THE green shoots of success are still sprouting for Co Antrim entrepreneur Catherine Cunningham whose innovative 'Present Tree' business has made it through to the semi-finals of Richard Branson's 2016 'Voom' competition.
The Ballymena businesswoman, who started her luxury gift company selling gift-wrapped trees in 2013, has made it through to the final 20 out of 5,000 entrants in the 'Dragon's Den' style challenge.
Her business, specialising in symbolic saplings - each tree type representing a particular emotion and parcelled up with personal message for the recipient - was selected after 80 companies in the 'Grow' category pitched to a panel of judges over a collective 29-hour period, setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest business pitch marathon.
"We are delighted and overwhelmed to be in the final 20 of this fantastic competition and we’re enjoying each step as it comes," Catherine said. "I want to say a massive thank you to each and every person who has supported us along the way. We recognise that we really couldn’t have done it without their help."
The gruelling, back-to-back 'pitchathon' took place after public voting closed on May 23, propelling Catherine closer to the possibility of pitching to Richard Branson in person - and vying for a share of a £1 million prize pot.
First though, she will compete in a series of competitive workshops to determine her chances of landing in the live final on June 28 in London.
A committed conservationist and former mosaic artist, the mother-of-four is hopeful she has what it takes to further impress the judges and make her eco gift business the "new 'Interflora for trees".
"Each tree has a story - an apple tree symbolises health and happiness, for instance, while a rowan stands for wisdom and protection; the symbolism is a crucial part of the gift," she said.
"When we entered this competition I just thought it would be exciting and a nice thing to do, but now I am determined to go as far as I can.
"We have a fantastic product and great business model, so there's no reason why we can't become 'Interflora for trees'.
"People have been 'saying it with flowers' for years, but more people are appreciating having their own tree with special message, which will last much longer."
