expert colour, cutting, creative styling, extensions, makeup, and luxurious beauty treatments including Japanese massages and facials.
Following its stunning refurbishment last year L’Avenue continues to evolve while honouring its roots.
L’Avenue is a family-run business with a proud legacy, now led by mother-and-daughter duo Audrey and Louise, continuing the vision first started by Audrey’s late brother. Together, we blend passion, innovation, and care to create a welcoming, award-winning salon experience.
Describe the best thing about your service?
The best thing about our service is the personalised care and genuine connection we share with every client.
From precision colour and cutting to flawless makeup and indulgent beauty treatments, every service is tailored to make our clients look and feel their best. Our salon is a sanctuary of style, relaxation, and confidence, where clients are treated like family.
We pride ourselves on continuous learning, creativity, and excellence, offering the latest techniques in a luxurious yet friendly environment. Whether it’s a special occasion or everyday glam, we ensure every visit to L’Avenue is a five-star experience
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever been given?
“Never stop evolving.” The beauty industry changes constantly, and staying inspired, adaptable, and true to our values has been key. Investing in education, our team, and our clients’ experience keeps us ahead, always improving, always growing, and always maintaining the personal touch that defines L’Avenue.
What does the future hold for your business?
The future of L’Avenue is about growth, creativity, and legacy. We’ll continue expanding our services, nurturing new talent, and embracing innovation while maintaining our family ethos. With Louise now as co-owner, the next generation is ready to carry L’Avenue forward, blending tradition with modern excellence for years to come.
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Luxury wearable art and homewares now stocked in 35 outlets across Ireland, Europe, and the US
CLARE O'CONNOR LUXURY IRISH DESIGN
Tell us about your business and team
Eight years ago, Clare O’Connor launched a brand of luxury wearable art and homewares that transforms my vibrant, energetic, abstract, intuitive paintings into timeless, collectible accessories, clothing and homewares that merge art, design, and sustainability.
My work is rooted in colour, movement, and positive energy, with the aim of uplifting and empowering people to express their individuality.
Clare runs all aspects of the business, from original paintings and product design to branding, packaging, sales, and marketing: “I have grown my business nationally and internationally and my collections are stocked in 35 outlets across Ireland, Europe, and the US.”
Describe the best thing about your service?
The best thing about my brand is the energy and intention behind it. I’m deeply passionate about self-development, creativity, and following our own unique paths. Through my art and wearable collections, I aim to empower people to be themselves—uplifting, exciting, and aligning them with the infinite possibilities around us. Each piece radiates positive, feel-good energy through vibrant colour, luxurious finishes, and thoughtful craftsmanship. From bespoke packaging to timeless design, my scarves and accessories are created to be cherished and collected for years to come—celebrating individuality, joy, and the transformative power of art in everyday life.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever been given?
Have a clear idea of what you want to do, do lots of testing first and when you are ready, just go for it. Always stay positive, keep an eye out for opportunities, aim big and stay true to yourself. You can’t go wrong when you stay true to your own voice.
What does the future hold for your business?
I am always continuously developing my art and my brand. I will be launching some exciting new collections over the next few months, and I have some new vibrant designs across all my collections. I want my art and brand to reach more audiences at home and abroad, so I am hoping to greatly expand my exports going forward.
This time of the year is my busiest and you will find me at lots of local craft and design events for example The Glucksman Art & Design Fair, Art Source, Made-Well Meet the Makers at Killruddery, Meath Made Creates in Trim and Gifted.