Caroline Sleiman: A Woman in her Heyday
Caroline Sleiman describes herself on her social profiles as a ‘lover of all things beautiful’. As co-founder and director of Coffee Angel, she spends her time growing the business as well as mentoring and advising others on how best to achieve their dreams. A woman with great style, purpose, experience and perspective, she is a woman truly in her heyday…
Which three adjectives describe you best?
Driven, passionate, lover of all things beautiful.
What is on your mind most these days?
Dreaming of getting away - I adore discovering things that are new to me; Places, countries, artwork, antiques, jewellery, clothing, anything that is handmade with passion, meeting new people, trying new food and tasting new wines... Having been restricted for so many months due to COVID has left me itching to get away...
What is the last thing that you said no to?
I have a preteen who’s busy doing her job of growing up - No is used quite often!!
What is the last thing you said yes to?
Accepting the position of Chairwoman of the Board of Copy Clear - formerly the Central Copy Clearance of Ireland. I’m very excited to start in October.
Caroline outside Coffee Angel, the company she is co-founder and director of…
What made you decide to do what you are now doing in your life?
I come from a family of Doctors. My paternal grandmother was one of the first midwives to graduate from University in Lebanon. My Dad is a gynaecologist-obstetrician and my Mum is also is a midwife. Being the eldest, there was always the expectation that I would follow in their footsteps.
I tried!! One day, six months into my first year in Pre Med, sitting miserably in a Physics class, I just walked out, went to the Dean of Marketing and asked him if he’d have me. He just looked at me and said, ok if you are serious, you’ll need to sit a French test in half an hour. I sat the test, he offered me a place and gave me an hour to accept. I had to call my parents (Mum in Ireland, Dad in Lebanon) and let them know that I was not going to be a Doctor but instead I was going to follow my dream of exploring the world, working with brands and people.
How many things have you been in your life so far?
Daughter, sister, friend, student, girlfriend, executive, globe trotter, wife, mother, colleague, company director, boss, mentor, chairwoman.
Where do you come in your family, and did this have any influence on you?
I’m the eldest of three… and yes it most definitely has an influence on who you become.
Are you where you wanted to be at this stage in your life?
Absolutely! Life has had its ups and downs, but the journey thus far has been an incredible one and I’m looking forward to what comes next.
Looking out from Dublin
What is the best, and worst piece of advice you have received in your life so far?
Best: ‘This too shall pass’. This has been my mantra for a number of years now and really helps put things into perspective when you’re in the eye of the storm.
Worst: Suck it up.
What does midlife feel like to you?
It’s taken some getting used to from a physical point of view. Your body and its humour take a path of their own and that is tough. Exercise has always been my lifeboat and now more so than ever. On the positive side of midlife, comes acceptance of self, the ability to slow down, knowing what you want, being able to say no to things that are not relevant, and being more focused on the now.
Is there something you have dreamt of doing for a long time? What is it? Are you going to do it?
I’d love to do an Antiques & Fine Arts course, I just have to find the time!
Has there been a place, event, or experience that has transformed your ideas, changed your thinking or given you a new perspective?
Living and studying in France. The French have an incredible ‘Savoir Faire’ and elegance that is innate.
Is there a milestone you are working towards in your personal or professional life at the moment?
I’m going to be 50 at the end of the year and it’s taking a lot of work to accept that :)
How do you think the world of work can improve for women?
The world of women - at home and work - will only improve when there is an equal balance in the home place. Most working women double job on a daily basis; careers and all that that entails, and then the majority of home and family duties. The expectation that we can do it all, is unhealthy and unrealistic.
What do you spend too much time doing? And too little?
I still spend too much time working and not enough time laughing.
Caroline and her daughter, Melia…
How do you care for your own wellbeing?
Exercise is number one on my list. Working out, running, yoga, stretching, gardening, long walks by the sea…. Also taking the time to care for my skin - I’m a complete Biologique Recherche addict, and I’ve finally found a collagen supplement that I can see results from!!
What do you feel free of now that you are at this life stage?
The approval of others.
What gives you the most stress at this life stage?
Being the boss of 37 people and the responsibility that this brings, especially in these very uncertain COVID19 times. Their welfare lies with us and it's definitely top of mind these days.
Do you sleep well?
I’m a very light sleeper so have never slept well.
What advice would you offer to yourself in your 20’s, 30’s and 40’s?
20’s: Have more confidence in yourself!
30’s; It’s ok to say “no” in order to prioritise work-life balance
40’s: Stop and take stock of all that you've achieved so far, and don’t keep adding more must do’s to that list that is already a mile long
Did you ever feel lost in your life path?
Not really. I always knew what I wanted and a clear vision of how I was going to get there. There were many crossroads and difficult decisions to make along the way and although some mistakes were made, I mostly trusted my instinct to guide me.
What do you love about yourself?
That I am a mix of two very different cultures and people. Lebanon and Ireland.
When do you feel truly alive?
When I’m in a warm climate by the sea. I’m half Lebanese and that part of me is constantly craving sunshine and outdoor living that is so hard to come by in Ireland.
What do you consider your biggest achievement?
Being a Mum. I put my career first for many, many years so when I had Melia I was ready for that new chapter in my life.
What was a major turning point in your life?
Immigrating from Lebanon in Feb 1989. Leaving behind my life as I knew it; my father, my friends and starting a new life in Ireland.
What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
A staycation on a little island off the West Coast of Ireland.
Are you a good friend?
I hope so! I’ve lived in many countries, so have friends scattered all over the world. I may not see them that often, but when we do meet in person or talk over the phone, we pick up just where we last left off.
What in life is beautiful to you? Where do you find inspiration?
There are so many incredibly beautiful things in life, you just have to take the time to see, hear, taste, touch and smell them… When you are rushing, or not present in that moment, things can easily pass you by…
A magical moment would be sunset somewhere in the Mediterranean, the sun is setting, surrounded by family and friends. You can hear the waves crashing, the warmth of the sun on your skin, children laughing, the smell of Jasmine and Gardenia, wine glasses clicking, food bought earlier from the market, being prepared. All the senses are alive, the mood is relaxed & filled with happiness.
Any regrets?
No regrets at all!
Just “what if’s”, from time to time...
Knowing what you know now, what is most important in life?
Love, family and respect.
What makes you feel at home?
Home is where the heart is. Home in Lebanon is my parents. Home in Ireland is Karl and Melia.
Favourite book, and why?
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. Anytime I read his work, I find inspiration… I especially love his pieces on Children and Marriage.
Karl and Melia…
Favourite piece of music, and why?
That’s a super tough one. What I listen to, really depends on my mood and varies immensely. At the moment, I have Michael Kiwanuka on repeat.
Last time you cried (tears of joy count!)
A couple of weeks ago when I heard of the passing of a good friend.
How do you draw on your own inner strength?
When things are at their worst or the challenge is facing me head-on, I stay calm and get through it. It’s only when the moment has passed that I let myself go.
I think that comes from being brought up in a war-torn country when bombs would rain down with no warning and you just had to stay level headed and run for shelter. There was no time for drama at that moment, it was a matter of life or death.
What are your feelings about this new world we find ourselves in now?
It’s the new norm, we can’t look back and compare, we just have to adapt and plan for the future, knowing that things won’t be the same until a vaccine is found and new protocols are put in place to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
Caroline Sleiman in email conversation with Ellie Balfe, July 2020.
join the conversation
share and comment below, we’d love to hear your thoughts…
