Aoibhín Garrihy: Sometimes it’s great to stop and look at how far you’ve come

The entrepreneur and influencer has just expanded her brand BEO Wellness to Ennis, Co.Clare where she lives with her family.

Aoibhín says her three young daughters always make her laugh.

FORMER  Fair City actress and author turned entrepreneur Aoibhín Garrihy has had a busy morning.

But the mum to three young daughters, Hanorah, Líobhan, and Isla, says every morning is similar.

“I shower, dress myself and then the girls. We all make our way down for breakfast, which consists of porridge, boiled eggs, toast, and then it's a busy school run,” she says.

Afterwards, she plans to go straight to the site of her new BEO flagship store in Ennis, which is due to open in a couple of weeks.

The 36-year-old co-owner of BEO Wellness has been documenting the renovations of the retail space, coffee house and dedicated studio across her social media.

“Floors are due to go down this week, so I’m checking in on progress. It’s all very exciting.”

How do you keep fit?

I am currently following Aoife Hannon’s The Pilates Programme and love it. I’m really feeling the benefits to my back and hips.

Do you have a morning routine?

I try to work out a few mornings a week before the gang wake up. John usually makes breakfast and we all sit down together. It’s our family time as evenings can be a little crazy.

What is one thing you do every day?

Drink coffee. It’s not a luxury, it’s sustenance with small kids.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I eat a good breakfast and I try to drink plenty of water.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

I have such a sweet tooth. I usually have something nice last thing in the evening with my cuppa.

What keeps you awake at night?

Never-ending to-do lists. Particularly when these lists are just floating around my head and I fear I’ll forget them.

How do you relax?

Getting into the outdoors, usually in or by the sea. That’s therapy for me.

Who are your sporting heroes?

Growing up I was in awe of Sonia O’Sullivan. I was big into athletics and loved her book (Sonia, My Story). I also have enormous respect and admiration for Katie Taylor.

What is your favourite smell?

Lavender. Always has been. It reminds me of my Nana Biddy who loved it too.

When was the last time you cried?

I cried laughing with my business partner Sharon recently when we reminisced on some of the early days in business and the funny mistakes made. Sometimes it’s great to stop and look at how far you’ve come.

What is the best health advice you’ve ever been given?

To practice good sleep hygiene and get good quality sleep. It’s fundamental to our overall well-being and when I’m not sleeping right I’m not functioning.

What traits do you least like in others?

Arrogance.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

I have very little patience which is something I’m always trying to work on.

Do you pray?

Yes, always have.

What cheers you up if you’re having a bad day?

My girls. They are such a tonic and make me laugh every day.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I think Anne Doyle would be a great guest. I’d have to have my dad there as you would be sure of a sing-song.

Aisling Bea would bring the humour and maybe Arthur Gourounlian for some razzle-dazzle.

Has climate change impacted how you live your life?

Of course, it has to. But we can always do more and do better. I recently heard sustainability advocate Pat Kane pose the question our children might ask us… “when you knew, what did you do?” and that really stuck.

What quote inspires you most and why?

“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up” it’s from Nelson Mandela. I’m definitely a bit of a dreamer but I’ve learned over time it’s a marathon, not a sprint and if at first you don’t succeed try, try, try again.

Where is your favourite place in the world?

Inis Oirr, Aran Islands or White Strand in Spanish Point, it’s so peaceful.

What is something nobody knows about you?

I’m a great juggler. I spent hours learning it in drama school.

• To celebrate World Egg Day 2023 (Friday, October 13), Bord Bia has teamed up with author and entrepreneur Aoibhín Garrihy to encourage Irish consumers to ‘Crack On’ in the kitchen with Bord Bia Quality Assured eggs.