Conversations with Friends ~ Rachel Hennessy

My name is Rachel and I am the owner of Happy Days - a dress rental store based in Dublin. When I’m not working on my business, I’m out walking my dog Charlie. We are lucky enough to live by the sea so my favourite thing to do every morning is to grab a coffee in one of the local coffee shops and bring Charlie for a walk in Sandycove.

I’m very passionate about sustainable fashion and love trawling through charity shops or scrolling on Depop or Vestiaire. Nothing beats the feeling of nabbing a one of a kind find

I always find getting away for a weekend or out of my normal routine will always inspire me. I love meeting new people and find sometimes even just a coffee with someone I haven't met before will spark a new idea.

I love listening to music and sometimes a long drive in the car while listening to music will get the wheels turning on some new ideas.

Charlie is our 3 legged golden retriever. We rescued him from Wicklow Animal Welfare 4 years ago when he was 1. He had just had surgery to have a stump removed so he had 3 legs when we got him. He definitely doesn't know any different and is the happiest dog in the world. We always get stopped in the street by strangers commenting on how happy he looks or how amazing he is. He’s like a local celebrity where we live.

Listen to your gut - it is never wrong.

Is it bad to say where I live?! I live near Sandycove and feel so blessed to be able to walk by the sea every day. There are so many amazing restaurants and cafe’s nearby that we are never stuck for choice if we want to treat ourselves to a meal out. One of my favourite cafe’s for a mid week treat is Bibi’s in Dun Laoghaire. It has such a cosy vibe and an amazing view of the sea. 

I also just love strolling around the city centre. I normally bump into someone I know and have a good chat. I always try to grab a slice of pizza in Bambino. I love wandering in and out of the shops and depending on the day I will grab a glass of wine or pint of Guinness and people watch to my heart’s content.

Well I definitely have to answer this from a fast fashion perspective. I made these small changes to try and quit fast fashion. I unsubscribed from all marketing emails, I unfollowed fast fashion brands on social media, I unfollowed influencers that promoted fast fashion brands. I started following vintage and second hand websites and I waited for thirty minutes before purchasing something online to ensure that I still wanted it. If I saw an item I liked I would check Depop and Vestiaire first to see if it was available second hand. The buzz you get off buying something second hand and finding a one off gem is amazing!

I am more of a music fan but since starting Happy Days I love listening to other business owners on podcasts. I really enjoy Ashley McDonnells Tech Powered Luxury and Susan Dwyers Rise Up Podcast.

My husband is a Landscape Architect so he built us the most beautiful garden and I have learnt so much about plants and flowers from him. My new favourite in the garden is allium’s. 

However, one thing I insisted on having in our garden was lavender as it reminds me of my grandad and always makes me smile when I see or smell it.

My favourite bunch to have indoors is a big bunch of same coloured hydrangeas, bonus points if they are pink.

I think we sometimes forget how important the vessel is! If I have a nice vase or jug I think it makes the flower arrangement even nicer. My favourite is a jug we got as a wedding present from Arran Street East.