Sharon Griffin founded Ohh! By Gum in 2009, when she became aware of the impact of fast fashion on both the planet and those making it. Having become a certified B Corporation earlier this year, the boutique is well regarded for its high standards of social and environmental impact.
In 1997, Sharon Griffin moved to Connemara after years spent working as a stylist in London. Inspired by the community around her, Sharon wanted to make good quality clothes that have a positive impact more accessible, and later launched Re-Wear, which helps to make sustainable clothing affordable for all.
Based in Clifden and available to shop online, Ohh! By Gum is an ethical clothing and lifestyle store offering a curated range of products that are kind and conscious towards the planet and its people. From responsible fashion and accessories to planet-friendly skincare and homeware, the boutique aims to source from makers and suppliers who share their vision that fashion shouldn’t just be about looking good.
Here, Sharon shares some pearls of wisdom.
Describe your career in three words….
Varied, passionate and committed.
What’s one lesson you have learned in business that you wish every woman knew?
To completely believe your ability regardless of what some may say.
Tell us about Ohh! By Gum.
Ohh! By Gum started in 2009, when I became aware of the impact of fast fashion on both the planet and the people that were making and wearing it. Living in beautiful Connemara, I wanted to give people around me the opportunity to access quality clothing and gifts that had a positive impact on them, the supply chain and our wonderful planet. I also wanted to make this accessible to everyone, hence we started Re-Wear, making sustainable clothing affordable for all.
Do you feel your early training and career set you up for taking the leap and starting Ohh! By Gum, and if so, how?
I was a stylist in London for my husband before moving to Connemara in 1997, then I worked in retail for around four years before starting Ohh! By Gum. However, when I look back at my life, I have been sewing and knitting for others since I was a child and had my first business when I was still at school.
Do you believe the Irish educational system adequately supports entrepreneurial spirit and action?
I’m not sure about this really as I was educated in London. Our three sons were educated in Ireland and two of them are self employed. I think this came from the fact that both their parents are self-employed rather than their schooling. My husband is a photographer, Kevin Griffin.
What is the most underrated quality essential for leadership in your opinion?
Making time for personal connection with your team and yourself.
What defines a resilient leader?
To see everything as an opportunity.
What is your advice for anyone building a team?
Trust your gut instinct, bring the right people for the areas that you don’t understand and make sure there is support given and taken.
How best can a leader support and motivate a team?
Empathy, tapping into their team’s strengths and giving them a challenge.
Is there any life, business or career advice that you were given but (thankfully) ignored?!
Yes – ‘stay working in the bank’. After leaving school I went to work for both Nat West and Bank of Ireland. However, on both occasions, I designed and made my manager and assistant manager’s soft furnishings for their houses which resulted in me setting up my own business.
What’s the most valuable piece of financial advice you ever received?
Take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves.
Work-life balance. What are your thoughts?!
There isn’t enough of it but I’m working on that as it’s crucial to be able to see the wood for the trees.
What has been your most proud moment in business so far?
Becoming B Corp Certified – the first independent multi brand retailer in Ireland to achieve this.
Having a five-year plan – yes or no?
Yes, as long as it is flexible.
What’s your ‘go-to’ quotation for inspiration?
Focus on the 20% that makes 80% of the difference – Pareto Principle (80/20 rule).
If you knew then what you know now, would you do anything differently?
I wish I believed in myself earlier and didn’t worry about what other people thought.
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