This week, we caught up with Aoibhínn Higgins (pronounced ‘Aye-veen’ for those of you confused by those, sometimes, tricky Irish names!) Our new Business Development Consultant for Northern Ireland talks witches, wellness and worst Halloween looks!
After growing up in the quaint port town of Warrenpoint, County Down, Aoibhínn Higgins moved to Dublin’s Fair City, and following a twelve-year stint in the Capital, returned home to Newry to be close to her family of four sisters and two brothers—not forgetting husband, Patrick, eight-year-old daughter, Betsy, and Chorkie pup, Mr Pickles!
So how did you end up in Business Consultancy with Covetrus?
“I wasn’t always in sales/business. I studied Applied Biochemistry in Liverpool, and after travelling, I have worked in business/sales ever since. It’s been a long time since I put on a lab coat…Before joining Covetrus, [I] worked with J&J in Human Health for twelve years. My most recent role was Exec. Account Manager in Medical Devices, specifically in diabetes for the past five years. Previous to that I worked as a Sales Specialist in Cardiology and peripheral vascular disease.”
How have your first few weeks been at Covetrus?
“My first few weeks have been an exciting learning curve. The highlight has been getting to know my colleagues who have been extremely supportive throughout. Going from a niche product area in human health to such a wide spectrum of animal health products has been an eye-opening experience. With the specialist team around me, with such a wealth of experience, I am looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
How are you staying organised/motivated working from home in Lockdown. Are you finding it easy to maintain a work/life balance?
“I stick by a daily routine with plenty of nutrition and hydration. I recently bought a brand new Nutribullet so I can make healthy smoothies very quickly. Top tip – I now buy frozen avocado pieces, who knew they existed! They come in very handy. It’s important to take morning and afternoon breaks to clear the head too. Always plan the day and week ahead. Do the hardest task first! Also – I’m a big fan of highlighters and post-its!”
Aoinhínn is excited to start helping Covetrus customers build their best practice; customers who are delighted to have a local CVET representative.
“I will work closely in partnership with my customers through efficient, effective communication; I will support veterinary practices in the best way possible to save money, deliver the best products and ultimately increase profitability.”
As it’s Halloween week, we just had to grill Aoibhínn on her spooky side! Any phobias?
“I still get creeped by spiders! But only the big ones.”
Best and worst Halloween costume?
“Worst Halloween costume was a set of cat ears and a few whiskers done with black eyeliner – for a last-minute party! The best has got to be dressing up my daughter for Wizard of Oz. Every year, we have a massive party at home for Halloween with lots of friends and cousins, this one will be very different! Planning some old-school games at home.”
Have you ever had any spooky or ghostly experiences?
“We had a REAL witches house near where I grew up. We used to sneak up and run away petrified. Her name was Jenny Black and the road up to her house is still known as Jenny Blacks hill.”
Favorite horror movie?
“Sweeney Todd”
The self-confessed “enthusiastic, cheerful, and efficient” northerner knows how vital staying active has been this year, so we wanted to know how she’s keeping busy when she’s not swamped with mum duties, that is!
“I find exercise and fresh air is important, so if I can’t fit in a fitness video/yoga, I’ll walk most evenings. At the weekend, I enjoy making a mess in the kitchen! Last weekend, it was Apple Crumble. We walk by Carlingford lough on the beach and thankfully have some beautiful forest walks nearby in Rostrevor.”
There’s no book on parenting but if you wrote one, what would you call it?
‘We’ll see but eat your vegetables first’!!
Coming from the land music and poetry, is Aoibhínn missing the odd live gig?
“I really miss live music! [When we come out of lockdown] it’s got to be either Arcade Fire or Foo Fighters. But I would also be happy to go to the local and listen to a fiddle and tin whistle!”
What’s next on Aoibhínn’s bucket list?
“Travel Travel Travel! Fingers crossed I get to Malta next summer as was originally planned for 2020. Back to Stockholm to see my sister and her family.”
What is your life’s mantra?
“Carpe Diem”