Ann grew up in Derry, Northern Ireland and now makes her near Boston, MA. A recipient of the Morrison Visa, when Ann moved to the
US she gained confidence to start her own business after attending the DEBI program at Boston College.
(Development of Entrepreneurs in Boston for Ireland)
The name "KARA" is derived from the Irish word, "Cara" meaning friend & the beginning of Ann’s family name Karakatsanis.
Working with her former employer in Derry, Ulster Ceramics and Carrigaline Pottery in County Cork Ann designed and developed the Aranware Tableware Collection which has become a popular Collection with customers across the US & Canada.
Working with ‘Irish’ stores dotted across the US it brought home to Ann the enormous disconnect that exists between what is widely marketed to the American customer and the quality, creativity, and variety of products emanating from artisans and makers in Ireland.
Using ideas from some of Boston’s tech start-ups KARA Irish will enable customers in the US to order directly and hassle free from designers and makers across the island of Ireland. There will be no currency, customs, clearance issues. Easy and fast shipments and returns and customer service in the US. Customers will not be purchasing “Irish ‘products from unknown producers; they will know exactly who has made their product through our artisan pages. Irelands artisan traditions run deep. KARA Irish will weave together a tapestry of makers and doers, revealing an ingrained desire on the Emerald Isle to create beautiful things. Fueling export growth which will in turn increase the contribution of Ireland’s makers to the economy.
Living on the edge of the wild Atlantic, today Ireland’s talented artisans and makers have learnt to transform local materials of linen, tweed, yarns, precious metals, glass, clay, and plants from the Irish countryside into beautiful everyday products, made with care and skills passed down through generations. Products that gently echo the people and history of Ireland, creating an effortless balance that reveres history yet lives for today.
