The owner of the Parlour Vintage Tearooms has described the decision to close the business in Waterford City  as "bitter-sweet."

Over its six years in existence on Great George's Street, the Parlour has hosted many events of a literary, musical, historical and artistic nature.

Maria was joined in studio by owner Sarah Jane Cleary as well as by Darajane O'Sullivan who does PR for the business.

Speaking of the closure, Sarah Jane said "it was the right decision for me, there are more things in life that I want to do, and being a business owner, it's very tough, especially if you have a family. I want to spread my wings and see what else I can do."

Speaking of setting up the Parlour Vintage Tearooms in Waterford City six years ago, she said it's something she's "so so proud of," adding that the venture allowed her follow her heart.

"I do realise the Parlour was such a unique, original business, and it was somewhere lots of creative people came, and I was so inspired by that, " she added.

In an in-depth discussion with Maria, Sarah Jane also spoke about how the pandemic gave her a bit of time back from working 60 to 80 hours a week, adding that she tips her hat off to any business owner.

Portrait of Vicky Phelan at the Parlour Vintage Tearooms

Darajane also spoke to Maria about an upcoming event; a portrait of Vicky Phelan will be on public display at the at The Parlour on March 8th, International Women's Day.

It's come about through the combined efforts of Waterford Chamber, WIT, Waterford Chamber Skillnet and the Local Enterprise Office.

The event is a fundraiser for Vicky's chosen charities, the Solas Centre and The Shona Project.

The Triptych Portrait will be on public display  from 4pm to 6pm, marking the final event at the Parlour.

Have a listen to Sarah Jane and Darajane's chat with Maria, through the link in this podcast.

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