By Candy Claw Clips
20th Nov 2022
20th Nov 2022
Inspired by Danish design and the fun, colourful accessories they were seeing on the streets of Copenhagen, childhood best friends Pauline and Sadbh decided to set up their own hair claw business. Here they talk business advice, fashion and why they'll never get over seeing people wear their clips.
Tell us about you and your brand/shop
We are two childhood best friends with a secret passion for fashion. We specialise in colourful claw clips for all different hair types.
What is your mission?
Our aim is to “candify” claw clips. We’re so inspired by the designs we’re seeing over in different Copenhagen neighbourhoods and want to bring that same creativity, fun and colour to the Irish market – and all with a sustainable focus too as we use plant-based materials in all our products.
Did you always know you wanted to work in this industry?
Yes, definitely! We have both been fashion-obsessed since we were kids so it feels amazing to be able to work together on something creative within that field.
What kind of items do you stock?
We currently stock claw clips but will probably branch out in the future!
What new brands or items are on your radar?
LIA by Lia Cowan is amazing – her AW22 collection was simply stunning. We also love accessories so Rachel Maguire’s hats are a needed addition!
Was money/funding a concern when starting out?
Luckily, Sadbh had a bespoke mask business during Covid and I had my own reserves, so we were able to get started with our own cash flow.
Best business advice you’ve gotten
Stay true to your brand values. Things don’t always go to plan and you will naturally make a few mistakes along the way, but if you stay true to your core values, they will always help guide the way.
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Favourite fashion/design accounts you follow
Copenhagen Front Row, CA Design, Matilda Djerf, Aisling Kavanagh, greensaregoodforyou, Sofia Coelho.
Best fashion purchase
Pauline: definitely my Stand Studio faux fur coat in Bottega green from Vestiaire Collective.
Sadbh: Mine would have to be my vintage Burberry trench coat from a vintage shop in Paris.
Other Irish brands you love?
Siopaella, Laoise Carey Studio, Aoife Ireland, Gabsluk, greensaregoodforyou.
Most useful learning since setting up a business
Stay true to your brand values. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes as things aren’t always going to go to plan. Sometimes it’s just about getting going.
Proudest moment so far
Being able to work together as childhood best friends.
I want my brand to be remembered as being… a brand that promotes inclusivity and sustainability through claw clips in Ireland and abroad.
If I could have anyone wear my designs it would be… we don’t really have ‘the perfect’ customer, we love seeing everyone wearing our designs; from mums collecting their kids at school to shop assistants wearing a Candy Claw clip at work… seeing people wearing our clips is just a dream come true!
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