Heading home to Kerry is always a journey that’s worth the 3+ hours trekking across beautiful Ireland. I know when I get home there’ll be a friendly face, a decent healthy dinner and endless walks on the perfect beaches – rain or shine. All the while, I try to absorb all the latest news and catch up on the recent successes around the area. From quality start-ups to political ventures and TV appearances, there’s never a dull moment in North Kerry – and that’s just based on what I get to catch up on.
Venturing home in 2011, a neighbour and friend – Sarah Blake had started East73rd.ie. Having known Sarah since we were teenagers, it came as no surprise that she’d become an entrepreneur. Surrounded by strong and inspiring ladies in her family, and following years of international experience in New York and London, a degree in PR and a head full of common sense, Sarah’s sights were always going to be set on something exciting and creative. Named Kerry Business Woman of the Year (fashion retail) in 2016 not long after the milestone of opening of her second store in CastleIsland, it seems the years keep getting better and better. Over the Easter weekend, sipping on her tea, Sarah shared her news that she had indeed been nominated again which looks like 2017 is set to be another show stopper.
Sourcing vintage clothing, occasion wear, crockery and cosmetics, the array of products available at East73rd.ie is both international and local. One such product range Sarah spoke passionately about was Maher’s bodycare. An all-natural award winning brand which heralds from nearby Listowel, it is currently taking off across Ireland. Telling me about the seaweed base in the skincare designed and created by Doctor Maher, I was ready to lather my own skin up at the first sight of it. It was clear that products aren’t chosen at random for the stores but rather selected super carefully with her customer base in mind.
Of course, it isn’t all work. Like all entrepreneurs, Sarah keeps the balance there with gym sessions, socialising and a good auld boogie – most recently taking part in ‘Strictly come dancing’ in aid of Beale GAA. In December 2016, Sarah danced her socks off in the local community centre showing she ain’t a one trick pony.
Considering what’s gone before, I asked Sarah ‘what’s in the pipeline?’. Hoping for a bit of juice. As cool as ever, she said she’ll keep doing what she’s doing. With some beautiful new designs coming in-store, occasion wear taking off and more and more Irish celebrities like Marissa Carter falling in love with her apparel. I’d say to keep watching this space…
To learn more or to connect with East73rd, visit any of the social media channels (@east73rd), keep an eye on the celeb’s wardrobes and if you’re in Ballybunion or Castleisland, don’t be shy – pop in for a gander.