Ashley Rooney is a busy mom of two boys, Declan (6) and Colton (4) and owner of Celtic Aer, an Irish- and Scottish-import shop in Westchester County, NY, just north of NYC. In 2020, she joined forces with Isabel Haley to start Anam Craft, a wholesale marketplace for Celtic crafters and designers to reach North American retail buyers. It is set to launch in Spring 2021.
Q 1- How does your normal day begin?
With a large cup of coffee and simultaneously making pancakes, pouring cereal, washing berries, preparing lunch, packing backpacks (and/or setting up iPads for remote learning!), and reading emails from timezones much further ahead. Then I try to remember to feed myself!
Q 2- What are your biggest daily challenges
Finding the time to get all my work done in the chaos of “hybrid” school schedules, running my Irish-import gift shop, and juggling the demands of our start-up: Anam Craft.
Q3- What do you love most about your job?
The connection I keep with Ireland, where my father is from. I get to meet with and purchase from amazing Celtic crafters and designers as a job — I love it!
Q 4- What do you do to relax?
After we get the kids to sleep, I relax with a glass of wine in front of the fire (it’s been a cold and snowy winter here in New York!) while streaming a show with my husband — currently Outlander, obsessed!
Q 5-Favourite staycation destination in Ireland and why?
A stay at Tully Mill Cottages, near Enniskillen in Co Fermanagh. With access to lovely trails just across the street and an amazing little restaurant on the grounds, it’s perfect because we’re close to most of my Irish family.
Q 6-Favourite holiday destination worldwide?
South Carolina — A large group of my closest family and friends have been going for 30+ years, and the days are spent playing beach games and swimming in the warm ocean (…and applying lots of sunblock!).
Q 7-Favourite Business motto?
Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value. ~Einstein
Q 8. Advice for young business entrepreneurs
Don’t be afraid to make your own path, especially if it means not following the norms and rules set by others.
