The decision to leave behind a ‘nine to five’ job to to start her own culinary business gave Helen Keown a lot of food for thought but the rewards and success of gingergirl has convinced her that living the dream was the right choice.

Picture@ Keith Wiseman

Working from her website and weekly stall in Limerick’s Riverside Market on Sundays, Ms Keown said that business is booming but that is only part of why she decided to found gingergirl.

“I always had a love for food and that came from my family because we produced our own vegetables and milk. I’m one of 10 children and life in the house revolved around the kitchen. I studied marketing and got a job in that area. But my passion was always food, so six months ago I decided to go it alone and set up the company.”

The vivacious redhead from Fermanagh emphasised that the concept of gingergirl is that food should be “local, seasonal and simple” while “good ingredients speak for themselves and need no fancy dress”.

“I love the idea of organic food and farmers’ markets because people can see the product and talk to the producer. All the food I make is down to earth and comforting almost, especially as we’re coming into the autumn and winter. People ask for and give out cooking tips and email me with questions. I want to cultivate an interest in good and healthy food; cut out the hype,” she added with enthusiasm.

Ms Keown feels that the market, running for over three months in Bedford Row, makes a great social outlet as well as marking the seasons in food. Pumpkin pie is on the menu before Halloween, for example.

“I decided to start making hampers because there is such a demand for that. No-one knows what to buy anyone and I think that giving someone a basket of lovely food is more thoughtful. I also do mentoring for restaurants or food companies to offer them a neutral perspective and guidance.”

Ms Keown feels that Limerick people are becoming more health conscious, which is why she is advocates “slow food”- the opposite of expensive, mass-produced offerings.