The Wicklow Way

Rasa Levinaite owns The Wicklow Street Clinic in Dublin, and is the Irish distributor of Eminence Organic Products. Originally from Lithuania, she is a qualified accountant, and has worked in the beauty industry for 19 years. Prior to taking over the business more than three years ago, she was the general and financial manager

What’s your earliest memory? 

When I was about three or four years old, my grandmother decided to cut my hair, which was very long at the time. I thought she made me look like a boy, and I was crying all day until my mum came to pick me up.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

My mum, who raised me by herself. She worked really hard, and she had to spend a lot of time in hospitals as I was a very sick child, but she managed to juggle everything. Coco Chanel has also always inspired me.

What was your first job?

My first proper job was with the Disabled Persons Association in Lithuania. I worked there as head accountant, but I did small errands as well. I drove people to various places when needed, or I took them to events.

Best thing about lockdown?

I can spend more time with my boyfriend and our dog.

Worst thing about lockdown? 

The uncertainty about the future.

Ideal holiday destination? 

I took my mum to the Maldives a few years ago and I fell in love with it there. It is a little paradise on earth. It’s the perfect place to go on holiday if you want to just relax, get your thoughts together and recharge.

Favourite food?

I loved the full Irish breakfast from the first time I tried it when I moved to Ireland. My favourite parts are the white pudding and hash browns. It’s a very tasty breakfast and it fills you up.

Favourite drink? 

Being the owner of a skincare clinic, I probably shouldn’t admit that my favourite drink is Coca-Cola. I don’t drink it very often, but I always have it if I am meeting somebody for lunch or dinner, or if I am out socialising.

‘My dream dinner party at this moment in time would be my mum and my closest friends, as I haven’t been able to see them for ages because of lockdown, and I miss them a lot’

How do you relax? 

I like to read a good book or watch a good movie.

Dream dinner party guest/guests (alive or dead)?

My dream dinner party at this moment in time would be my mum and my closest friends, as I haven’t been able to see them for ages because of lockdown, and I miss them a lot.

Best piece of advice you've ever received?

Keep going and never give up, no matter what.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever given?

Always be yourself, and don’t ever try to change just to please other people.

Favourite thing about yourself? 

I have a determination to succeed, and I always try to make my dreams a reality. That’s how I got to be the owner of The Wicklow Street Clinic. I never wanted to be full-time accountant, so I started off doing the accounts in the salon, and then I became the general manager. After working there for some time, I was given the opportunity to buy the business, and I begged, borrowed and almost stole to do this.

What's the one beauty product you can't live without?

Eminence Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser.

What, if anything, would you now tell your 16-year-old self?

Life wasn’t great for me when I was 16 because my stepfather died. He was only a part of our family for a short period, but he was like a father to me during this time. My mum was devastated also, so I had to look after her. Looking back on this now, I would tell myself that the storm always passes, and then you see the sun again.

How would you like to be remembered?

I know you can’t be liked by everyone, but I’d like to be remembered as a nice person. I believe that if you are good to others, they will be good to you. And if everybody was good to each other, the world would be a better place. PBHJ