#FollowAnnie’sDelights
Ann Marie Collins, founder of Annie's Delights, is a passionate cook and baker from the countryside near Portglenone, Co. Antrim. Inspired by her love of homemade food and traditional recipes, Ann Marie produces award-winning jams, curds, chutneys, and baked goods, all crafted by hand in small batches. After years in corporate roles, she turned her passion into a business and hasn’t looked back, staying true to her roots and focusing on quality, local ingredients.
Ann Marie’s AwakenHub space is part of a sponsored partnership with North West Regional College.
Where are you from and where do you live?
I was born and raised in the countryside outside Portglenone, Co. Antrim.
Describe yourself in 6 words or less:
A hardworking cook and baker
Business Overview:
Annie’s Delights is an award-winning, single-handed business producing jams, curds, marmalades, chutneys, and a variety of breads and bakes. Everything is handmade in small batches using homegrown or locally sourced ingredients. My love for food, cooking, and baking inspired me to start this journey, and I’ve never looked back.
A bit more about me:
I’ve always lived in Ballymacpeake, a small rural townland about five miles from Portglenone. Before launching Annie’s Delights, I spent ten years in the Civil Service and another ten in the Health Service. Though I have no formal catering qualifications, I grew up watching my mum cook and still use her Boiled Cake recipe today. I enjoy foraging and walking with my dogs in the countryside, bringing these elements into my products.
My Female Founder Journey:
Starting Annie's Delights was a leap from hobby to business. After years in corporate life, I decided to pursue self-employment in 2019 following a period of ill health. Leaving the security of a steady income was a daunting step, but one I’m glad I took. When the pandemic hit in 2020, like many, I had to innovate and adapt to survive. Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t change a thing. Doing something I love makes it feel like I haven’t worked a day since.
Why I joined AwakenHub:
I recently joined AwakenHub to connect with other female founders and learn from the community while sharing my own experiences.
My Non-Negotiables and Inspiration:
As a food producer, quality is my top priority. I strive to grow or source the finest ingredients locally. My inspiration comes from my mother, whose Boiled Cake recipe remains a staple of my business.
Looking Ahead:
In the next 12 months and even 5 years from now, I want to continue building a brand that people trust for its quality. Winning several Blas Na HEireann Awards and Great Taste Awards has been a testament to this journey, but it’s about staying true to my craft, not chasing unrealistic goals.
Three Tips for Other Women Founders:
Go with the flow – Don’t set overly ambitious targets; achieving something smaller is still an achievement.
Love what you do – When you enjoy your work, it doesn’t feel like work, even when you’re working harder than ever.
Stay true to yourself – You’ll get advice from everyone, but always trust your gut when it comes to your business.
Six words to live by:
Live life doing something you love.
Social Media Links:
Website: www.anniesdelights.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/anniesdelights1
Instagram: www.instagram.com/delightsannies
Twitter: www.twitter.com/anniesdelights1
