In The Biz…with Deirdre O’Brien

As a luxury destination Carton House is intertwined with all things style and regularly hosts fashion events including catwalk shows, Most Stylish Lady Day and new fashion launches. One of the directors is Deirdre O’Brien from Templeogue, Dublin, a stylish career women and mother, who know’s how important it is to look the part in business to get ahead. She tells us over a cuppa about her love of colour blocking and why she never leaves home without her trusty LBD…

You’re currently Director of Sales & Marketing at Carton House, quite the job. How did you get there?

I studied Hotel Management and Business Studies and then spent some time in London perfecting my craft and getting as much experience in the industry as I could. I then came back to Dublin and worked with a major hotel chain before moving on to the Guinness Storehouse, and then finally I made the move out to the wonderful countryside retreat that is Carton House in 2005 and have been here ever since.

Style or Trends?
For me, it is always about style; while some trends suit me I am very aware that not every trend will. I really admire women who can pull off trends effortlessly. It is an important part of my job to look suitably presented on a daily basis and for me choosing style over trends almost always fulfills this.

Two adjectives to describe your style?

Sophisticated, chic.

Today I’m wearing…?

My favourite little black dress and trusted Chanel jacket paired with my favourite black patent pumps.

Style icon?

Jackie Onasis

Favourite trend this season?

Colour blocking, I love the mix of unusual colours, we are now allowed to break all colour rules, which is rather exciting.

Favourite beauty product?

I don’t go anywhere without my Aveda handcream, and now that summer is here my trusted Aveda PH lip balm is always with me.

Can’t live without…?

My lipstick, nothing says glamour or finishes an outfit like the right shade of lipstick.

What did you want to be growing up?

My family has a strong background in the service industry and it was always something that interested me, I loved hearing my family speak about their work and I just fell in love with it from a very young age.

What’s a typical day?

I like to get into the office nice and early so I am set up for the day and can plan ahead. We are very lucky at Carton House and seem to be going against the trend for hotels, we have plenty of weddings and events booked in for the coming year not to mention a nearly full hotel every weekend and a very busy spa during the week. I spend a large part of the day analysing sales figures and planning our marketing strategy for the upcoming quarter.

Favourite hangout?

I love the restaurant upstairs in Brown Thomas, so chic and a fabulous place for Sunday brunch with family and friends.

Friday night treat?

You really can’t beat a glass of red wine curled up on the sofa watching an old movie – the perfect way to relax.

Your perfect weekend is…?

I love to unwind at the weekend with my family and have some much needed downtime, as is the nature of any hotel but particularly a busy one like Carton House, things can be a little hectic and sometimes work spills over into the weekend as will happen this week. Carton House sponsored the Most Stylish Lady Event at the Ladbrokes Irish Grand National but I can’t really complain, it was a great excuse to get dressed up and admire the style and glamour.

Last time you laughed out loud & why?

My three-year-old daughter Lauren makes me giggle every day!

What’s on your iPod?

Florence and The Machine and The Script.

What advice would you give anyone trying to break into the business?

Get as much work experience as you can and embrace every opportunity you are given – when you work in a job and a place that you love it is always so much easier to succeed so make sure you are in the right place for you.

If you could write your ideal job description, what would it be?

I really am incredibly lucky to work in such a beautiful place, I often find myself daydreaming about the history of Carton House when I drive up the avenue through the 1,100 acres of gorgeous countryside, wondering about the glamorous lives of those who have stayed here in the past, including Dukes and other royalty. I absolutely love my job and wouldn’t change it for the world.