A Female Founder Inspired By Irish Heritage, Community and Curiosity
International Women’s Day is a time to recognise the women building businesses, supporting their communities, and creating new ways of living and working that align with their values. At Óir Tonics, the story began with a simple idea: that wellbeing doesn’t need to be complicated. Often the things that help people feel their best come back to the basics; nourishing whole foods, time outdoors, fresh air and moments to slow down. These principles continue to guide the philosophy behind Óir Tonics today.
Óir Tonics was founded by Edel, driven by a curiosity about how everyday choices around food, nature and lifestyle can support overall wellbeing. Edel knew all too well the fatigue of "too much”. Too many additives, too many fillers, too many supplements. The overwhelm can be exhausting. Rather than focusing on quick fixes, Edel built a brand around a belief in whole food wellness. Simple, natural ingredients that support balance in daily life.
Like many women starting businesses, the journey began with curiosity and gradually grew into something bigger: a company focused on creating nourishing tonics inspired by nature and real ingredients. Building a business from the ground up brings challenges, but it also creates opportunities to shape something meaningful and aligned with personal values.
Edel's passion for sea moss and whole food nutrition was passed down to her from her Grandmother Teresa who grew up along Clare's coast. Teresa often spoke about how her father and grandfather used carrageen moss to keep the family well throughout the year. It would be strained into milk puddings or blancmange because of its natural gelling properties, or added to soups and stews for something warm and nourishing. Teresa is now 91, which we often joke is proof enough that sea moss must be doing something right.
With these stories in mind, with many years of working as a Chef under her belt, and studying nutritional therapy and herbal medicine, Edel decided to take the leap and begin building Óir Tonics as we know it today. One of the ideas at the heart of Óir Tonics is that wellness should feel achievable. It often comes down to small daily choices; nourishing whole foods, fresh air and movement, moments of calm in busy days. With Óir Tonics, Edel's goal was always to make wellness straightforward without unnecessary complication.
From the beginning, the purpose behind Óir Tonics has been clear: to create products that are honest, nourishing and rooted in real ingredients. As the brand has grown, that purpose has remained central to every decision. Growth has never meant compromising on the core values the company was built on. Quality ingredients, transparency and respect for people and the environment continue to guide the brand.
Wellness products should be enjoyable and accessible, not something people feel they have to force into their routine. Every tonic is created with the intention that it fits naturally into everyday life. Something you look forward to drinking, not simply something you feel you should take. From sourcing ingredients responsibly to thinking carefully about packaging and production, Óir Tonics continues to look for ways to reduce its environmental impact while creating products people trust. Nature is the inspiration behind the brand, and protecting it is part of the responsibility that comes with that.
Another important part of the Óir Tonics story is the team behind it. The company has grown into a small but passionate team, made up largely of women who bring creativity, curiosity and a strong work ethic to the business. What began as one person's idea has become something shaped by many people working together. Edel has always believed that a business should be a place where people can learn and grow. Within the Óir Tonics team there is a strong focus on supporting each other and giving people the chance to develop new skills. Team members often find themselves learning about areas they may never have expected to be involved in, from marketing and product development to customer engagement and operations. That environment of learning and encouragement has helped shape the culture of the company. People are trusted to contribute ideas, try new things and grow alongside the brand itself.
In many ways this reflects what International Women’s Day is really about. Not just celebrating achievements, but recognising the everyday work women do when they build businesses, support each other and create opportunities for the people around them.
Óir Tonics continues to grow, but the focus remains the same. Stay true to the original values, create nourishing products that people genuinely enjoy, and build a company where people feel proud to be part of the journey.
Image credits: Ali McCarthy
