75pc of direct sellers in Ireland are now female - DSAI

Admin   |   10 March, 2015   |   1375   |   3980

Figures released from the Direct Selling Association of Ireland (DSAI) have revealed that 75pc of the industry’s 20,000 direct sellers are now female, while 30pc are stay-at-home mums.

Contributing €50m a year to the Irish economy, direct selling is where goods are sold direct to consumers outside of a fixed shop. 

Lynda Mills, director general of the DSAI, said: “There is a new type of female entrepreneur emerging in Ireland – women who are selling products they love and building really strong businesses through direct selling. 

“We are seeing more and more women being attracted to direct selling because it can fit so easily around other commitments – whether it’s children, education or another job.” 

The figures released by the DSAI are based on its survey of its member companies including Amway, Forever Living and Neal’s Yard Remedies. 

Pamela King, 39, from Dublin worked in technology in an investment bank for 15 years before taking voluntary redundancy and starting her own direct selling business with Neal’s Yard.  

With two young children she is able to run her business around her family commitments and enjoy flexible working.

Pamela says: “I love being my own boss and having ability to take my business where ever I want, and having that freedom of choice. I see so much opportunity to grow my business and am excited about the future.”