'Running your own business can be a lonely place' Catherine Fulvio on how success can be challenging

Variety is the spice of life, and for Catherine Fulvio, running her own business, presenting and running a household keeps her busy, but the mum of two says it can be lonely.

One of Ireland's most renowned chefs, she has starred in cooking shows such as Lords and Ladles and Tastes Like Home and her own named series, Catherine's Farmhouse Kitchen.

Losing her dad in 2020, Catherine has admitted struggling, finding it hard to heal, and because of tha,t work has often been a way to keep her busy.

Sitting down with the RTÉ Guide, she reminisced about her youth and her parents, and her current stage of life, one that sees her diary constantly full.

'I find it hard to sit still,' she says. 'I sit and watch TV like anyone else, but my mind is always racing about what I should or could be doing. I've done yoga, meditation and the rest, but very often in those quiet moments, I'm just thinking about what needs to be done. I suppose that helps me get from A to B.'

And if you thought that maybe she would slow down in 2025, you would be very wrong. She has just finished renovating her cottage, she has several cookery classes in person and online, caters and has now even taken on the task of catering for small weddings.

While her love for hospitality is as strong as ever, being the boss can bring its challenges.

'Sometimes running your own business can be a lonely place...You're the leader, creator and employer, always trying to be one step ahead. I have a great team, but the decisions rest with me, and in that way, you're on your own.'

Despite the constant pressure, Catherine wouldn't change anything, and as far as determination goes and the love for her business, there will be no stopping her any time soon.

'The fact that the buck stops with you can also be a positive thing, unlike being part of a big corporation where you are answerable to others. If you make a mistake, it's not the end of the world usually. But I can be hard on myself, with high expectations. I feel that what I've created here in Ballyknocken (Cookery School) is a reflection on me,' she said.

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