Meet Elaine Kennedy
Hawthorn Handmade Skincare is owned by Elaine Kennedy. Located on a rural farm in Partry, Co. Mayo. Elaine grew up on the farm and followed in the footsteps of the many family traditions such as crafting, dressmaking, jam making and farming.
Elaine lived in London for many years but she decided that she wanted to return to the family farm and develop a craft business. She was inspired by her surroundings and created Hawthorn Handmade Skincare. Elaine and her family have always had a strong connection to nature.
Elaine handcrafts all the products and her recipes have been carefully formulated to produce skin nourishing products made from the highest quality botanical ingredients.
Elaine’s philosophy is simple “Create skin nourishing products using 100% natural ingredients.”
Is It Best To Find An Accountant Online Or Locally?
“I was a Sole Trader at the beginning and I registered with the Companies Registration office. I didn’t have an accountant and I was using Excel. I was actively looking for an accountant locally at this time. I didn’t rule out online but I thought the local option would be easier and faster. It ended up not being the case for me. I remember feeling anxious during this time and I wasn’t fully aware of what exactly I had to do next. I also didn’t fully understand Revenue requirements and I was worried that I was going to do something wrong that would affect my business. I knew I needed help and I needed an accountant.”
Online Accountants Appear More Responsive Than Local Accountants
“My initial thought process was that a local accountant would be the best option. I did find the thought of meeting an accountant daunting and I found out that most wouldn’t give a set fee. I didn’t get much feedback and because of the lack of responses, I changed my mind about that route. I then looked online and it was instantly more responsive than my prior experience dealing with local accountants.”
Switching From Being A Sole Trader To A Limited Company
“I realised I needed an accountant because my company started to get busier and I needed help with my accounts. I needed to hire someone with expertise and knowledge. I was searching online and I found the Accountan Online website. I was impressed with how transparent the fees were. I thought the website had great information and the packages for the services they provided were very clear to understand.”
“I was looking to set up a limited company and I saw Accountant Online had services that would suit my requirements. I decided to get the Company Formation service and I switched from being a Sole Trader to a Limited Company. This process was very easy and straight forward.”
“I also purchased the Startup offer for accountancy services which I found very useful. The services were exactly what I needed and the process was simple. Again it was very clear how much exactly the fees were and I could pay them monthly. I found the accountancy software Surf helpful for my needs and easy to use.”
No More Anxiety
“I have more confidence now and I have the reassurance that my accounts are taken care of. I have more free time to focus on other aspects of my company now which is great. The anxiety I felt around certain aspects of my company previously has mostly subsided. Accountant Online has given me the support I needed and they helped me with the stress I had about setting up a company.”
“There is a big difference from when I started out to now. Overall I feel more confident and equipped going forward which really helps when you are relatively still new to this.”