ACORNS alumni Cathy Fitzgibbon, aka The Culinary Celt, has turned her passion for food education into a career and is focused on tackling rising obesity levels.
We talk to rural women entrepreneurs from across Ireland who recently took part in the ACORNS programme.
Women in rural Ireland with new businesses or at least with well-developed ideas are being invited to join next phase of the programme ACORNS 8. The ACORNS programme is designed to support early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland through a peer learning approach. Thanks to the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the voluntary contribution of time by Lead Entrepreneurs, there is no charge for those selected to participate.
“My unique selling point is that I help cut through the multitude of conflicting advice in this area, enabling people to make their own decisions to enhance their overall wellbeing”
The call is now open for applicants for ACORNS 8 and 50 female entrepreneurs from across the country will be selected to participate. Anyone interested in receiving an application form ahead of the midnight 23 September deadline for ACORNS 8 should register their interest here
Clear advice
Cathy Fitzgibbon was concerned that the rising rates of obesity in Ireland are starting to mirror those in the United States and elsewhere.
Indeed, her fears about the growing health emergency and the malign influence of advertising on people’s food choices go back to May 2018 when she began writing under the pseudonym The Culinary Celt while studying for an MBS in Marketing at Munster Technological University.
An experienced media professional with a background in marketing, Cathy has turned her passion for food education into a career.
Now, The Culinary Celt amplifies the voice of Irish food producers and actively promotes the areas of wellbeing and sustainability through her food writing and published academic research work.
“Educating people is critically important. I have knowledge I want to impart to people based on years of experience in the marketing space. My unique selling point is that I help cut through the multitude of conflicting advice in this area, enabling people to make their own decisions to enhance their overall wellbeing,” she says.
A native North Cork, Cathy’s recently released book, Eat with the Seasons, highlights the environmental and physical benefits of eating foods during the seasons they are grown. She also has plans in place to host wellness retreats for people interested in exploring the concept of mindful eating.
Recently crowned the Network Cork Solo Businesswoman of the Year, Cathy is grateful to the ACORNS Programme for connecting her with a network of likeminded business professionals.
“We could exchange ideas and speak freely about the challenges and opportunities we encountered during the regular course of running our own businesses.”
