Anna Syme wasn’t afraid to take a leap of faith when she opened her agri business, The Stables Fitness and Wellbeing in rural Co Wexford, which was what caught the attention of our 2018 Women & Agriculture judges. Making use of the 250-year-old stone buildings on her husband’s family tillage farm in Coolnastud, she transformed the farm, her business and her life in equal measure.

Originally working as a surveyor in Dublin, Anna decided to become a certified personal trainer after having her first baby in 2012. From there, she took The Stables Fitness and Wellbeing from one converted farm building studio and a handful of clients to a complete array of indoor and outdoor training and wellbeing spaces.

This includes the “Steeplechase” – a running track and obstacle course that encircles the farm. From one-on-one personal training sessions to corporate team-building wellness days, The Stables Fitness and Wellbeing has grown exponentially since its inception and since Anna’s 2018 Women and Agriculture win.

“We have continued to expand our business over the last couple of years and are now offering a wider selection of classes and events here at The Stables,” she says.

“From bringing reformer Pilates classes to Wexford, to welcoming corporate groups and sports teams from around the country to partake in our Steeplechase obstacle course events.”

Anna’s innovative approach to diversifying the family farm has had an enormously positive impact on both her personal and professional life. Now a mother of three, she has cut her commute by almost 100% and is still positively contributing to the family’s income.

“I would highly recommend being involved in the awards,” she says.

“The highlights for me were meeting the other women receiving the awards, hearing their stories of starting up and continuing to watch them progress with their successful businesses.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed connecting with many since the awards, as a result of the strong and supportive network that Irish Country Living and the Women and Agriculture awards provides.”

Applications

If you are interested in the Women & Agriculture Awards (supported by FBD Insurance) you can learn more and download application forms at www.irishcountryliving.ie. Closing date for entries is the 13 March at 12pm.