#FollowCalara
Meet Eimear Campbell, founder of Calara Ltd and a proud participant in SheGenerate Cohort 4.0, sponsored by AIB. Eimear is a driven entrepreneur who is passionate about solving everyday challenges, particularly those that make life easier for parents. Her innovative solution, the portable pram wheel cleaner, is poised to address a common issue many parents face — keeping pram wheels clean and free from dirt.
Eimear’s journey into entrepreneurship stems from her own frustration with dirty pram wheels. After realising she wasn’t alone, she surveyed over 200 pram users and found that 75% would be interested in purchasing a product to clean their pram wheels. Drawing on her 10 years of experience in global research, manufacturing, and design, as well as a PhD in Ultrasonics, Eimear is developing a solution that promises to make life a little bit easier for parents everywhere.
To get us started – how would you describe yourself in 6 words or less?
Experienced, Problem-Solver, Passionate Innovator
What prompted you to start your business?
I experienced the problem of dirty pram wheels multiple times daily and couldn't find a solution. Realising others had the same issue, I decided to create a product to solve it.
Tell us a little more about you.
I have 10 years of experience in a global research, manufacturing, and design company. I hold a PhD in Ultrasonics, which is unrelated to my current business. I'm about to receive the first set of products for my hero product, a portable pram wheel cleaner, and my support product, pram wheel covers.
Fill us in on your female founder journey.
After struggling with dirty pram wheels and not finding any available solutions, I surveyed 208 pram users and discovered that 75% of them would consider buying a product that cleans pram wheels. So far, it's been challenging balancing my full-time job, parenting, and managing the business, but I do believe being a female founder offers unique strengths. We think in different ways, which is an advantage, though at times it can feel overwhelming.
How did you hear about AwakenHub and what prompted you to apply for SheGenerate?
I was advised to join by the product design company I'm working with. So far, it's been really helpful. SheGenerate seemed like the perfect fit to provide the skills, accountability partners, confidence, and community I need on this journey.
What have you gotten out of the SheGenerate process? Or, if early days, what do you hope to get out of it or look forward to?
The online resources have been extremely helpful so far. I hope SheGenerate continues to provide me with the right skill set, confidence, and community, as the process of starting a business can feel overwhelming at times.
What does success look like to you – in 12 months and in 5 years?
In 12 months, I aim to have my products in major supermarkets. In 5 years, I plan to have a strong market presence in Europe, the USA, and Australasia, expanding my product range to include items like golf buggies, bikes, and wheelchairs.
SheGenerate is only a small part of AwakenHub – now that you have the community's attention, what can we/they do for you?
My next big step is to become "investor-ready." Once I have my final working prototype, I need to be equipped with numbers and a game plan to ensure a smooth process and secure a good deal during investor negotiations.
As a founder – what are your non-negotiables?
I want to benefit from my hard work and not regret not pursuing this journey in the future. I am inspired by those who take the leap and do not let fear hold them back.
Six Words to Live By:
"Create, Innovate, Persist, Learn, Believe, Succeed"
