By Business & Finance 
Fiona Kealy and Janet Clarke, Co-founders, The Bed Angel
In our Ones to Watch section, we highlight some of the top movers and shakers in Ireland. This week we feature The Bed Angel.
What is it?
The Bed Angel is a luxury comfort cushion, designed in the shape of angel wings, with a message recorder and keepsakes pouch, to help a loved one get a good night’s sleep. The first Bed Angel retail shop has also recently opened on Main St., Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath.
“Our angel wing cushions were originally a major hit with kids, but the market has really expanded since with people gifting them to grandparents and friends and even couples taking one wing each when they’re apart. A lot of people see them as the ‘Fairy Door’ for older kids and adults.”
The Bed Angel was recently shortlisted in the ‘Best Sleep Product’ category in the Maternity and Infant Awards 2017.
Who’s behind it?
Co-founders Fiona Kealy and Janet Clarke. Fiona has over 20 years’ experience in marketing and new business development, including working with top advertising agency Satchi & Satchi. Janet brings a couture background gained from working with designers such as Ib Jorgensen and Sybil Connelly.
How is it funded?
Currently self-funded with some assistance from Meath County Enterprise Board. The two founders have invested their own savings into the project, also, including in their retail premises and workshop in Dunshaughlin.
Future plans?
The Bed Angel recently qualified for the Kilkenny Design Open Call, an initiative by Kilkenny Shop to uncover new Irish design talent. The Bed Angel plans to build on this success and to be listed with a major retail chain by the end of 2017. The pair are also looking at options for partnering with an established home accessories and bedding manufacturer to upscale production
The key objective is to grow sales in the Irish market through both the online and retail store. Bed Angels have also been exported to a number of overseas markets including France, Switzerland, the UK and the US.
“To paraphrase Richard Branson – ‘If you’re not in business to help others then you shouldn’t be in business.’ Our aim, first and foremost, is to help loved-ones everywhere get a good night’s sleep by interacting with The Bed Angel. But first they have to know about us.”
To this end, The Bed Angel has also invested in PR and social media to generate further brand awareness.
Business & Finance, Ones to Watch
Business & Finance, in association with Comtrade Digital Services, recognises Ireland’s most dynamic emerging businesses in ‘Ones to Watch’.
Ireland is alive with a vibrant start-up scene and the entrepreneurs featured are shaping the country’s economic landscape.
