Inishowen-based wellbeing business headed to Dublin for top international tradeshow

Leading Donegal wellbeing business, I AM SELF-CARE, is off to Dublin this weekend to represent the county at one of Ireland’s largest international tradeshows. 

Owner Edelle Harrigan-Edgar says the Showcase Ireland creative expo at the RDS is a great opportunity to meet buyers from all over the world.

Edelle is based in Quigley’s Point and specialises in organic vegan aromatherapy products and currently sells online and directly to retailers and buyers in Derry, Donegal and Dublin.

“I hope to make some new connections at the Expo, particularly with buyers,” she said. “I want to expand sales across the island, to Irish national chains in the pharmacy and wellbeing sector, and to the UK market.”

Showcase Ireland has been running for 50 years and attracts over 3,350 buyers from Ireland, UK, the USA, mainland Europe and Asia. This year, over 400 leading and emerging Irish brands in creative industries are exhibiting at the event.

Edelle’s background is in business development, but she’s always loved aromatherapy and essential oils. During lockdown, she trained to become a Certified Aromatherapist and Essential Oils Specialist. She also holds a Diploma in Organic skincare and founded I AM SELF-CARE in 2021.

“I set it up because I know that essential oils have a variety of benefits for mental, emotional and physical well-being and during lockdown, lots of people were going through a stressful time. I knew that using essential oils helped me and my family so I thought that creating products with essential oils in them would benefit a lot of other families also.”

READ NEXT: What’s next for Donegal’s first Croke Park All-Ireland club finalists Naomh Padraig?

“I also suffer from sensitive skin, and I find that using products with harsh chemicals reacts badly to my skin. Essential oils contain natural chemical components that actually help to soothe and moisturise the skin. Also, lots of cosmetics contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as parabens and phthalates which can lead to hormone imbalances and increased cancer risk. So, I knew that I wanted to create products that were organic and vegan which are safer and healthier for our skin and bodies.”

During the past couple of years, Edelle’s business has grown steadily. She has developed her own product line and makes bespoke products for hotels and spas. She also delivers Essential Oil product-making workshops and provides 1-2-1 Aromatherapy Consultations.

She prides herself in only using natural organic vegan ingredients in her products. “I choose the finest butters, botanical oils and essential oils and this is very popular with customers and retailers.  I have great confidence in my products because my customer feedback is so positive.”

She quotes an example of a customer who contacted her about cracked skin on her hands, as a result of chemotherapy. “I recommended that she use our newly launched Multi-Purpose Balm with Irish Sea Moss. It’s packed with antioxidants, vitamins and ingredients that deeply moisturise the skin. She said the Balm has helped soothe her dry skin and she prefers its natural ingredients, compared to other creams. My products are created to support your self-care and well-being. So, when I get feedback like this, I know I am doing something right.’’

I AM SELF-CARE is one of only two businesses chosen by Donegal Local Enterprise Office (LEO) to represent the northwest. The expo is run on behalf of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland. It’s one of several initiatives supported by LEOs to foster entrepreneurship and help businesses grow.

Edelle has big plans for 2025, having recently been a finalist in the Local Women Magazine Business Awards for Wellbeing Business of the Year and North West Business of the Year. She plans to focus on expanding her product range and customer base. She will also continue with her workshops, which teach people how to make their own aromatherapy products to support their self-care and well-being.