WORKS WELL

Andrea Farrelly is the owner of Skin & Bodyworks, an advanced skincare and massage clinic with two branches in Navan and Ratoath, Co Meath. She has over 15 years' industry experience, having worked in both New Zealand and Ireland

What's your earliest memory?

I remember my dad bringing us all over the country in a camper van for my brother's motocross racing events. We travelled most weekends and had a big, extended motocross family. It was brilliant. I also raced when I was really young, but my mother made me give it up when I broke my arm.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

Definitely my family, especially my two boys. They inspire me every day to be a better person, a better mum and a better business owner, so I can give them the life I want to give them.

What was your first job?

I used to work on a stud farm every summer and every weekend. I was obsessed with horses from a young age, and I worked so I could keep my pony there for free.

Ideal holiday destination? New Zealand. I love everything about it – it's a sun holiday destination in summer and a ski resort destination in winter. The scenery there is unbelievable and the outdoor life is amazing. I love to explore and hike.

Favourite food?

Pizza – it is a family obsession.

Favourite drink?

I love a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, especially one from the Marlborough region of New Zealand. I lived there for four years, so I developed a taste for it.

How do you relax?

I am into active relaxation. I like to hike and train, as it helps to switch off my brain. But I am also partial to a good massage to help me unwind.

What was the last great film or series you watched?

The latest season of Kin that was on RTÉ earlier this year. I love a good gangster series or movie.

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

Al Pacino and Robert De Niro – due to my obsession with gangster movies! They are also two of my absolute favourite actors.

Do you cook and, if so, do you have a signature recipe?

I do a little bit, but I wouldn't class myself as a great cook. I make a decent spaghetti bolognese with homemade garlic bread.

Best piece of advice you've ever received?

I was told to not get drawn into what others are doing. Instead, stay in your own lane and do your own thing in your own way. I think we can all become preoccupied with what others are doing, especially now with social media.

Best piece of advice you've ever given?

Just do it! We learn when we fail, and if we don't try, we will never know. I am a true believer in ‘doing’ – having the guts to just jump in and try something new. Sometimes we fail, but sometimes we don't, and that's what it’s all about in business.

Have you changed the way you run your business/work since the pandemic?

Absolutely! From the onset, we embraced social media and became much more visible with our online offerings, such as our skin school, skin consultations and live facials, which we still do, even though we are now open again. The pandemic also made me think about having a decent work/life balance for my team – my full-time staff work a four-day week now, with every second weekend off. This has worked out really well, and we have a very happy work environment since we reopened.

Favourite thing about yourself?

My get-up-and-go attitude. I just like to get things done, and I will always make time to do something.

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

That's a tough choice. If I can only pick one, it would have to be a good SPF. After that, it would be my vitamin A moisturiser.

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

Love yourself more, and stop overthinking things. People will have opinions and that's OK – just be true to yourself.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a kick-ass businesswoman and mother, with a good heart and a kind soul.