Inspirational Evening at Chupi Friends & Founders Supper
An inspirational evening in good company
I had the most enjoyable and inspiring evening at Chupi's Friends & Founders Supper in Powerscourt on Thursday night, featuring special guest speaker, triple world record holder, endurance athlete and offshore racing pioneer, Pamela Lee.
As Pamela prepares to become the first Irish sailor ever to compete in the legendary Route du Rhum later this year, Chupi felt it was the perfect opportunity to bring together a small group of founders, creators, media and inspiring individuals for an intimate conversation around resilience, ambition and pursuing extraordinary goals.
It had been a long day and I had literally been running in heels from meeting to meeting, so it was such a treat to be greeted on arrival by Róisín Tierney Crowe, who looked dazzling as always in a beautiful pink jumpsuit, and her wonderful team. We were welcomed with the delicious new Dingle Gin Orange & Sea Salt cocktail, which was the perfect way to begin the evening. It was equally lovely to catch up with so many colleagues and friends I hadn't seen in ages, while also meeting an incredible group of founders from such a diverse range of professions and industries. Shout out to Rosie, Tara and Sarah who were sitting beside me at supper and all inspired me with the own stories over the evening.
Chupi opened the supper by welcoming everyone and reminding us of the importance of being, and remaining, Difficult Women. Her own mother, Rosita Sweetman, is an acclaimed Irish journalist, feminist and author, and one of the founding members of the Irish Women's Liberation Movement in the 1970s, fighting for women's rights, contraception and equality in Ireland.
Chupi reflected on how many rights that we now take for granted were denied to women just 50 years ago, including the right to have your own bank account after marriage, own your own home, continue working after marriage and, of course, reproductive rights. At a time when it can sometimes feel as though the world is moving backwards, it was a powerful reminder of just how far Ireland has come and how important it is never to become complacent, because rights can also be eroded.
On my wish list
On a more dazzling note, Chupi also introduced some of her stunning new diamond collections and reminded us that we don't have to wait for someone else to buy us a diamond. We can absolutely buy one for ourselves! I certainly had my eye on one particular ring above... something to work towards!
Pamela then gave one of the most fascinating and genuinely inspiring talks I've heard in a long time. I learned about the importance of the trade winds when crossing the Atlantic, which is why these races take place during the winter months, but what struck me most was the extraordinary level of preparation involved. Years of planning, fundraising, physical conditioning and mental resilience all go into a challenge like this. During the race itself, competitors often sleep for no more than an hour at a time before getting back on deck. I think everyone in the room gasped in horror at the thought of this (and eating freeze dried food for 2 weeks!)
Pamela thanked her sponsors (and Eco Cement were there also as a sponsor on the night) and also spoke candidly about the reality of women's sport and the drop out rate from women competing in sport as they go through our education system. Despite the remarkable achievements of female athletes, sponsorship opportunities remain limited and media coverage still lags significantly behind that of men's sport. It is this, perhaps, that makes Pamela's story so compelling. It extends far beyond sailing. It is a story of courage, perseverance, self-belief and creating opportunities where none previously existed, proving what is possible when determination outweighs obstacles.
A special mention has to go to the supper itself, which was absolutely delicious and beautifully prepared by Pepper Pot Café. And the brownie for dessert? Without question one of the best I've ever tasted!
A huge thank you to Róisín for the invitation and to Chupi for continuing to champion entrepreneurship and creativity with such sparkle and to give so many the platform to support each other and tell and re-tell our stories.
