Vivienne Sayers O'Callaghan

Prickly Plants

Vivienne Sayers O’Callaghan

Course: BMus, Cork School of Music

Year of study: 3rd Year

College: MTU Cork

Business name: Prickly Plants

Sector: Horticulture/Retail

Business idea: Here at Prickly Plants, we offer access to an extensive range of rare, quirky and, of course, prickly plants. Whether you are a new homeowner, a beginner plant parent or someone who’s looking to bring a little bit of prickly pizazz to their home, we are here to assist you!

Student Inc. Programme Highlights: 

One to one mentoring! Extremely valuable insight into an industry professional’s opinion of you and your business idea

Any previous entrepreneurship experience before you joined Student Inc.? 

I have been running a business since September ’20.

What connections did you make on the programme? 

I made some very exciting connections with those with interests in the horticultural sector. I hope to work with Dave’s Hydroponics when Prickly Plants expands into houseplant growing.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of applying to Student Inc.?  

Do it! I have learned more in one year of business than I have in 18 years of school and Student Inc. has aided me hugely in understanding the financial and practical side of things.

 What was your greatest learning from the programme?  

  •  Be determined to turn ideas into action and satisfy your need to achieve
  • Be prepared to be patient and keep trying to achieve your long-term individual aims.
  • Be resilient under pressure, adversity, and temporary failure