IN BED WITH RACHEL HENNESSY
Four years ago, Rachel Hennessy traded her job in finance to launch Happy Days, a clothing rental company in Dublin, in direct response to fast fashion. And, buoyed by Happy Days’s success, she also hosts a podcast of the same name in which she chats to guests about their most memorable heartwarming moments and acts of kindness.
We chat at length with Rachel about what makes her tick, a BookTok pick, and who she’d pyjama-party with…
What was your dream career growing up and what would your childhood self make of what you’ve become?
I honestly can’t remember. I think I wanted to be a teacher as I loved being around kids. There is no way my younger self could have imagined what I am doing now. Entrepreneurship was not even on my radar!
Which work projects or milestones are making your heart sing at the moment?
Controversial, but I’m loving the fact that it’s January and we are at the start of a new year. I love the idea that there are 12 months ahead of new opportunities and ideas. I’m in talks with a really cool stakeholder to collaborate with and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. I really do pinch myself when these cool collaborations come around I still can’t believe this is my life.
What was the catalyst for launching a clothing rental business – you were working in finance previously?
I started to see the negative impacts of fast fashion, not only on myself but on my environment. I delved into buying my own clothes second hand and noticed a gap in the market for occasion wear. I started doing loads of market research and convinced my husband I should sell my Google shares and set up a dress rental business with a physical location. Three years later and we are still going strong.
I was kindly invited on The Maura Rath Podcast and had so much fun chatting to her. Afterwards we got talking about how she does the podcast and I started thinking about creating my own one. I absolutely love it. It’s totally different to anything I do for Happy Days rental and I just love having the chats with people. I record in Collaborative Studios and Shane Dempsey [its founder] has been so supportive and helpful since day one, as I obviously didn't have a clue what I was doing. It’s been such a laugh and I’m so proud of going totally outside my comfort zone.
How do you balance work and wellness?
I wouldn’t say very well…! Twenty twenty-four was definitely a year of surviving not thriving, and I’m determined to change that in 2025. My absolute non-negotiable is getting a walk in every morning. I have a dog so he gets me out even when I don’t feel like it. I love spending quality time with family and friends and my favourite way to end a week is to host a Sunday dinner with a big gang. I can totally switch off, be present and just have a laugh with some of my favourite people.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
I used to be an early bird, I don’t know what happened!? I think Covid changed that for me. I’d love to get back into getting up early in the morning as I love how much you can achieve before people start to need things from you.
What puts a spring in your step in the mornings – and keeps you awake at night?
I live by the sea so getting up and going for a walk brings me so much joy. If I miss a sea walk I genuinely will have a terrible day.
If something has gone wrong for a customer at Happy Days, it’ll keep me awake at night, say if the couriers haven't delivered on time or the customer didn't like the item when they got it. However I have learned that I can only control the controllables, so once it’s out of my hands I have to live with that – that helps me sleep a bit better.
Do you have a nighttime ritual?
This is something I am trying to get better at. I honestly love watching TV and find this is my favourite way to unwind in the evening. There definitely is a happy medium though and if I watch too much I regret it. My ideal nighttime ritual would be a hot shower, take off my make up and put on a mask or some gorgeous skincare (Skin Formulas is my go to!) then one hour of mindless reality TV – at the moment it’s The Traitors or Love Island – with a hot water bottle and a cup of herbal tea. Then I’ll head to bed and read a book until I fall asleep.
My friend gave me a gorgeous pair of pyjamas last year when I was going through a hard time. Before that I’d never invested in a pair of pyjamas before. Well, to say I am hooked… I swear a nice pair of pyjamas fully enhances your night's sleep. And you feel a bit glam and fancy too.
What books are on your nightstand – any recommendations?
I just finished Sarah J Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses after seeing it everywhere on TikTok. I picked up a copy on Depop, of all places, and have the second book in the series on the way. Then I have Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors and Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey is up next.
If you were given a free year’s clothing rental from any fashion house, which would it be and why?
Without a doubt Cecilie Bahnsen. Her clothes are my absolute favourite, they are so feminine and girly and I would wear them every day if I could.
Time and money no object, where would you go for a winter sun break this season?
Can skiing be counted as a winter sun break? Nothing beats skiing in clear blue skies. It’s my favourite type of holiday as you totally switch off and can’t think about anything else. I love going in a big gang.
In contrast, imagine a Friday night in. Your Moon + Mellow PJs are on, and you’ve the TV and couch entirely to yourself. What are your go-to films/series, snacks and refreshments?
I love a Friday night in – I recently had my friends over for a Friday movie night and the dress code was pyjamas, purely so we could all be cosy and comfy. But if I’m by myself I’ll be watching some sort of reality TV or else Graham Norton. I love movies and will honestly watch just about anything. My husband makes a mean homemade popcorn, but my one true love is crisps and I’m currently loving the Blanco Niño tortilla ones.
Who would be your top three celebrity pyjama party guests (and why), and what three bangers would your playlist involve?
Omg what a good question. OK, I think at the moment Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo from the Giggly Squad Podcast because it’s a sleepover and I want to gossip and have a laugh. And then I’m going to invite [Bridgerton actor] Jonathan Bailey, as I think he would fit in well with the three of us and we could grill him about all the drama on the production of Wicked. I absolutely love picking the music for any event – I’m a bit of a speaker hogger – but for this sleepover I would have Sabrina Carpenter’s Slim Pickins, Chappell Roan’s Femininomenon and Taylor Swift’s Cruel Summer. But only if my sleepover pals know these songs cause we need to all sing along.
Which are your favourite Moon + Mellow pieces and why?
As I mentioned earlier I am leaning into having nice pyjamas that make me feel fancy and don’t make me wake up in a sweat. I adore all of the Moon + Mellow pieces but the ones that stand out to me are the Jellyfish Pink Long Set and the Jungle Long Set. It’s January so I am thinking of pure comfort and cosiness.
