Faces of Galway 46/100
Meet Sandra from Westport.
Sandra grew up in a busy household. Her dad, a musician, played in a band and her mother, a dress maker, was busy creating clothes that were probably before their time; at least in Westport. While her parents were busy making a living Sandra and her two brothers were left to entertain themselves. Boredom was overcome by creative projects in the garden shed. It is no surprise that they are all now working in creative fields. Rather then Sandra's parents directly trying to influence her career paths, it seems she has perfectly emulated her parents in her own life.
Sandra trained as a classical musician and went on to play and teach the piano. She has also been in many bands. The most well known of them are Cane 141; an Electro/Indie Pop band who were described by Hot Press as "Extremely wonderful". When her children came along her career in music slowed down. A new career started.
One of the items Sandra's mum passed down to her was a 'barrel bag', it was with her through her touring days, and nappy changing days. It was strong and durable yet, beautiful. Sandra was constantly getting compliments on this bag, so many that she decided to deign a bag based on it. Lovern Leather Goods was born. With the artistic advice of her brothers she was able to create a look of the bag and the brand. What has Surprised Sandra the most is how helpful so many local Galway business people, even those who could be deemed the competition, have been. Sandra now runs a successful business and is already preparing to branch out into more beautiful leather goods.
Follow Sandra on Facebook, Twitter or head over to the website itself - be warned you will want a bag, or two!