Lulu O’Sullivan, CEO, Giftsdirect.com Posted on March 21, 2023 by planirl

In 1987 Lulu O’Sullivan set up her a gifts delivery company (originally called Inter Teddy). By 1996 GiftsDirect.com was an early adapter to the Internet and one of Ireland’s first online transactional websites. The company is now at the forefront of the online gift delivery business, with a strong presence not just in Ireland but also now on a global level, attracting customers in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe and beyond. Product development continues to be a focus, with over 1,000 gifts now offered online, including all the main Irish gift brands such as Tipperary Crystal, Belleek Pottery, Newbridge Silverware and Louise Kennedy Glassware to name but a few.

In addition to running a successful business, Lulu manages family life with her husband and four children. Lulu also regularly mentors other entrepreneurs as part of Enterprise Ireland’s ‘Going for Growth’ Programme. GiftsDirect.com has won many awards over the years including ‘IIA Online Exporter 2008’, ‘IIA Internet Entrepreneur 2007’and ‘Ulster Bank Business Achievers award 2006’.

Because I am a Girl I ask … that girls realise that feminine energy is a very powerful thing.

Because I am a Girl I believe … that it’s important to give small tokens of thanks to my mother, my sister, my girlfriends – I want the women in my life to know how much I appreciate and value them.

Because I am a Girl I hope … that my daughter knows that she has a unique quality and uses this to contribute to society.

Because I am a Girl I wonder … and dread what life would be like without freedom of speech for women and not to be treated as an equal to a man.

Because I am a Girl I dream … about an end to poverty and hardship for millions who have less than me.

Because I am a Girl I remember … working in my grandmother’s newsagents in Dublin. She inspired me to go on to set up my own business.

Because I am a Girl I like … bringing a smile to someone’s face with a simple gift. I have the wonderful job of choosing each and every one of the gifts available online – I guess you could call me a gift-giving expert!

Because I am a Girl I dislike … war and don’t believe it plays any part in modern society.

Because I am a Girl I feel … proud of what I have achieved in both my personal and business life. I manage a busy family schedule (I have four children) with a round-the-clock business.

Because I am a Girl I … want more Irish women Entrepreneurs and Irish women to play a key role and contribute to the rebuilding of our economy – their input will make a real difference to the Ireland of the future.