We may be a small island but one thing Ireland isn’t short on is talented entrepreneurs. From spotting gaps in the beauty world, to making the most of our traditional fare and health and wellness, Irish businesses are making their mark around the world.

We chat to some of Ireland’s most inspirational women of the last twelve months to find out their magic formula for success.

Trudy Hayes - RavenApp

You’ve travelled the world with your work, is working in beauty as glamorous as it appears?

I have been lucky enough to work with many global product houses and still do. These jobs are exciting but they look way more glam than they actually are. Most of the time it involves a long day’s work and a hotel room – that’s all you see. I wanted to be challenged and technology was changing and allowing us to have faster, time-saving lifestyles. With everything becoming on demand, I knew beauty was no exception and I wanted to be part of it with my own business Raven.

The app promises to take the stress out of trying to find appointment times to suit busy lifestyles. How does it work?

I have worked with women my whole career, and as a hairstylist women talk to you about their problems. I could see women were becoming more and more time poor yet still wanted to look their best. Business women, pregnant and breastfeeding mums, trying to fit in the gym and caring for people. Women wanted their hair, make-up and tan to be provided out of hours and even better if they didn’t have to travel and park to have them. We listened and built a product that suited. We come to you and set up where you need us – home, office, hotel, hospital.

You spent a lot of time in hospital yourself after suffering kidney failure, how did that shape your business idea?
I spent a lot of time in hospital from 2008 -2013 and needed a transplant. It was a rough few years for me where I pretty much lost everything through spending so much time in hospital – my job, money, relationship, friends, home and car. I was left with nothing! I slipped into depression but my sister would come into hospital and paint my nails and brush my hair. It made me feel human again. I realised looking good and feeling good go hand in hand. There was no service like this in Ireland and so the idea was born to build an app that allowed everyone the same service no matter your circumstance.

Who is your biggest inspiration in business?
I love Sheryl Sandberg. She is incredible.

Web: ravenapp.co