‘Every day teaches you something new’
Local woman Leah Fletcher reflects on her business career to date ahead of National Women’s Enterprise Day.
By Rebekah O'Reilly
As we mark National Women’s Enterprise Day today, Thursday, October 16, women entrepreneurs across Ireland are being celebrated for their creativity, resilience, and impact on local economies.
In the Midlands, that spirit is embodied by Leah Fletcher, founder of Monksland-based companies Dunbar Pharma and DeDanu, two very different but equally ambitious ventures in pharmaceuticals and natural wellness.
Best known locally for her success with DeDanu, the natural skincare and wellness brand that gained national attention through its viral Bridget Jones campaign, Leah has a well-earned reputation for her creativity, and innovation.
Founded in 2022 and officially launched earlier this month, Dunbar Pharma is one of the few Irish-founded companies operating in this high-tech sector.
The business already employs 30 people in scientific and technical roles, and was recently recognised by Enterprise Ireland as a High Potential Start-Up, a designation that supports ambitious Irish businesses with strong export potential.
Dunbar Pharma is Ireland’s first researcher, EU-GMP manufacturer and now exporter of plant-derived cannabinoid APIs, and is currently exporting dronabinol, a cannabinoid used in the treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), to Germany and the UK for use in regulated medicines.
For Leah, the real reward comes not from recognition, but from seeing her ideas make a tangible difference.
“It is of course deeply satisfying to see a product out in the world that you spent five years developing. It is amazing seeing how it is helping patients.”
Although she didn’t come from a scientific background, Leah sees herself as a natural innovator, and this extends to the entrepreneurial side also.
“Even though I didn't study science in college, I do see myself as a scientist of sorts, and scientists never really close the book on a project. They're never really finished or satisfied because there is always more to discover. You always want to improve, to innovate, to make things better.
“In business, there isn’t a finish line, it’s more like reaching a base camp before the next climb. So satisfaction is probably something that scientists and business people have difficulty attaching themselves to!”
Leah has learned that staying in business isn’t about chasing quick wins or external validation.
“Over time, I’ve realised that the people who last in business aren’t the ones chasing success, ego, or money or even that satisfaction. It’s the ones who stay curious and resilient, the ones who can keep going, even when things get tough (and they get rough!).
“Every day teaches you something new about leadership, creativity, or teamwork. You don’t always get it right, but learning and trying again is what keeps it alive.”
Despite hitting various milestones and achievements over the past year, Leah has not stopped to smell the roses, noting there is always more to be done.
Community, she says, has played a big part in her success.
Leah credits the Athlone Chamber of Commerce, along with ACORNS and Enterprise Ireland, for their support, and she’s proud of the strong network of women in business across the region.
“Athlone has a brilliant network of businesswomen who genuinely support each other,” she said.
“I’ve been very lucky. I’ve never been left out of an opportunity or a meeting just because I’m a woman. That’s not something I’ve ever experienced in business, and I know that’s not the case for everyone, so I do feel fortunate.”
From pioneering natural wellness to advancing Irish pharmaceutical manufacturing, Leah continues to prove that creativity, curiosity, and perseverance are at the heart of every great enterprise, and that the Midlands remains a powerhouse of innovation and ambition for women with a desire to lead.