Life and work with Karen McGuire
We continue our conversations this month with Karen McGuire. Karen has created a very unique business doing something she loves.
Karen is a dove release specialist and lives in Hamilton with her husband and two boys.
Here Karen talks about their very unique business where all the family get involved and what matters most to her.
Tell us about your work
My name is Karen, I am a Dove Release specialist. I own and run a company called Acts of Dove, providing a unique and special way for people to showcase their love! We mainly attend at funerals and weddings but have done a few special occasions too, such as opening football matches, proposals and hopefully soon…gender reveals!
A typical week
Typically my week can be a bit crazy, I have two boys aged 5 & 3. I try to fit business around the children, a lot of behind the scenes work is done when they are in bed Even when not releasing the Doves, it takes a lot of work. We clean the lofts daily and we also train the birds whenever the weather allows. The welfare of our Doves is our top priority and we need to make sure they are fit, healthy and happy! I usually drop the boys at school and nursery, then head straight to my dads (where we keep the Doves) and we work together in the lofts etc. My dad keeps racing pigeons so he keeps me right he has won a lot of awards and races so he’s the main man behind the scenes.
The best part of my week
The best part of my week can differ a lot. It’s very cheesy but I still love collecting my boys from school and nursery. I love it when they get involved, they love taking the Doves in the car to train them for releases. They also love throwing seeds for them, which is great for the birds as they are used to children because of this. I love a good sunny day when I can take the birds to a big park and let them fly! We do get some funny looks but it’s great, I always invite people over and encourage questions!
My proudest moment is…
My proudest moment has to be when myself and my boyfriend finished our very own loft. We dismantled a rebuilt a 20ft loft all by ourselves, we were so happy when we moved our birds into it as it has absolutely everything they need and more…I still need to paint it though.
Skills I could offer
I can offer people a special way to show and symbolise their love! Whether saying goodbye to a loved one during a funeral, honouring a lost family member during a wedding or simply just adding that extra something to any event! The Doves really are special and I care deeply about the experience they create.
Skills that would help me
Marketing skills would definitely help me in business. This is my very first business, I have been learning so much about branding and social media but I feel like I need help to get us know and Ultimately to help us get busier.
Self-care for me is…
Self care to me means simple, I think I used to connect self care with spa days or holiday. Now I know it’s the little things that matter. I try and squeeze in a cuppa tea with no tv and no noise before I collect the boys from school. My oldest boy has found a love for the cinema so sometimes we disappear and catch a film, it’s a good excuse to go watch Disney.
Use your Kesero time to make that special occasion that bit more memorable.
