Role: Director
Company: Over the Moon
Track Record: A science graduate with a Masters in management who spent 10 years in the pharmaceutical industry
What does your job entail?
As Director of children’s entertainment company Over The Moon, I am responsible for the day-to-day running of the business, new business development and sales, brainstorming creative concepts and staff recruitment, liaison and supervision.
Is it 9-5?
Running your own business is definitely not 9-5, especially when working in children’s entertainment. At Over The Moon we specialise in tailoring packages for a wide range of clients in both the public and private sectors – I keep long hours and, due to the nature of my work, often work weekends, bank holidays and evenings. I do have a dedicated staff of over 50 employees which helps and means working in several venues, across the region and all at the same time, is not a problem.
How did you get into this line of work?
A couple of years ago, while I was on maternity leave from my day job, I was looking into organising my son’s second birthday party but was disappointed by the lack of quality children’s entertainment available. You want your child’s birthday to be a memorable and fun-filled day for all and I saw a niche in the market.
I did some more research into it and realised there was a real opportunity to create bespoke packages to entertain children not just for birthday parties but also corporate events as well.
A year ago I set up Over The Moon and haven’t looked back – I love what I do and the variety that comes with it.
Outline your career to date?
I have over 10 years experience working in the pharmaceutical industry. This may seem far removed from what I do today but the people skills and the professional skills I acquired then; management, marketing and sales are transferable and have been invaluable as I have worked hard to establish Over The Moon as the leading children’s entertainment company.
Tell us about your qualifications/training.
After studying for my Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine, I went on to complete my Masters in Management. The skills I learnt while studying for my Masters, I use every day in my role as director of Over The Moon.
Part of the service Over The Moon offers businesses is face painting and balloon modelling both of which I have done a course in. That said, I am better on the management side of things and leave the artistic element to my creative staff.
What qualities are required for your job – personal and professional?
To work in children’s entertainment you have to be a ‘people person’ and more specifically a ‘little people’s person’. Like every job you have to have a passion for what you do.
Having children of my own I understand how difficult it can be to keep them happy and entertained. If we, at Over The Moon, can help a company or business do that, leaving them to concentrate on what they do best – then my job is done.
As I don’t keep usual office hours and have to be in lots of different places, all at the same time, it is also important to be extremely well organised and flexible.
What is the best advice you ever received?
The best advice I have ever received was from my mum who once told me to ‘always treat others as you would want to be treated.’ That has stuck with me and I try to live by it in both my personal and private life.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love the outdoors and am a very keen sportswoman. I am a past Ireland International hockey player but now prefer to swing a golf club to a hockey stick. I enjoy keeping fit and try to go to the gym at least three times a week.
Having a young family myself, a three-year-old son and two-year-old daughter, I also enjoy spending whatever free time I get playing with them. We have a fantastic playground in our area and it is great to see them running around, enjoying themselves.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
In 2006 I completed a 10-day charity climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Retts Syndrome. It was probably the toughest challenge – mentally and physically – that I have ever faced but I have never been as proud as the moment when I reached the peak. It was one of those once in a lifetime experiences.
Who has inspired you most in your life?
Inspiration has come from a few sources, my parents first and foremost and also my husband. He started up his own business nearly five years ago and has been a constant source of encouragement and support.