In the High Flyers spotlight this week is artist Jacqueline Rooney.
She was head of a busy secondary school art department for 12 years before leaving to pursue her dream of becoming a professional artist. She has since gone on to win a number of prestigious awards, and her vibrant and emotive artwork is now available in galleries throughout Ireland and online at www.jacquelinerooney.com.
To take part in the High Flyers Q&A, get in touch via business@irishnews.com.
What was your first job?
My first job was picking potatoes in a field in the Mourne Mountains. It was minimal pay but maximum craic!
What qualifications do you have?
I graduated with a BEd (hons) art & design in 2000.
What do you attribute your success to?
Passion and positivity. I’m a firm believer that when you follow your passion and have a positive outlook you achieve greater success.
How would you describe yourself to someone who'd never met you?
I’m a very creative and driven lady with an infectious smile and zest for life.
Who do you look up to in business?
I admire anyone who has genuine talent and a hard-working ethic. I am currently collaborating with Jay Blades, the presenter of BBC’s The Repair Shop, and I feel he possesses these qualities in abundance.
How do you get the best out of the people who work for you?
I think appreciation and respect go a long way.
If you could change one thing about business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
Economic viability for global export and affordability of postage and packaging. I believe this would help increase Northern Ireland’s competitiveness within other markets.
What website or app could you not live without?
All of my social media apps. I am present on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn every day and they have each helped me to grow my business immensely, especially during recent months.
What was the last book you read?
“Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert.
What car do you drive?
A white Honda CR-V - it’s amazing how many canvases I can fit in the boot!
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I left my job, house, car and long-term boyfriend to go to Australia on my own in 2005 with £250 in my back pocket. It was to become one of the best years of my life and helped shape who I am today!
What's your greatest passion outside work and family?
My greatest passion besides my family and my art is music. I’ve been playing and singing since I was three and have travelled all over the world with it. It continues to play an important role in inspiring so much of my work and life.
