As she prepares to mark two years in business on 14 February 2024 – Valentine’s Day, a fitting anniversary for this passion project – preparations are also underway for the launch of her first product, inspired by her great, great granny Marjorie.
Ciara explains: “My great, great granny Marjorie was born in 1884 and worked as an illicit brewer and distiller. When the excisemen came up to Ardgay from Beauly, all the way on horse and cart, she took her pot still and hid it under her petticoats. I just think that’s a brilliant story and it’s what has driven my passion for the industry. It’s in my blood!
“I’m now working on producing a range of oat-based botanical spirits inspired by her original recipes - using botanicals from the Scottish countryside, including heather from the hills and Scots pine needles.
“For every bottle of botanical spirit that I sell from the range, £1 will be generated to support local charities within the community.”
Ciara offered her words of advice for anyone thinking about applying to IMPACT30:
“You might be nervous, it might sound scary, but it’s so worth it. The programme will not only help your business grow, but it will help you grow, personally and professionally. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
“My experience has been an epic rollercoaster, with tough challenges and epic highs. And I’ve come out the other end a much more confident entrepreneur.”
