I’m sure as with everyone else, you’ve been up the walls the last few weeks but I’d really love for you to know just how appreciative I am for the support you’ve given me in 2019.
Emma-Jane here from Johnny Magory Business and as I’m getting ready to close the book on 2019 for a well deserved rest, I wanted to give you a quick recap and some of what to expect in the near future (a little story so to speak!)
2019 has been a game changer for me. It saw me leave my job in Kerry Group and step into the often unsure but super exciting world of self-employment… “I’m full time Johnny Magory’ing now” seems to be what I’ve been saying on repeat the last few months!
But I wouldn’t change anything for the world now. It’s been one of the most incredible years of my life to date with the people (big and little!) I’ve met, the places I’ve been and the personal growth I’ve experienced.
There’s no Business like a New Business!
In terms of awards and competitions, Johnny Magory sprang out of the traps and made his mark making the finals on some seriously big ones:
- Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) Competition
- Network Ireland’s Business Woman of the Year Awards
- Family Friendly Ireland Awards
- Kildare Business Awards
To be associated with these awards and businesses has been incredible for such a new business and I’m excited for 2020.
2019 Hit the Road Johnny…
We (myself and Johnny that is!) were on the road constantly too in both Ireland and also the US on a trade mission to Boston with the Kildare Chamber of Commerce, Kildare LEO and Kildare Co. Co.
Alongside countless schools, library’s and bookshops, we’ve attended some of Ireland’s biggest and best known events often hosting our “Heritage and Wildlife” workshops to thousands of children and their parents.
- Listowel Writer’s Week
- Kaleidoscope Music & Arts Festival
- Laya Health Care City Spectaculars Cork & Dublin
- Electric Picnic Music & Art’s Festival
- Gifted at the RDS
- Ballymaloe Craft Festival
- Boot’s Pregnancy and Baby Fair
- Autumn Gift and Home Fair – Citywest
I’m delighted to say we’ll be attending these and more in 2020.
Spreading the Word
Johnny got noticed too! We’re thrilled with features on the likes of the Late Late Toy Show, RTE Nationwide, RTE Radio One, Today FM, 2FM, the Woman’s Way Magazine, The Irish Independent and lots of local and regional radio, newspapers, social media take-overs and podcasts. Proudly displaying our Guaranteed Irish symbol on the back of every book has been very important to us throughout the year.
It’s hard to pick a favourite 2019 child!
If you asked me for a highlight though, it’s too hard to choose just one but certainly the stand-out’s are:
- Hiring our first team member (the outstanding Elizabeth Quirke)
- Launching my fifth book illustrated by my childhood (and adulthood!) hero Don Conroy.
- Our new website offering a free Irish Wildlife Directory for children, teachers and parents globally. Big thanks to Graphedia.
All are dreams come true!
So what’s next?
There will definitely be at least one new book published for next year based on our Irish farming heritage. I’ve had so many people ask if there are tractors in the books (not yet!) and there are so many wonderful Irish native domestic animals I’d love to include such as Connemara ponies and Dexter cattle to name a few!
We’ll also be launching our merchandise which will include the Johnny Magory Explorer Cairde (buddy), a plush toy to encourage children and their parents to get outside exploring; a 3 year journal for parents and children; and also a clothing line.
There’s lots more too but I’d be very surprised if anybody is actually still reading at this point!
But if you are… Seriously thank you so much for supporting us. Your support is helping me spread the word of a simpler, healthier, outdoor lifestyle for the next generation which is more important to me than you’ll ever know.
Go raibh míle maith agat.
Here’s to a cracking decade for you and yours.
Slán,
EJ