Stop to celebrate...
- Food Business Coach Tracie
- Apr 29
- 2 min read
What a wild six months it’s been! If you told me last year that I’d be dusting off space on my mantelpiece for not one, but TWO awards (with another nomination in the pipeline!), I’d have laughed you right out of Kilkenny.
Let’s rewind to the Taste of Kilkenny Award.
Picture this: a glitzy night, nerves jangling, surrounded by some of the county’s most celebrated restaurants. And then-my name is called! I won! Me! Against all odds and some serious heavy-hitters in the food world, little old me took home the prize. I was genuinely gobsmacked. Sharing a room with such talented, established folks, and then being recognised for my own work in this gorgeous city and county I call home? It was a pinch-me moment. And accepting the award from the legendary Marty Whelan? Let’s just say my brain hit the pause button and I was rendered speechless (which, trust me, never happens).
But the rollercoaster didn’t stop there. Next up: nominated for Local Food Hero for Kilkenny by The Restaurant Association of Ireland. I nearly fell off my chair when I heard. As a solopreneur, I never imagined I’d even be in the running, let alone be up against such incredible businesses. And then-I won again! Cue the happy tears. I felt so proud, so grateful, and honestly just thrilled to be able to represent Kilkenny and showcase the amazing people and places that make our food scene shine. Never in my wildest dreams did I think my love of food (my true love language!) and my little corner of the internet would lead to this kind of recognition.
And now? I’m in the second round for Inspirational Mentor at the Women of Vision Awards 2025. This is the cherry on top of my already very delicious cake. Food and mentoring are my two biggest passions, so this nomination means the world. The awards night is just around the corner, and while I’d love to win, I’m already celebrating the fact that I’ve been nominated. That’s a victory in itself-because if we only celebrate the wins, we miss out on all the joy along the way.
The best part? These nominations were anonymous. I had no idea people were putting my name forward, and it’s honestly mind-blowing. To everyone who’s supported me, cheered me on, or thought my work was worth a nod-thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’ve opened doors I didn’t even know existed, given me memories to treasure, and reminded me to pause and appreciate how far I’ve come.
Here’s to the next adventure, to celebrating every milestone (big and small), and to all the amazing people making Kilkenny’s food scene the best in the country. If you see me, I’ll be the one still pinching myself and grinning like a Cheshire cat-award in hand, heart full, and ready for whatever comes next!
Here is a little gift of my latest most delicious recipe for you to make adn share with your loved ones...
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