13/10/2026
JR Studio is 9 today! ❤️📸
Nine years. And what a nine years it's been!
When Julia and I opened JR Studio on 14th October 2017, we took a chance and built something from nothing. For the last three years, I've continued building it myself, investing, expanding, moving into a bigger studio, and learning plenty of lessons along the way.
I'm incredibly proud of what Julia and I started and what I've built since. To every customer who has supported me over those nine years, thank you. You've made all of this possible.
Nine years in business is something worth celebrating!
But there's a sour taste to this particular birthday.
Today, on the very date I opened my business nine years ago, people are taking to the streets in protest. I stand in solidarity with those calling for a fairer Ireland.
For many of us running independent businesses, closing our doors for a day means losing the income that pays our bills. We might not be standing on the streets, but our voices deserve to be heard, too.
*Because let's call a spade a spade. The country is not great at the minute*
We're a country awash with money, yet the people keeping it running are struggling to get ahead. I feel too much stays at the top, caught up in bureaucracy and administration, while those doing the work see too little of it.
Another Budget has come and gone, and once again, I feel ordinary working people and small independent businesses have been left behind.
COVID showed us how vulnerable we were. Years later, we're still dealing with rising costs, endless obligations, and VAT thresholds that can make growing a business feel like a punishment.
You spend years trying to get your head above water, only to feel another hand pushing you back under.
I've spoken to hairdressers, shopkeepers, café owners, tradespeople, employees, and people across different industries.
And I'm hearing the same thing everywhere.
People are tired.
Tired of working harder just to stand still. Tired of another increase. Tired of worrying about what's coming next.
These are people who take pride in their work, whether they're running a business, working behind a counter, caring for others or keeping our communities going.
They deserve to feel that their hard work actually gets them somewhere.
This country suffers from a serious dose of “I'm alright, Jack.”
Snap out of it.
Through my involvement with Kells Christmas Lights and Nollaig, I've seen first-hand the genuine efforts of our local representatives to support Kells, help local businesses and secure funding for our town. That work matters and deserves recognition.
My frustration is with the decisions being made at national level. That's where I believe real change is needed.
Nine years have taught me plenty about business, people and life. I've learned to pay more attention to actions than words, appreciate those who genuinely show up and turn disappointment into determination.
Enough is enough, lads.
We can not keep accepting that this is simply how things are. We can not allow independent businesses to disappear or hardworking people to feel that no matter how much they give, they'll never get ahead.
Everyone deserves the chance to earn a decent living, build a future, and take pride in what they do.
Nine years ago, I took a chance on something I loved. Today, I'm still here, still growing and looking towards ten years with more determination than ever.
And I want every hardworking person, whether they're running a business or working for one, to have that same opportunity to build a future they're proud of.
I've absolutely no intention of stopping.
So let's stand together. Support independent businesses, stand up for workers, and remind those making the decisions that actually keep this country running.
We might not all be able to take to the streets, but that doesn't mean we have to stay silent.
Happy 9th birthday, JR Studio. ❤️
Here's to ten years, and many more after that.
