Driving forward, 

Business & Finance Young Leaders In association with O2

Grainne Kelly is a finalist in the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Bubblebum – the world’s first inflatable car booster child seat.

1. What’s the riskiest thing  you’ve ever done careerwise?
I began the Bubblebum journey in March  2009 and in June of 2009 I left my successful Travel Counsellors business to invest 100% of my time in the product.

In February 2010, I made the decision that we as a family needed to move to the USA to research the market properly and absorb ourselves in everything ‘car seat’. This was a huge decision, but it has paid off as now we have the support of the American public and the healthcare professionals.

2. What frustrates and inspires you about Ireland?
I love being Irish! Being an Irish woman in the USA was the greatest gift. Irish people have a charm that cannot be replicated. They have an ability to laugh at themselves, it is so important not to take yourself too seriously.

3. What advice would you give to young people?
Follow your dreams. Don’t let anyone tell you “it can’t be done”. Control your own destiny. Oh and ask a million questions, never be afraid of that.

4. What is your proudest moment?
My children set a goal to have the product listed in Toys R Us. there is no greater reward than to have your children feel proud of you.

5. What are your plans or dreams for the future?
We plan to introduce at least two more products before the end of 2011. Our ultimate goal is to help reduce the preventable injuries to children globally. We are presently involved in implementing an education system in the UK and Ireland similar to that used in the USA which will help this cause. We would like to empower children and make it cool to use a booster seat.

6. What changes would you like to see happen in Ireland?
I would like to see a more positive attitude stemming from leadership level. Derry is the City of Culture 2013 and it is a great opportunity to introduce positive motivational behaviour in all businesses from floor staff to leaders.

My seven-year-old told me that he noticed something since we came back from the USA. He said “no-one here tells you that you are doing a good job”. We do not notice this as our modesty is a cultural thing but we need to empower our young people to make them believe in themselves and take pride in everything that they do.

7. What motivates you?
I set goals that are very seldom financial. I am very much target driven.

8. What’s the best advice you ever received?
Honour your integrity.

9. Can you describe a pivotal moment for you?
In June of 2009. I made a note in my diary that BubbleBum would be a global brand. It was at that stage I made the decision to give 100% to BubbleBum and I was asked to remain as an ambassador for Travel Counsellors.

10. What or who inspires you?
Children and young people inspire me. They are fantastic imagineers. Nothing is unthinkable and they emit so much positive energy. They still retain the ability to think outside the box as they have not yet learned to conform. The world will become what we invest in our
children.
Grainne Kelly
Grainne Kelly describes herself as ”an art student with a keen interest in absolutely nothing academic!” She progressed to a career in the travel industry and set up a franchise of Travel Counsellors PLC, achieving their top sales accolade of Gold Travel Counsellor in the first year of trading.

She progressed to BubbleBum following a family dilemma which left her stranded at an airport without a car seat for her two children. Necessity being the mother of invention, she proceeded to solve the problem not only for herself but for all other parents who are faced with the same issue. In 18 months the product is in 20 countries and counting. Grainne’s focus on child safety has lead her to a corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment to help reduce the preventable injuries to children globally by association with Safekids Worldwide.

The product was one of five finalists in the Innovation Awards at the Kind & Jugend International Exhibition in Cologne in 2010; an award winner in Mother & Baby Awards, Travel Item ; an award Winner in Practical Parenting Awards, Travel Item; a finalist in Junior Design Awards; a finalist in the Baby Products Association Awards UK; Grainne was Belfast Telegraph Business Woman of the Year 2010; Ulster Bank Business Achiever All Island Award Winner for Best Start UP; Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist 2011.