What do a childhood love of an Irish folk band, a green dot on a map, and a preserved French moss have in common? They’re all part of Alena’s story of moving from a small village in the Czech Republic to becoming the founder of Blooming Boutique, one of Raheny’s most creative and colourful businesses. In this warm conversation on The Raheny Podcast, Alena shares how her family’s idea grew into a pan-European business, how a tiny flower shop became a vibrant community hub, and what really goes into creating a bouquet that lasts. Perfect listening for anyone who loves creativity, community, or the quiet power of following your instincts.

00:00 – Introduction: Kevin sets the scene for Alena’s story

01:30 – Why Alena chose Ireland over England (and what the Kelly Family band had to do with it)

04:00 – First impressions of Raheny and how it instantly felt like home

05:30 – The origins of Blooming Boutique, from hanging planters to flower shop

07:00 – The secret of preserved French moss and how it’s used in design

09:30 – From a small shop to renovating a gym into a thriving boutique

12:30 – What makes a signature bouquet (and why it’s more science than guesswork)

15:00 – The role of creativity in workshops for customers and corporates

17:00 – Why flowers change with the seasons, and how that shapes the work

19:00 – Alena’s favourite parts of running the boutique and the role of her team

20:30 – Pro tips for keeping flowers fresh at home longer

23:00 – The surprising joy of working on weddings, funerals, and corporate events

26:00 – The reality of floristry: creativity, deadlines, and even dirt

27:00 – What’s next for Blooming Boutique and a heartfelt thank-you to her family, partner, team, and community

In this episode, I sit down with Wim de Jongh, co-founder of Hope Beer in Dublin, to explore how storytelling and community shape a brewery’s identity. Wim shares the origins of the Hope name, the folklore behind their labels, and the challenges of growing a mission-driven business in a crowded market. Perfect for podcasters, founders, and leaders who want to see how narrative and community can turn a product into a movement.

00:01 – Kevin introduces Wim and the story of Hope Beer

02:17 – How the name Hope was chosen and what it represents

07:14 – Why every beer label tells a local story

11:32 – Building a brand rooted in community values

15:40 – Challenges of running a brewery in Dublin’s crowded market

19:05 – The role of local business in keeping culture alive

23:28 – What big breweries can’t replicate about small, story-driven brands

32:14 – Wim’s advice for anyone trying to build with purpose

In this episode of The Raheny Podcast, I chat with Sorcha, owner and partner at Village Vets Raheny. From training in Budapest to opening a three-floor veterinary hospital in the old Ulster Bank building, Sorcha shares what it takes to run a modern clinic while keeping the warmth of a local community practice. She talks about common pet issues, why insurance matters, and the little touches that make vet visits less stressful. Perfect for pet owners, animal lovers, and anyone curious about Raheny’s evolving village life.

[00:08] Why Sorcha chose Raheny and the origins of the clinic

[01:27] What partnership with Village Vets really means

[01:59] Sorcha’s journey: from zoology to veterinary medicine in Budapest

[03:41] Inside the three-floor hospital and its facilities

[04:29] Starting out with a small team and building momentum

[05:17] Typical cases—itchy skin, tummy upsets, vaccines, and more

[05:28] Handling exotics and when to refer to specialist clinics

[07:09] The mindset shift from junior vet to clinic partner

[07:43] Building a welcoming, community-first practice

[09:29] Why continuity of care and familiar faces matter for owners

[10:06] The underused but vital role of pet insurance

[14:58] Introducing fear-free medicine and behavioral support

[18:37] Full surgeries, diagnostics, and advanced care in-house

[19:58] The warm welcome from the Raheny community

[21:02] Funny clinic stories and pets with unforgettable names

[22:47] Future plans: expanding services and a dermatology specialty

[23:31] Summer advice: ticks, hydration, overheating, and safe travel

[24:50] Clearing up a local myth: they’re not the Ulster Bank anymore!