Limerick fashion label to focus on sustainable Irish material

Tell us a bit about your business.

I have just launched my own fashion label called Aoife this February so it’s a very exciting time at the moment. Aoife is a contemporary Irish label with sustainable and ethical practice at the heart of it. 

What does your own role entail?

My role is a bit of everything at the moment, design, sewing up samples, marketing accounts, as I suppose it is always like that when you are starting up your own business. 

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Mungret and am now back living there. I lived in Paris last year and New York city previously. But it’s back to Limerick now for another while!

What is your educational background?

I am a recent graduate of a BA honours degree in fashion design from the Limerick School Of Art and Design. 

How did you get to where you are today?

I have previously worked as a design intern with Marc Jacobs in New York, as well as working with design houses in Paris. I have also just secured a fellowship in San Francisco this summer with Cobalt Innovation Labs so that is something I am very excited about! 

Why did you decide to go into business alone?

I have always wanted to own my own label so I just bit the bullet and went for it! 

What are your goals for the next 12 months?

Over the next 12 months, it’s all about growing my business and my team around me! I have some very exciting design jobs coming up with big Irish companies that I can’t wait to share as well as a 100% sustainable AW19 collection. Sustainability is really an approach to design I want to really gain more knowledge in as going forward in my career I want Aoife to be 100% about sustainable Irish materials. 

Who do you admire in business?

That would have to be my father Tony. He went into business with his partner Tommy Rohan, opening Macro Stainless, when he was just my age. He is definitely the person who gave me the ability to believe in myself and just go for it he would always say “You have to believe in your own ability and go for it!” as well as seeing his work ethic and approach to business, I definitely got the want to own my own business by watching him succeed. 

Away from work, what are your pastimes and hobbies?

Yes I love sports, I exercise every morning if I can before I start my day. I am currently training to take part in a triathlon this summer. An Iron Man is something I have always wanted to do some-time. I’m going to start with the smaller races and maybe in a year or two be ready!