Women in business gather in Leitrim for AI Innovation event

Female entrepreneurs from across Leitrim, Longford and Westmeath came together at Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway last week for a major business event focused on innovation, resilience and the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in small business.

The event, titled AI Advantage: Empowering Women to Transform their Small Business, was organised by the Local Enterprise Offices of Leitrim, Longford and Westmeath and attracted women working across a wide range of industries, from retail and beauty to design, hospitality and creative enterprise.

Hosted by award-winning Business Strategist and Peak Performance Mentor Miriam Simon, the session explored how small businesses can use AI and digital tools to work smarter, improve efficiency and create sustainable growth without adding unnecessary pressure or complexity. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience working with international brands including TK Maxx, Monsoon Accessorize, B&Q and Lifestyle Sports, Ms Simon shared practical advice aimed at helping entrepreneurs navigate the rapidly changing business landscape.

Throughout the event, attendees were shown how AI can be integrated into day-to-day operations in areas such as marketing, customer engagement, planning and administration. The focus remained firmly on practical, accessible tools that could save time and support business owners already juggling multiple responsibilities.

A key highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring three female entrepreneurs from the Midlands and North West, each sharing their own business journey, the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned while building their companies.

Representing Leitrim was Margaret Doherty, founder of Kelly Costello, an Irish fragrance house based in Carrick-on-Shannon. Ms Doherty spoke about transitioning from the hair and beauty industry into artisan perfumery and undertaking specialist training at the internationally renowned ISIPCA perfume school in France. She also discussed collaborating with master perfumers in Italy and Grasse while developing a brand rooted in Irish heritage, storytelling and craftsmanship. Ms Doherty is currently working on creating a retail and visitor experience centred around the Kelly Costello fragrance brand.

Longford entrepreneur Anna Peters, founder of Athena Art Gallery & Café, shared her experience of returning home after studying at the National College of Art and Design to establish Longford’s first fine art gallery combined with a café and creative studio space.

Through Athena, Ms Peters supports Irish artists while creating a cultural and creative hub within the local community. She spoke about the realities of opening an independent arts business and the importance of creating spaces where people can connect through creativity. Meanwhile, Katie Cochrane from Westmeath, founder of Creators31, spoke about building a creative agency specialising in brand activations, product development and PR gifting.

Ms Cochrane discussed the challenge of balancing creative vision with commercial success and highlighted the importance of adaptability within modern business. Her agency works with brands to create campaigns and experiences designed to increase visibility and drive sales.

The discussion offered attendees a candid insight into the realities of entrepreneurship, with all three speakers highlighting resilience, adaptability and peer support as crucial factors in building a successful business.

The event also provided a valuable networking opportunity, allowing businesswomen from across the three counties to connect, exchange ideas and explore future collaborations. Speaking following the event, Lisa O’Connell, Senior Enterprise Development Officer with Local Enterprise Office Leitrim, said supporting women in business to embrace innovation and digital tools remains a key priority.

“This event not only demystified AI but also showcased the inspiring journeys of local entrepreneurs, encouraging others to take the next step in their business with confidence,” she said. She added that the event highlighted the strong entrepreneurial talent that exists across the region and the growing appetite among small businesses to engage with emerging technologies in practical and meaningful ways.

The Local Enterprise Offices of Leitrim, Longford and Westmeath continue to provide training, mentoring and funding supports to small businesses throughout the region, with a particular focus on innovation, digital development and long-term sustainability. Attendees left the event with actionable ideas, new business connections and a greater understanding of how Artificial Intelligence can support rather than overwhelm small business owners navigating an increasingly competitive marketplace.