A few weeks ago, Ciara and I bumped into each other in a corridor for the first time.A few weeks later, we’re sitting down for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had on Founder & Family.From the outside, Ciara had achieved many of the things we’re told should bring fulfilment. The business was growing, the goals were being achieved and life looked successful by most people’s standards.Yet something felt missing.In this episode, we explore the reality of ambition, why the next milestone rarely delivers what we expect, and how family, wellness and being present can matter more than another achievement, pay rise or title.It’s a conversation about success, fulfilment, motherhood, identity and learning to enjoy the life you’re building while you’re still building it.A special thank you to Ballygowan B-Active, our Founding Partner, for supporting these conversations.

Founder & Family CollectiveConversations with founders, leaders and creators building meaningful businesses without losing sight of what matters most.

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Instagram: @declanholmes08

@founderfamilycollective

Find Ciara :

Instagram: @ciaradalyoffical @happyfestni

Youtube:  ⁨@Ciaradalymakeup⁩ 

What if the best business to start... already exists?In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur Jenna Hill to explore a path that most aspiring founders never seriously consider: acquiring an existing business instead of building one from the ground up.We discuss why buying a business can sometimes be a faster, less risky route into entrepreneurship, how to identify the right opportunities, what makes a business worth acquiring, and the mindset required to take ownership and lead it forward.But this conversation goes far beyond balance sheets and business deals.Jenna shares her perspective on building a life that creates freedom rather than consuming it, setting boundaries, protecting family time, and defining success on your own terms.Whether you're thinking about launching a business, growing an existing one, or simply trying to create more space for the people who matter most, there's plenty in this conversation for you.In this episode:Buying a business vs starting from scratchHow to spot acquisition opportunitiesThe risks and rewards of business ownershipCreating freedom through entrepreneurshipBuilding boundaries around workFamily, ambition and modern successWhat Jenna hopes her children remember about this season of lifeIf you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe and share it with someone who'd get value from the conversation.Founder & Family CollectiveConversations with founders, leaders and creators building meaningful businesses without losing sight of what matters most.

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Instagram:

@declanholmes08

@founderfamilycollective

Find Jenna :

Instagram: @jennahilloffical

This week I sit down with Laura Smyth from White Noise for a conversation around business, branding, family and stepping into something you never fully planned for.

Laura talks about taking over the family business from her dad, balancing leadership with motherhood, and how the world of branding and design is rapidly evolving in the age of AI.

We also get into control, growth, learning to let go as a founder, and the reality of building something meaningful while still protecting flexibility and family life.

A thoughtful conversation on legacy, ambition and adapting in a modern world that keeps moving fast.

If you enjoy conversations around entrepreneurship, creativity, family and high agency living, make sure to subscribe and follow along.

Follow / connect:

Instagram: @declanholmes08

@founderfamilycollective

Find Whitenoise :

Instagram: @wearewhitenoise

Website: https://whitenoisestudios.com/

This week on Founder & Family, I’m joined by Sandra Corkin and Scott McCabe of Oasis Travel one of Northern Ireland’s most recognised family businesses.

What started over 40 years ago as a passion for travel has grown into a multi-award-winning brand with eight offices, a team of 60, and customers who’ve travelled with them for decades.

But this episode goes far beyond holidays and destinations.

We talk about the reality of building a long-term business as a family, the pressure of stepping into leadership, how the travel industry has evolved through uncertainty, and what it takes to modernise a legacy brand without losing what made it special in the first place.

We also get into:

• Working with family without damaging relationships
• Letting go of control
• Navigating uncertainty in travel
• Leadership across generations
• Standards, reputation and customer trust
• The emotional side of succession in business
• Why people still value human connection in an increasingly digital world

A really honest conversation about business, resilience, and what it means to build something that lasts.

Follow / connect:

Instagram: @declanholmes08

@founderfamilycollective

Find Oasis Travel :

Instagram: @oasistravelni

Website: https://www.oasis-travel.co.uk

This week I sat down with Erinn, founder of Ivy & Gold a bespoke jewellery brand she’s built from the ground up while raising two kids.

We got into the reality of building a business when your time is pulled in every direction… where boundaries actually matter, and how easy it is to chase a version of “success” that doesn’t fit your life.

What stood out most was her clarity family first, business fits around that, not the other way round. A perspective I think more of us are trying to figure out in real time.

Follow / connect:

Instagram: @declanholmes08

@founderfamilycollective

Find Ivy & Gold:

Instagram: @ivyandgolduk

Website: https://www.ivygold.co.uk

What’s it actually like to go from school corridors… to Stormont?

In this episode of the Founder & Family Collective, I sit down with Kate Nicholl, someone I’ve known since school, for a conversation that’s equal parts honest, reflective, and (at times) a bit of craic.

This isn’t your typical political interview.It’s a look at the person behind the role from early days and shared memories, to stepping into public life in Northern Ireland.

We get into the reality of politics the pressure, the responsibility, and what it actually feels like to represent people but also some of the lighter moments along the way…Including a very unexpected perk of being Lord Mayor of Belfast (you’ll want to hear that one 👀).

SUBSCRIBE FOR BI WEEKLY CONVERSATIONS WITH HIGH AGENCY PARENTS BALANCING IT ALL

Guest: Kate Nicholl MLA

Host: Declan Holmes

Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes Den

Follow & connect:

Declan- @declanholmes08

Kate- @Kate_nicholl

Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollective

The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards

Founder & Family Podcast Available now on all major platforms..

This episode is about more than business.

Before Pearl Beauty, there was a relationship.Before the growth, the pressure, and the brand there was just two people figuring life out together.

In this conversation, Elanna and Paddy open up on:

Building a business through uncertainty

Navigating growth while raising a young family

The realities behind running a successful beauty brand

How their relationship has evolved through it all

The sacrifices, risks, and mindset it takes to keep going

It’s honest, grounded, and a reminder that behind every brand is a real story and real people.

SUBSCRIBE FOR BI WEEKLY CONVERSATIONS WITH HIGH AGENCY PARENTS BALANCING IT ALL

Guests: Elanna & Paddy McGowan- Founders Pearl Beauty

Host: Declan Holmes

Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes Den

Follow & connect:

Declan- @declanholmes08

Elanna- Instagram @ellepearls YouTube  ⁨@elannapecherle⁩ 

Pearl Beauty- @pearlbeauty www.pearlbeautycosmetics.com

Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollective

The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards

Founder & Family Podcast Available now on all major platforms..

On this episode of the Founder & Family Collective Podcast, Declan sits down with Gary McIldowney, the founder behind Slim’s Healthy Kitchen.Gary shares the story behind building a food brand ecosystem from the ground up from early days in hospitality to creating something that now has a loyal following.We talk about the reality of growing a business in the food industry, the risks and pressure that come with it, and how family and community play a role in the journey.It’s an honest conversation about backing yourself, staying consistent, and what it really takes to turn an idea into a brand.Subscribe for bi-weekly conversations on business, parenthood, and becoming the best version of yourself.Guest: Gary McIldowney BroadcasterHost: Declan HolmesBrought to you in partnership with The Foxes Den Follow & connect:Declan- @declanholmes08Gary- @garymacbelfast Slims- @slimshealthykitchen www.slimshealthykitchenretail.co.ukFounder & Family- @founderfamilycollectiveThe Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards Founder & Family PodcastAvailable now on all major platforms..

Most people know Pete Snodden as the voice waking the country up each morning on the Cool FM Breakfast Show.

But staying at the top for decades doesn’t happen by accident.

In this conversation we talk about:

Following your passion (even when it’s not the safe option)

Building a career that actually lasts

Staying relevant in a fast-moving media world

Social media, parenting and raising kids today

Why good teams and good people matter more than ever

Pete shares honest lessons from over two decades at the top and why he still genuinely loves what he does.

If you’re building something, raising a family, or figuring out how to stay in the game long enough to matter, you’ll get a lot from this one.

Subscribe for bi-weekly conversations on business, parenthood, and becoming the best version of yourself.

Guest: Pete Snodden- Broadcaster

Host: Declan Holmes

Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes Den

Follow & connect:

Declan- @declanholmes08

Pete-  ⁨@petesnodden⁩ 

Founder & Family- @founderfamilycollective

The Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards

Founder & Family PodcastAvailable now on all major platforms

The Highs made them feel like they were taking over the world. The lows made them question everything.

This week Declan sits down with founders of Whytematter staffing solutions Mairead and Kirsty for an honest conversation about growth, resilience, and the reality behind building a business while navigating life’s pressures.

From moments of massive momentum to the fear of losing it all this episode is a raw look at what it truly takes to keep showing up.

A powerful listen for founders, parents, and anyone building something meaningful.

Expect real talk on:

-Growth & scaling challenges

– The emotional highs and lowest moments

– Resilience behind the scenes

– Lessons they wish they knew earlier

Subscribe for bi-weekly conversations on business, parenthood, and becoming the best version of yourself.

Guests: Mairead Moore & Kirsty Ferris founders of WhytematterHost: Declan Holmes

Brought to you in partnership with The Foxes Den

Follow & connect:Declan- @declanholmes08Whytematter- @whytematterFounder & Family- @founderfamilycollectiveThe Foxes Den- @thefoxesdenards Founder & Family PodcastAvailable now on all major platforms