Inspired
People, Places and Things
…with Fiona Young of Milis
When she’s not working as an oncology nurse, Fiona is the face behind sustainable, ethical and vegan-friendly brand Milis, meaning ‘sweet’ in Irish. She hand-pours her creations at home in Co. Waterford amongst south easterly skies, her family, and a coup of chickens. You will see her candles stocked locally; Treebark in Moycullen and Cuckoo Craft and Design in Kinvara being two places to peruse them. She also offers all Ireland delivery, a subscription service and a donation to The Irish Cancer Society with each purchase. Here, we chatted to Fiona and her inspirations, motherhood and what she loves about Galway.
Describe yourself in three words;
Kind, brave, sociable.
What is something our readers might not know about you?
I love movies with fantasy & science fiction being my favourite. I think I have watched Lord of the Rings about twenty times.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My two boys Theo & Ethan, they are just amazing. Every day they surprise me with the best hugs, the biggest smiles and all the love! They really have been a huge part of why I started Milis. I want to be the best version of myself in their eyes. I think Milis is the creative itch I have always had but never really let flourish until my boys came along. Having my own business has already allowed me to have more quality time with them which in turn makes me more creative.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My family. All of my candle scents are based around family moments or memories. ‘Morning’, is inspired by the slow Sunday mornings I shared with my husband when we lived in our little flat in Rathmines. I would bake homemade flapjacks, he would make coffee and we would sit and talk or watch a movie; those mornings seemed to last forever. My customers really connect with that aspect of my candles because scent is powerful, it can almost make you feel like you’re back in that place again.
Tell us something you love about Galway:
I love loads about Galway and the rain might be number one, you get loads of that! The little winding streets too, they are full of colour and creativity, it really is beautiful. And the people, they are so friendly.
We hope you enjoyed reading this glimpse into Fiona’s world. You can browse her full collection of products, which she calls ‘sustainable indulgences’ here and follow her journey on social media where she offers a candid glimpse behind the scenes.
