I moved to Leitrim five years ago with dreams of starting my own business in the fashion and accessories line. The Angela Hope label, launched in 2002, grew from a love of blankets: childhood winter evenings wrapped in soft wool in front of an open fire. Moving to Ireland and living in a traditional stone cottage at Mullies, near Manorhamilton, re-kindled these memories. A new love affair began, with blankets sourced from Irish traditional mills. Six months later, the concept of using them to create contemporary handbags was born.

My work reflects an interest in mixing contemporary and vintage styles. I produce a range of handbags using Irish and English blanket wool and tweed; vibrant and exciting handbags lined with sumptuous velvets and with lavender from the Burren perfumery in County Clare within the lining. The business is run from a studio adjacent to my cottage outside Manorhamilton in the north of the county. My commute has gone from 3 hours on a train, to 3 minutes stroll past the sheep and cattle from cottage to studio.

Personally, I have grown and developed so much since moving to Leitrim and joining the Leitrim Design House, and I am not alone. During my years with the Leitrim Design House I have seen many members develop and expand their businesses. Much needed support is offered to graduates and people taking their first steps in the business of art, craft and design, allowing them to develop into the next generation of successful Leitrim business people.

So, where am I today? Well, from those humble beginnings in collaboration with UK-based designer Daniella Benson, I am now a proud director of Hope & Benson Ltd. - we sell to over 160 shops throughout Ireland, the UK, the US, Japan, Holland, Germany, Spain, Norway and Italy.

Summing up my move to Leitrim, I would say: I love it! Best move I ever made. It has allowed me to be creative again, start a successful business and have a much better quality of life.