Stories by Ola, a Fingal based company founded in 2022 and located in Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan is a trusted supplier of high-quality handmade ceramics for many retailers across Ireland.
With eight years of experience in working with clay, the company prides itself on its unique
artworks and unwavering commitment to excellence.
The woman behind this successful company is Ola – whose dedication to being continually creative, while upholding the highest quality standards has positioned her as a leader in the handmade art industry.
Ola translates the textures, colours, and shapes of the seaside into ceramic pieces that are both
functional and captivating. Each creation is meticulously crafted using a combination of
slab-building and slip-casting techniques. From mugs designed for a tranquil morning coffee to
tableware perfect for a vibrant dinner party, Ola’s ceramics aim to evoke a sense of joy and
Stories by Ola reach extends beyond Ardgillan Castle, supplying products across Ireland and exporting
abroad with ceramics found in design shops around the country from Dublin to Skibbereen and
as far as New York.
In 2023 Stories by Ola was shortlisted for three prestigious awards, the DCCI Future Makers,
the Irish Country Magazine Irish Made Award and the Fingal Chamber Business Award. In 2024
she won Overall Winner at Showcase 24 with her bestselling Coastline Plates. She was also
chosen Highly Commended in Gift Category in Irish Made Awards and was shortlisted again for
the Fingal Chamber Business Awards. These recognitions fuel her passion and drive to
continue pushing the boundaries of her crafts.
So how has this successful craft maker benefitted from the services of Fingal Local Enterprise Office:
In 2024 Stories successfully completed the LEO Green for Business Programme where she learned about
sustainability and identified ways of making her company's operations more climate conscious. As a direct result of this consultancy, Ola was then able to apply for and receive.
An EEG grant to replace her old pottery kiln with the new, larger, and more
energy-efficient kiln, Ola can continue to create beautiful, handcrafted pieces while also
reducing environmental impact.
Stories by Ola also was also awarded Trading Online Voucher to update their online presence.
To further enhance her progress, Ola availed of the LEO Mentoring Programme, where she
worked closely with Mentors handpicked to address her specific business needs. This
personalised guidance empowered her to effectively assess her own goals and implement
strategies tailored to her unique challenges. This has resulted in sustained success and growth
within her ceramics business.