Ciara Donlon Caubet opened Cup Cakes Lingerie in Ranelagh just over a year ago and despite the economic climate business is going strong. We sat down for a chat…

Ciara, how did you start out in retail?
I worked for 12 years in corporates doing online sales and marketing. Always wanted to start my own business, I used the recession as an advantage to start my own store in the village I grew up in.

What did you want to be growing up?
A stock broker!

My big break?
Specializing in online before it was sexy!

Two adjectives to describe your style?
Classic, chic

Style or Trends?
Style, it lasts forever and never goes out of fashion!

Today I’m wearing…?
Blue LK Bennett dress

Style icon?
Love Victoria Beckhams’ style wish I could afford her dresses.

Favourite trend this season?
Maxi skirts

Favourite beauty product?
Yves Saint Laurent liquid eyeliner

Can’t live without…?
My Ugg slippers

What’s a typical day?
They all vary but normally I am up at 9, coffee in Nicks on the way to my shop, I open at 10am, deal with orders, online banking, then spend the day with customers. Close at 6pm, stop in Superquinn to buy dinner, my lovely husband cooks it! Watch CSI Las vegas or a detective series I’ve recorded or work! Bed by 11.30pm.

Toughest part of my job?
Making sure I have all the sizes in the store. There are lots of bra sizes!

Favourite hangout?
Humphreys beer garden in Ranelagh

Friday night treat?
Spar nachos

My perfect weekend is…?
Drinks with the girls, shopping on Saturday, dinner at home with my husband with lovely wine, a walk in town on Sunday.

Last time you laughed out loud?
My aunt told me a story about when she was 8 months pregnant her friend asked her to buy her a pregnancy test. So she walks into a chemist heavily pregnant and asks for a pregnancy test…..every person in the place is staring at her but no-one states the obvious and she leaves with the pregnancy test with every eye still on her!

What’s on your iPod?
French music for the store, Adele, Example, Belle X1, U2, Florence and the Machine and lots more!

What advice would you give anyone trying to break into the business?
Make sure you are passionate about lingerie and enjoy spending time with people. You need to have a good eye for styles and understand what women are looking for to make them feel good. If you know your customer you are onto a winner.

If you liked this article, you might like also these..