A Co Fermanagh mum who runs her own business with the help of her own mother and young daughter has urged people to support local businesses this Mother's Day.
Katie Kennedy runs the Fermanagh Cottage Industries gift shop with her mum and says she hopes 10-year-old daughter Scarlett will one day take over the business as well
Mother's Day takes place on Sunday 19 March this year, with local people in Co Fermanagh being encouraged to take part in the 'Mums Love Local ' campaign.
READ MORE: Claim Western Trust management approached SDLP leadership over councillor comments
“The business started as an Irish linen gift shop. My mum took the business over and then I joined. I also have a daughter Scarlett who is 10, who will be the next generation," Katie said.
“I’ve never known anything other than working with family and I would highly recommend it. My mum is my best friend and we have a great relationship, bouncing ideas off each other.
"Being mother and daughter, we’re a strong team. Two years ago we added a third member to our business, Charlotte. She has become a valuable member to our little team.
“Being a mum and running a business has its struggles, like the school holidays or if Scarlett is poorly but it also has its plus sides.
"Scarlett has been here in the shop since she was three days old and now she’s a bit older, she knows how to work the till, and how to talk to customers. Customers love Scarlett because they’ve seen her grow up.
"Scarlett also has ideas for the shop, and it’s lovely to see her confidence.”
Fermanagh Cottage Industries is one of the 140 businesses who are part of the Enniskillen Gift Card, an initiative brought in by Enniskillen BID to encourage spending with local businesses.
Katie adds that her perfect Mother's Day would be heading out for a family walk and some shopping.
“My perfect Mother’s Day would be going for a nice walk with my husband and daughter, then maybe for something to eat," Katie adds.
"If I had an Enniskillen Gift Card, I’d spend it at Benetton on new clothes, maybe Elysian Make-up store on some new makeup, or in one of Enniskillen’s many beautiful cafés, treating myself and supporting other local mums in businesses.
“This Mother’s Day, I would ask everyone to shop local because it keeps shops like ours open. We appreciate each and every person that walks through our door. When you shop local, you’re supporting other local families, so we can keep the high street alive.”
READ NEXT:
Enniskillen St Patrick's Day 2023 parade officially launched
Fermanagh man on waiting list for two years for new kidney says new law will be a ‘game changer’
Urgent update sought on SWAH maternity services after concern raised over future
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
