After six years living abroad in Australia, New Zealand and Spain, Mia Connolly returned home to West Cork expecting the move home to be easier than emigrating alone to the other side of the world. Instead, settling back into life at home proved far more challenging than anticipated.
People often talk about how difficult it can be to leave home and build a life abroad, but far less is said about how difficult it can be to come home again. Having started from scratch several times around the world, Mia was surprised to find there was something uniquely challenging about doing it where she had grown up. Coming home meant finding her feet again and working out where she fitted in, as life had moved on in her familiar surroundings.
That period ultimately became the starting point for several new ventures.
With a background in IT, systems and business operations, Mia launched SEOL Consulting, helping local businesses make their systems simpler and more effective. The name SEOL, Irish for ‘set in motion’ and ‘to sail’ is a nod to Mia’s connection with sailing at home and abroad.
The idea came from recognising that many small businesses are excellent at what they do, but often lack the time or resources to keep pace with the rapidly changing digital world. SEOL focuses on practical improvements rather than technology for technology’s sake, helping businesses to work more efficiently and reducing unnecessary hassle behind the scenes.
At the same time, Mia was experiencing another challenge personally: how difficult it can be as a single adult to meet new people naturally, in a dating culture increasingly dominated by apps.
This is what led to Plus None, a new singles social community for West Cork. Unlike speed dating, Plus None is not built around timed conversations, formal matchmaking or any expectation of a particular outcome. The idea is simply to create relaxed opportunities for single people to meet in real life, without pressure.
Someone might meet a potential partner, but they might equally meet a new friend, running buddy or future wingman or wingwoman.
The first Plus None social took place in Clonakilty in August, with around 30 people attending, a strong indication that people locally want more natural ways to meet and connect. Attendees thanked Mia for being “the brave one” to organise it.
“There can be so much pressure around dating now,” she says. “I wanted to strip all of that back. Come along, meet new people and enjoy yourself. If something romantic comes from it, brilliant, but that isn’t the only measure of whether the night was worthwhile.”
Future Plus None socials will take place around West Cork and can be followed on Instagram @plus_n_one.
Although SEOL Consulting and Plus None may appear very different, Mia sees a common thread between them: both came from recognising something that could work better and deciding to do something about it.
“This is my home, these are my people, and it feels like the beginning of a completely new chapter.”
