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My Start-Up Story: Georgina O’Hanlon ‘always held a vision of venturing out on my own’
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By Leonie Corcoran
14th Nov 2023
14th Nov 2023
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Ten years after graduating from NCAD, Georgina O'Hanlon founded her business, Georgina O’Hanlon Illustration. It embodies a dedication to celebrating the timeless art of hand-drawn illustrations and celebrates her personal connection with her family and with Ireland. This Christmas, Georgina, who is an IMAGE Business Club member, has launched a new design to support a beautiful collaboration supporting Temple Street Hospital. Here she tells her Start-Up Story:
Tell us a little bit about your business…
In 2022, I founded Georgina O’Hanlon Illustration, embarking on this creative journey after years of honing my skills as a graphic designer, both as a full-time professional and a freelance artist. My artistic journey began at NCAD, where I graduated in 2012, always garnering praise for my drawing abilities from a young age. In a world increasingly dominated by computer-generated graphics, I was steadfast in my desire for my brand to celebrate the timeless art of hand-drawn illustrations. To complement the craftsmanship that defined my work, it was important to to me that my creations be environmentally sustainable and cherished by those who acquire them. Thus, my journey began with silk as the ideal canvas, leading to the development of my exquisite silk scarves.
I drew inspiration from simpler times and sought to capture the profound beauty of the lush Irish landscape – with my first scarf design being named after my mother, Josephine, who I lost in 2022. It explores childhood memories with her.
As my creative path unfolded, I ventured into the realm of homewares, crafting couture tea towels and cozy woven blankets. With each product, I remained dedicated to delivering exceptional quality, blending them seamlessly with works of art inspired by our rich Irish heritage. My ultimate business goal is to offer products that embody the essence of artistry and Irish heritage, adding a touch of luxury to everyday life.
How did you raise the capital needed to start your business?
Since I embarked on my formal studies, I always held a vision of venturing out on my own. With this goal in mind, I saved extra funds during my time as a full-time designer at various companies, from the coolest independent start-ups in London to international fashion houses such as Kildare Village.
I also sustained a part-time role as a consultant graphic designer. The intricate processes involved in designing, prototyping and sampling necessitate a substantial investment of both time and financial resources. Every penny earned through the business is scrupulously reinvested, underscoring the genuine passion that drives this endeavour., In the initial phases, I adhered to a strict philosophy of minimising expenses and bootstrapping whenever feasible.
Did you do any business trainings?
Seeking guidance from the Local Enterprise Office proved to be a pivotal step, allowing me to maintain lean and efficient operations. I embarked on my journey by enrolling in the “Start Your Own Business” course, an invaluable resource that continues to shape my entrepreneurial path. I have heavily relied on the mentorship and support they provide throughout my entrepreneurial journey.
What advice would you give to someone starting their own business?
My mantra in life: “Done is better than perfect.” Don’t allow opportunities to slip away because you lack the confidence to share your ideas in a timely manner, trapped in the pursuit of perfection.
Tell us about your roots:
I’m a Dublin 8 native with my studio still on Cork Street. I now reside in Rathmines. Although a Dub through and through, my roots connect me deeply to the west of Ireland, as my mother, Josephine, hailed from Sixmilebridge in Co Clare, where I cherished countless childhood summers with her. This profound connection to the west inspired my inaugural collection in 2022, with the Josephine scarf design (pictured below) remaining my bestseller.
Later that same year, my mother lost her battle with a debilitating illness that she bravely endured for over 30 years. She remains my eternal hero, and I was so privileged to have shared that collection with her before she passed.
Tell us something that is personally important to you as a business owner?
To thread lightly on the earth’s resources.
Although a Dub through and through, my roots connect me deeply to the west of Ireland
Do you think the Irish education system supports entrepreneurship?
For me, it’s a definite no. I completed my schooling in 2007 and graduated from NCAD in 2012. I can’t comment on any recent changes, but during my time there, there was a noticeable absence of practical education related to taxation, revenue, or the essential skill of self-promotion. I believe this was a missed opportunity, especially within creative disciplines.
Do you experience any doubt about being an entrepreneur? If so, how do you deal with it?
Every day! At times, the sheer volume of information one needs to remember or acquire can be quite overwhelming. Nevertheless, the thrill of entrepreneurship is incredibly invigorating, and the traditional 9 to 5 work model no longer satisfies my appetite for innovation and creativity.
Where do you see your business in 10 years?
I see myself supplying a range of products to large retailers in Ireland and abroad, hosting solo exhibitions and collaborating with some of the largest fashion and homeware brands in the world.
What’s one thing that supports your wellbeing as a business owner?
Getting outside into nature.
How do you feel about delegating?
Delegating has always made me nervous in professional settings, and it’s been a persistent challenge. However, as I continue to grow, I’m actively working on becoming more comfortable with it – I have an inner circle that I trust immensely. For example, my father John, is currently posting some of your beautiful bundles as I type!
Is work-life balance a myth or achievable?!
In my experience, as you progress up the career ladder, you encounter more challenging and stressful situations – new levels, new devils, as the saying goes. I make a conscious effort to enhance my resilience rather than dwelling on the stress, and I find that organisation is key.
For instance, there are times when the business experiences an exceptionally high workload. During these periods, I buckle down and put in the necessary hours, knowing that a calmer period follows on the horizon – that’s when I plan a holiday!
What’s your favourite thing about running your own business? And the thing you dislike the most?
My favourite thing, the freedom to create – what a privilege! Dislike is a strong term but a weakness of mine is that I find self promotion/marketing very daunting, as I haven’t received any formal training on it. This is something creative degrees could add emphasis to, as I mentioned, I graduated in 2012 so perhaps that is an area that is focused on now, but it was when I received my formal training – it’s something I’ve learnt as I developed the business.
It can be very difficult to juggle the art of self promotion with hand drawing the artwork – designing & prototyping the products but the promotion is absolutely every bit as important. You can have an amazing product but you must command amplification to obtain sales – the lifeblood of your beautiful business!
One of my most cherished projects has been the Fallow and Fawn 100% woven blanket, a charity collaboration with Temple Street Children's Hospital for my Christmas collection this year.
How important do you believe it is that we use our skills to give back to our communities?
Using one’s skills to contribute to the community and society is essential for social responsibility and personal fulfillment. It fosters reciprocity, strengthens communities, addresses societal issues, and passes on knowledge, playing a crucial role in building a more cohesive, supportive, and thriving society.
One of my most cherished projects has been the Fallow and Fawn 100% woven blanket, a charity collaboration with Temple Street Children’s Hospital for my Christmas collection this year (pictured below). This endeavour aligns with the true spirit of Christmas, focusing on goodwill and charity over commercialism.
The artwork, featuring a stag protecting its fawn in the Phoenix Park, symbolises the festive family tradition of spotting majestic deer. Committed to sustainability, the blankets are 100% wool, with 70% being recycled, and my textiles are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified, ensuring they are free of harmful chemicals. This product launch has been my most successful to date, with 20% of the proceeds directly benefiting the hospital, contributing to a better, caring society.
The blankets have also been shortlisted for an award with the Irish Design Institute for the innovative textile catoregy – fingers crossed!
Find out more about Georgina’s Fallow and Fawn charity collaboration at: georginaohanlonillustration.com/collections/temple-street
Georgina is a member of the IMAGE Business Club. Find out more about joining this powerful community of Irish business owners and leaders at image.ie/business-club
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