Nominated For Excellence: Ciara Crossan, a finalist for Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year 2023
In the world of business, acknowledgement and recognition of one’s achievements are essential for inspiring further growth and success. Today, we take a moment to celebrate Ciara Crossan, the esteemed Founder and CEO of WeddingDates, for her remarkable nomination in the Established Businesswoman Category at the prestigious Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2023.
The ceremony took place on Thursday 25th May at the breathtaking Maryborough Hotel in Cork and was attended by Ciara and Mizan Potgieter, our B2B Marketing Specialist. The evening was nothing short of extraordinary, filled with glamour, excitement, and an electric atmosphere. The already beautiful venue was transformed into a haven of elegance, creating the perfect backdrop for an evening of celebration. It was awe-inspiring to witness the immense talent and determination in the room and to see the incredible impact these women have made in their respective industries.
📸 Ciara Crossan with Orla McAndrew, a multi-award-winning bespoke wedding and event caterer, Emma Early Murphy, President of Network Ireland and Virginia Foley, winner of the Network Ireland Cork Solo Businesswoman of the Year award.
While the ultimate prize may have eluded Ciara on this occasion, her nomination alone is a testament to her exceptional talent, dedication, and significant contributions to the business landscape. As we recap the event and reflect on the journey that led Ciara to this point, we are reminded of the unwavering commitment she possesses as a leader.
“Being nominated for this award is a huge validation for me personally – it marks the grit, determination and resilience it took to keep WeddingDates going and growing for the last 15 years even through a global pandemic. On a professional level, it is a mark of the sustainability of the company – we are established and not going anywhere and there are high levels of optimism for the future,” says Ciara.
With over 15 years of industry experience, Ciara Crossan has been a guiding light for countless wedding venues, helping them thrive and improve their businesses. Her visionary approach to disrupting the wedding planning and booking process for couples by offering real-time availability has transformed the industry. What started as a simple idea in 2008 has grown into a comprehensive management and reporting software platform for venues, empowering them to streamline their operations and provide exceptional service to their couples.
Ciara’s accomplishments go far beyond her role as CEO and Founder of WeddingDates. She has become a thought leader in hospitality marketing, sharing her insights and expertise to uplift the industry as a whole. In addition to her personal achievements, Ciara has been a driving force in advocating for women in business. Her commitment to empowering fellow businesswomen is evident through her participation in the Vital Voices Global Ambassadors Program. By joining forces with other inspiring women entrepreneurs from around the world, Ciara has accelerated women’s leadership and economic empowerment on a global scale.
“I have always been driven by a passion for entrepreneurship and a desire to make a difference in the business world. My journey has been shaped by my family background, my education, and my experiences as a business owner and advocate for women in business” says Ciara.
Ciara’s journey has been shaped by her upbringing and her relentless pursuit of excellence. Growing up in a family deeply involved in entrepreneurship and the hotel industry, she learned invaluable lessons in hard work, dedication, and innovation. These values, instilled by her parents, ignited her entrepreneurial spirit and set her on a path to create something meaningful and impactful.
Her educational background, including her studies in BIS at UCC, provided her with a strong foundation to embark on her entrepreneurial journey. Armed with a copy of the yellow pages and a borrowed laptop, she fearlessly took the plunge into the business world, paving the way for future success.
“I applied for this award to mark the end of the challenge we have been through over the last 3 years. Covid impacted the hospitality industry very severely and at the outset, there were times when I thought I would lose the business that I had spent 12 years growing. Three years on, we have not only survived but we have thrived. WeddingDates is a better company now than it was before the pandemic,” says Ciara.
This recognition as a finalist for the 2023 Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year further cements Ciara Crossan’s status as an exceptional leader and entrepreneur. Her success serves as an inspiration to aspiring businesswomen, reminding them that with passion, determination, and a clear vision, anything is possible. We congratulate Ciara on this well-deserved nomination. Her dedication and achievements set an exemplary standard, motivating us all to strive for greatness, embrace our passions, and pursue success with unwavering determination.
READ MORE: GUIDING VENUES TO SUCCESS: MEET CIARA, CEO OF WEDDINGDATES
We would also like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Adrianna Sherry Hegarty of Hegarty Properties for her outstanding achievement in winning the Established Businesswoman category. It is truly a well-deserved honour, and we applaud her remarkable accomplishments. We also want to acknowledge and congratulate all the deserving winners and nominees who were recognised for their exceptional contributions throughout the event. Your dedication and innovative spirit inspire us all and set the bar high for excellence in business.
📸 Ciara Crossan with Aoife Behan, Digital Marketing Manager at The Montenotte Hotel, Paula Daniela Scopetta, Mindset and Business Coach and Mizan Potgieter, B2B Marketing Specialist at WeddingDates.
Furthermore, we express our gratitude to the organisers of the Network Ireland Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2023. Your commitment to showcasing and supporting the achievements of women in business is truly commendable. The event was a resounding success!
As we move forward, let us remember the importance of uplifting and celebrating one another. By honouring each other’s achievements, we foster a supportive and inclusive environment where future generations of successful businesswomen can thrive. Together, let’s continue paving the way for a brighter future where women excel and make a lasting impact in the business world.
The Network Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards may have concluded, but the journey of growth and achievement for Ciara, and all those she inspires, continues with undying enthusiasm.
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