Orla Neligan @oneligan photographed by @jomurphyphotographer

5 minute read time

Creative crafter and colour-lover with a major flair for interior styling and gift making (well, with major flair in general) Joanne Mooney is a breath of very fresh air in a world almost too full of neutral Scandi influences…

Which three adjectives describe you best?

Creative, impulsive, ambitious.

What is on your mind most these days?

My mind is busy all the time. I often describe it as a computer with too many tabs open. I presume it’s how a creative mind works. I think about my mother a lot. She’s 82 and I know she’s lived her life and is near the end of her life. I worry about how I will continue without her. I think about my two teenage daughters and hope they turn into confident, happy women. I think about lying by a pool sipping a margarita in Spain (fingers crossed) soon.

What is the last thing that you said no to?

My teenage daughter asked me if she could get a fake ID!

What is the last thing you said yes to?

A glass of red wine.

How old are you?

47.

What made you decide to do what you are now doing in your life?

What I’m doing now feels like a natural progression. Whatever I do it has to be creative. I have to make stuff. It’s in my blood. So to incorporate that into my work means l’m happy. When I wake up in the morning, I go downstairs to make breakfast. Make the girls lunch. They go to school. And I go upstairs to my workroom and I make stuff. I’m a firm believer that your job shouldn't just be a source of income. If you don't enjoy what you do, you'll end up missing out on your life.

Where do you come in your family, and did this have any influence on you?

I am the youngest in my family. A family of three. One brother, one sister.

Are you where you wanted to be at this stage in your life?

Yes! I am happy and content in my life. When I was in my twenties and thirties, I was so worried about what everyone thought about me. I feel as I get older I care less about what others think about me. I’m very comfortable in my skin. I just wish I had this mindset in my thirties. But I think it comes with age.

What is the best, and worst piece of advice you have received in your life so far?

Best advice: A closed mouth catches no flies.

Worst advice: Get a pensionable job in the civil service.

What does midlife feel like to you?

Midlife feels good to me. I’m way more comfortable in my skin than I was in my twenties and thirties. I only wish I had this confidence back then. I feel like I have lived and learned. I’m still learning and living!

Is there something you have dreamt of doing for a long time? What is it? Are you going to do it?

I have my dream job. I am my own boss. I run a creative business. I choose my working hours. I get to be creative every day.

Do you feel your creativity is surging or sinking in midlife?

I feel my creativity is surging in midlife. I think now that my children are teenagers I have more time to myself. I use that time to create. I’m not a fan of cooking and cleaning. I’m happiest when I’m making, creating and designing.

What advice would you offer to yourself in your 20’s, 30’s and 40’s?

Oh, I would tell myself to love myself. Stop criticising myself. Wear clothes you are comfortable in. Don’t conform. Don’t try to fit in. Spend time with people who lift you up not drag you down. Be your lovely self.

People talk a lot about pivoting these days, of all the 'switches' you've made or recommend, which has been the most powerful change for you personally?

At the start of lockdown, I plunged myself into creativity. I pulled up my carpet on my stairs and painted them. I tiled a floor. I wallpapered, then I took down wallpaper. I painted. I punch-needled. I feel like I used creativity as a coping mechanism during lockdown. When I’m creative, my mind goes to another place. It shuts out all the stress and anxiety. This made me look at myself. I made the decision to rebrand my business and change how I work. I want to inspire others to get creative. I find it helps me and I want to share that with others.

What was a major turning point in your life?

Resigning from the HSE. I was making personalised artwork as a side hustle. I sold my wares at craft fairs and markets. Over the years I built up a good customer base. I set up a Facebook page and website. I decided to resign from my full-time job as a dental nurse. Everyone thought I was mad. I wanted to pursue my little craft business and work from home. I was petrified but knew I was making the right decision. It was the best decision and it was a turning point in my life.

Do you sleep well?

Like a log.

Do you take any supplements or HRT?

No.

how do you draw on your own inner strength and creativity?

I embrace what scares me. For example, pivoting my business and constantly changing it to keep it fresh even though change actually scares me. If I’m working too much I try to declutter my mind. Last Christmas I took a week off work - social, emails etc and I had the best ideas. I felt like I could think clearer.

knowing what you know now, what is most important in life?

Family and friends. A happy home, a good work/life balance. My mental and physical health - I try to take care of myself and put myself first. I avoid regrets. I look forward not back and I try to laugh every day.