Waterford designers to shine at Showcase 2026
Waterford’s craft and design industry has the strongest representation in years at the 2026 Showcase Creative Expo. The Local Enterprise Showcase 2026 will be located in hall 3, called the Local Enterprise Showcase in the RDS (The Serpentine Hall) from the 18th to 20th of January 2026 and will be named the Local Enterprise Hall.
A total of five craft and design companies will be presenting the best of Waterford creativity, design and innovation, with the assistance of Local Enterprise Office Waterford. Jac Sinnott of Sassy Jac, Jayne Cahill of Jayne Cahill Art, Lynn Shead of Natures Alchemy, Carmel Grant of Carmel Grant Designs and Polly Doyle of Polly & Andy are all representing their county at this year’s leading creative exhibition.
Showcase is Ireland’s Creative Expo®. It is the foremost place for retailers to discover unique, design-led fashion and knitwear, jewellery, craft, gift and interiors. The show attracts buyers and press from Ireland and around the world looking for unique, design-led products in fashion, knitwear, jewellery, crafts, gifts and home accessories. Running for over forty years, Showcase has an impressive track record in attracting Ireland’s most talented makers and designers, along with buyers from over twenty countries. Showcase is a B2B opportunity for clients who are wholesale ready.
Jac Sinnott – Sassy Jac (www.sassyjac.ie)
Where bold messages meet Irish humour. Jac’s creative journey began in 2019, inspired by the 2018 Repeal campaign and her lifelong love for finding the perfect card. What started as a kitchen table craft quickly grew into a business after a local market brought her products to life. Five years later, she still loves seeing people's reactions to her cards. Whether it’s a pun-tastic laugh or a heartfelt moment, Jac’s goal is to create cards that are unique, memorable, and full of personality. “When I’m not creating, I’m diving into books, going to gigs, or staying vocal about social justice and causes that matter. I also co-founded CC Creatives, a colourful gift shop in Waterford, with a group of amazing women.”
Jayne Cahill – Jayne Cahill Art (www.jaynecahill.com)
Scottish-born and now based in Waterford, artist Jayné Cahill creates work rooted in connection — to place, to memory, and to the moments that shape who we are. Her intricate pen-and-ink illustrations capture well-loved landmarks and scenes, designed to stir emotions and spark memories. With a degree in Visual Communications from Edinburgh College of Art, Jayné enjoyed an award-winning career in graphic design and publishing for more than three decades before returning to her first love, art. Today, her pieces are treasured as meaningful gifts and keepsakes. Alongside her fine art prints, Jayné has launched a growing national collection of art-inspired homeware, gifts and cards featuring local landmarks set against county colours — perfect for sending abroad as a reminder of home, or for collecting when exploring Ireland.
Lynn Shead, Natures Alchemy (www.naturesalchemy.ie)
Natures Alchemy is a natural skincare brand created by scientist-turned-herbalist Lynn Shead after years of caring for her children’s sensitive, eczema-prone skin. Using herbs grown in Co. Waterford, these gentle but effective products feature our innovative magnetic labelling system meaning they are there when you need them most. ‘Showcase is a wonderful opportunity to grow the Natures Alchemy brand and I am excited to connect with new and existing stockists from all over Ireland and abroad.’
Carmel Grant - Carmel Grant Designs (www.carmelgrantdesigns.ie)
Carmel is an Irish artist who creates beautifully hand-drawn caricature gifts and playful designs from her studio in Waterford City. Her products and services include personalised framed gifts, celebration guest signing boards, wedding invitation cards, digital art, and her new Paper Doll book collection. Carmel’s caricatures make the perfect gifts for retirements, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and corporate events; “My focus is on the customer, bringing them on the journey through the design process to see their design come to life as a cartoon. I capture the essence of each person I draw in a fun way. Each design is original and designed to bring happiness to customers for some of the most important of times in their lives.” Her Paper Doll Collection encourage screen-free imaginative play for children. “My goal is simple: to bring a little joy, imagination, and nostalgia into children’s lives, one paper doll at a time.”
Polly Doyle - Polly & Andy (www.pollyandandy.com)
Polly is the founder of Polly & Andy, based in Cheekpoint in East Waterford. She set up her company selling bamboo socks after she found these were the only socks that her son, Andy, could wear comfortably. Sustainable, super soft, breathable, seamless toe, moisture wicking, hypoallergenic bamboo socks are available from the Polly & Andy website. “I launched my business in 2019 and we have grown beyond my wildest dreams! I'm buzzing with excitement for Showcase—where we'll unveil our fabulous new bamboo sock designs, gifting solutions, and retail stands. We can't wait to meet new stockists and reunite with existing members of the Polly & Andy family or “sockists” as we like to call them”
Jamie Whitty, Business Advisor at LEO Waterford said that Showcase is an invaluable stepping stone to any craft-maker or designer getting an audience with potential clients. “These five Waterford craft and design enterprises have shown ingenuity and flair with their products and will certainly be amongst the most talented craft and design artists this country has to offer at Showcase.
“Our clients have availed of support with the cost to exhibit at Showcase, bespoke briefing days and one to one mentoring in the run up to Showcase to ensure they are buyer ready. With buyers from Ireland, Europe, the USA and Asia, Showcase is truly established as the must-see trade event for anyone in the fashion, jewellery, home or giftware business the event offers exposure to new international markets.” Clients will also be entered into the Business of Craft Awards.
If your business is in pre-start, start-up or established business phase and would like to find out more about what business support services are available from LEO Waterford visit www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford/ or call to LEO Waterford offices at 35, The Mall, Waterford or the Civic Offices in Dungarvan.
