THE proud English father of a woman who opened a unique boutique in Bunbeg has ensured that news of her feat has reached the Irish Diaspora in Leeds.
Like for many others, Eilish Haigh, a mother of two, found lockdown particularly challenging. Her son Noel has Down Syndrome and Autism, and Eilish found many difficulties arose when shopping. Having run a number of successful ‘pop-up’ shops, Eilish wanted to put her experienced of this to a more permanent use. At the heart of her plan was to help other ‘special needs mums’ for whom shopping is not an enjoyable experience.
Eilish opened the doors of ‘Buítíc Eilish’ in the former post office premises on August 5 with the aim of making shopping for her and other mums of children with disabilities a more enjoyable experience. With a sensory corner, special changing facilities and wheelchair friendly access, the boutique boasts inclusivity, and has had many shoppers through the doors since.
Eilish moved from the UK to Donegal six years ago, holding on to her dream to live by the seaside and have her own boutique. Through hard work and determination, she has single-handedly enjoyed both those dreams come true.
Eilish told her story to the Donegal News last month. Her father, John, received a copy of the Donegal News which featured his daughter’s story which he has been proudly sharing. Leeds Irish Health and Homes is a community organisation offering a variety of services and support to the Irish Diaspora community and the wider community. In a post, they said: “On a Cara visit last week, John was so happy to share a story in the paper about his daughter who lives in Donegal with her children. She has opened the first búitíc shop to help create a good shopping experience when shopping with family or children with disabilities. It has wheelchair access, a changing unit and a sensory corner.
“Speaking from experience, she speaks of the hard task and wanted to open her own business as she understands how difficult it can be. Best of luck Eilish – you’ve made your daddy proud.”