I am always inspired by women who are fabulous in every way. Woman who defy the rules, and set out to reach for their dreams no matter what.
I was invited to an ITWBN blogger event at 56 Central, a new snazzy eatery in Galway. The food was beyond delicious, the décor really extraordinary and the company of my fellow ITWBN bloggers sublime.
What really struck me though was the quiet confidence of the fabulous woman who welcomed us. Gill Carroll spoke with passion when she spoke of the ethos of the restaurant that provides culinary excellence from local producers and invites people to connect.
I knew at this point that I wanted to do a ‘Fabulicoius Woman’ interview with Gill. I wanted to know what made this fabulous woman tick!
Q: You have opened two unique eateries, 37 West renowned for healthy food and 56 Central which is based on connections. Where do you find your inspiration?
Gill: I spend a lot of time researching, studying from great leaders. I take one thing from everyone and then use them to drive me on! You can learn from anyone now online – but, I do like to go to talks as well to get the real deal!
Q What would you consider your greatest achievement in your career thus far and why?
Gill: I think it was when 37 West (the first restaurant launched by Gill), won Best of Galway Awards or when we got our first McKenna award – seeing the teams faces when we got the awards was something special – we all worked hard for them.
Also, creating my vision boards for 37 West and putting them out, and ALL of them coming true!
Q How do you reboot yourself when you hit a low?
Gill: I always go back to basics. I have a Dream Day and over many years have created many vision boards – so when things go low I go back to them – read them and remind myself of where I want to go – where I said I wanted to go when times were good!
It is easy lose focus business is hard – people expect a lot so you. My aim is to follow the words of Tony Robbins and create, not destroy. I have super people around me too, which means in seconds I can connect with people who just get me!
Q Who inspires you? And why?
Gill: So many people!!!
My Dad for his true fearless entrepreneurial spirit.
My Mother for her passion for fun and enjoying life.
My best friend Pat for his constant inspiration.
My business partner Lisa in Strive For It for her passion for consistency.
Q If you had to sit down and have a meal at 37 West – what would you order?
Gill: For breakie I have an omelette with Cajun chicken, jalapeno, feta cheese and gluten-free bread! My last supper would be of course a Chicken melt, chunky chip, garlic mayo and a san Pellegrino lemon! ahhhh heaven. (And I am hungry just reading that)
Q How do you relax? You have two very busy and successful businesses, but I would imagine that you need to relax and rewind at some time. I think this is an important part of being fabulous, hence the question.
Ok, I am bad on the relaxing! I love training, it’s my way of letting go and having me time. I am in the gym early in the morning before the world gets up! I love going to the Radisson to sit in the hot tub for hours.
I believe in the freedom days – taking a day off away from world and doing something very exciting – at least once a month!
Q Lastly, what do you do you do to make yourself feel fabulous?
I am not into make-up, hair or fashion. I have to be told to do that sort of stuff! To feel fab I enter a race the crazier the better – getting your body and mind in shape for something wild like that is when I feel alive inside – like doing Tough Mudder or Spartan race. I feel alive covered in mud in a field, helping myself and others get through some hard hours!
If there’s a charity element I am even more ready to get covered in mud. It makes the whole event so much more worthwhile. Last year I was part of a team that raised €160k for Cystic Fibrosis – a really special moment of my life!
I also love to go for good meal, sip on a big glass of red wine and laugh my head off with good people. Follow it up by dancing my ass off. Basically acting like a big child!
I would like to sincerely thank Gill for not only welcoming me to her restaurant, but also taking the time to do this interview. I can honestly recommend the food at both eateries (and I do love good food).
Thanks for reading x
