Your 2025 Glow-Up: The Goals Causeway Coast Women Are Manifesting Right Now

Oh, nothing beats the magic of a vision board session - the dreams and the endless potential.

Writing down goals for the year ahead feels like painting a blank canvas, full of hope and possibility.

Let’s admit it: we’re all curious about what everyone’s manifesting for 2025. So CCW spoke to some fabulous local ladies about their 2025 goals. 

Why don’t you share your goals too?

Name: Laura Lagan

Occupation: Coleraine Football Club Secretary

Where Do You Live: Coleraine

If you could trade jobs with someone for a day in 2025, who would it be and why?

I would probably need more than one day for this one but, my childhood best friend is an Accommodation Certification Manager for Tourism NI. She gets to travel around Northern Ireland and rate business performances and award them with stars. I think this would be great as no two days would be the same, I would get to meet new people and I would get to see parts of Northern Ireland that I never knew existed. I actually said to her on Saturday night past, that I want her job! 

Is there a local spot or an event you want to explore more this year?

I’m staying really local with this one, I am looking forward to the Open Golf coming to Royal Portrush in July, not because I am a fan of golf as I wouldn’t know where to start with the rules but because of the buzz it will bring to the local area just like when we host the North West 200 there is always a nice atmosphere around the two Ports, people are in good mood and it boosts the local economy. 

What’s one thing you’re prioritising in your personal life this year?

This year I plan to prioritise just being happy and de-stressing, I am the biggest worrier about everything.  I also plan to prioritise spending more time with family and friends.  (I can’t say find the man of my dreams can I ? 🤣) 

What’s the one snack or coffee order that gets you through a busy workday?

This isn’t going to sound too healthy but my morning snack is a Sugar-free Red Bull, followed by a 2-litre bottle of water sitting on the desk beside me to stop me from snacking, which doesn’t always work!

Name: Una Culkin

Occupation: Journalist

Where Do You Live: Portrush

If you could achieve one big dream in 2025, personal or professional, what would it be?

My dream for 2025 is the same one I've had for years - to appear in a professional theatrical production. I've been involved in drama and musical theatre for 35+ years as an amateur and my dream is to say I've stepped onto a stage in just one professional production. I'll keep dreaming...

If your workday came with a soundtrack, what would be your go-to pump-up song?

I think the soundtrack depends very much on my mood and the task in hand. If a workday soundtrack is anything like my running playlist on Spotify (I started parkrun last year - I find it SO hard but very rewarding) then I could end up listening to everything from Count Basie to ABBA to AC/DC - anything to give me a kick up the bum and keep putting one foot in front of the other.

So for running, my pump-up song is always Rihanna 'We Found Love'. For workday motivation, at the moment, I am constantly listening to the West End soundtrack of the incredible musical 'Operation Mincemeat'. It's inspiring, moving, hilarious, unbelievable - and, most remarkably, a true story!

What’s one thing you’re prioritising in your personal life this year?

One thing I am definitely going to make time for in my life this year is learning more about Soroptimism International. Last year, I joined the Ballymoney branch of this fantastic organisation which works worldwide to educate, empower and enable women. 

I've been really impressed with what I have seen so far and look forward to learning more about the work of SI and getting involved with more projects which help women locally, nationally and internationally.

What’s your favourite way to unwind and recharge after a busy day?

If I'm not ON a stage, I like to be in front of one or a screen so a trip to the theatre or the cinema would be my favourite way to relax after work. Most of my 'down time' from work is spent rehearsing for some musical or play - sometimes not the best way to unwind and relax but definitely a world away from the day job of journalism.

If I'm at home, then a really good courtroom drama on Netflix with a glass or two of wine and snacks does the trick nicely!

Name: Lynne Aitcheson

Occupation: Duty Manager in Brown Trout Golf and Country Inn

Where Do You Live: Aghadowey 

What’s one thing you’re prioritising in your personal life this year?

Making time for myself .. and doing things that I maybe before would have thought I couldn’t do or wouldn’t have the confidence to do 

If 2025 had a theme song for your life, what would it be?

Lisa McHugh - Watch Me. After my horrendous year of 2024 I just want to see what I can achieve in 2025 

If you could trade jobs with someone for a day in 2025, who would it be and why?

Can I say Nathan Carter's PA here lol…no seriously I love going to concerts and a job behind the scenes seeing it all happen from a different side, the event management side of it all attracts me 

What’s your favourite way to unwind and recharge after a busy day?

I love to relax with a coffee, sometimes a gin and get a cuddle with Bella and Bourneville (my neighbour's dogs) and listen to music (Irish country music of course) or if there’s a concert near by, go there dance the night away

Name: Judy Nelson

Occupation: I have retired from a busy job in the health service but I volunteer as volunteer press officer with Portrush RNLI and on the RNLI Council in Ireland. I also volunteer with Reach Portrush a fabulous community group providing support to the people of Portrush .

Where Do You Live: I live in beautiful Portrush and have done for 40 years (originally from Ballykelly- so still technically a blow in) but came here to work and fell in love with the town and its people - and of course a man!

What’s one small thing you’d love to change or start doing in 2025

The one thing I would change is my fitness levels - but have fitness plans going on and am doing Sonia Knox’s circuits class again to help me get back into shape- she’s also motivating me in my couch to 5k

If you could trade jobs/life with someone for a day in 2025, who would it be and why?

This is an odd one but is love to trade places with sir Lindsey Hoyle  the  speaker of the House of Commons. Politics has always fascinated me and I’d love to see behind the scenes of Parliament.

If you could spend more time with someone special this year, who would it be?

I lost both my parents  within two weeks of each other in 2024 and while my mum was mentally alert Dad had Parkinson’s and dementia and I would love to have one more day with him as his old self as I have so many things I’d love to ask him 

What’s your favourite way to unwind and recharge after a busy day?

Unwinding involves - walking dogs/walking the beach/reading great books/cooking/watching a really good drama - with a lovely glass of wine and spending time with my lovely family and friends - what more could a girl want!

Name: Lyndsey McGookin

Occupation: Business owner and founder: SHADE Social Media Management and part time lecturer in Creative Industries

Where Do You Live: Portstewart

If you could achieve one big dream in 2025, personal or professional, what would it be?

To grow SHADE Social Media Management into a sought-after agency that not only provides exceptional social media support but also empowers small business owners through tailored training programs. Personally, I’d love to achieve a better balance between work and family, allowing me to thrive in both areas.

What’s one word you hope will define your 2025 – and why?

Momentum. I want 2025 to be the year where everything builds on the hard work of previous years, creating unstoppable energy for both my business and personal growth.

 If you could throw a 2025 party for the women of the Causeway Coast, what would the theme be?

The theme would be Glow Up & Show Up. It would focus on celebrating personal growth and achievements, with workshops on self-confidence, creative business ideas, and opportunities to connect with like-minded women, all in a fun and uplifting atmosphere.

Who in your life inspires you to be your best self?

My two daughters inspire me every day. They remind me why I push forward in life and business, striving to set an example of resilience, hard work, and kindness.

If you could trade jobs with someone for a day in 2025, who would it be and why?

I’d trade jobs with a high-profile event planner, like the creative mind behind major brand launches or fashion weeks. It would be fascinating to immerse myself in the fast-paced, creative environment of orchestrating large-scale events. The skills and experiences gained could spark fresh ideas for my own business.