Women in Business in Ireland - Polly from Polly and Andy Socks
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Series: Meet the Makers behind The Book Resort
Founder Spotlight: Polly of Polly and Andy
If you’ve ever opened one of our gift boxes and found a pair of vibrant, "super-soft" bamboo socks, you already know the magic of Polly and Andy. Founded by Polly—a powerhouse female entrepreneur in Waterford—this brand was born from a simple mission: to create the perfect, seam-free sock. We caught up with Polly to talk about her "sock babies," the power of rest, and the best books for your bedside table.
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From Carlow to the Deise: The Journey of a Maker
Polly, tell us about your journey and the business you run.
My name is Polly. I’m originally from Carlow, but I’ve been living in Waterford for 24 years now! I run Polly and Andy, where we specialise in super-soft, sustainable bamboo socks with seamless toes.
What made you take the leap into starting your own business?
It was really a case of necessity. I needed "super socks" with seamless toes, and they simply weren’t available. I decided to take matters into my own hands—I created what I couldn't find!
Passion, "Sock Babies," and Business Families
What is your favourite part of the job?
I love selling! Chatting with people and meeting new faces is my favorite part. I am so passionate about my "sock babies" that I could honestly talk about them all day.
And the parts that aren't so glamorous?
Working on your own can be isolating, but I’ve found that once you find your "business family," there’s always a WhatsApp group to keep you going! The biggest learning curve for me was definitely the "admin" side—bookkeeping, Tax, and VAT were a struggle at the start, but you learn as you go.
"A swim out at the Guillamenes in Tramore will sort you out for the day."
Polly’s Recommendations for 2026
How do you take care of yourself during busy shipping seasons?
Sleep! I have finally learned how to rest. Also, a quick dip in the sea at the Guillamenes is the ultimate reset.
What are you reading and listening to right now?
Book: The Nightingale—just read it. Actually, I might even read it again!
Podcast: The Irish History Podcast is fascinating, and I also love My Therapist Ghosted Me—it’s very funny.
How can we best support small Irish businesses?
It’s simple: tell your friends and family about the businesses you love. Word of mouth is everything. I also want to shout out CC Creatives, a lovely shop in Waterford City that supports so many of us.
Step into Comfort
You can find Polly's world-famous bamboo socks in many of our curated hampers.
The Book Resort Team x