Georgina O' Hanlon Illustrations

GOH Logo 2GOH Owner

Georgina O’Hanlon Illustration specialises in crafting luxurious silk accessories and homewares adorned with meticulously hand-drawn illustrations, all inspired by the captivating Irish landscape. Founded in 2022 by Georgina O’ Hanlon, an NCAD graduate, who, through the prestigious Leonardo da Vinci program, interned for three months in London with Kate Sheridan accessories, where she honed her skills as a graphic and product designer. Upon returning to Ireland, Georgina spent three years as the lead graphic designer for Kildare Village.

“My  passion for creative expression and entrepreneurship led me to transition into full-time freelance design in 2018. Throughout my freelance journey, I collaborated with various clients, yet I felt a deep desire to channel my expertise, particularly within the realm of fashion. This led to the inception of GOHI, where I found the perfect canvas to bring my illustrations to life: silk scarves. With GOHI, I aim to infuse everyday items with the beauty of art, creating pieces that resonate with the soul and capture the essence of Ireland's natural splendour.”

Becoming Self Employed

“As a creative, I found myself constrained by the limitations of full-time employment, unable to fully express my artistic vision. Motivated by the desire for creative freedom, I made the decision to venture into self-employment. However, it wasn't until 2022 that I introduced my signature silk scarves into my repertoire, enriching my portfolio with a captivating fusion of art and fashion.”

GOH Full scarf

Uniquely Irish

“My hand-drawn illustrations are the culmination of years of dedicated training and a deep-rooted connection to the rich tapestry of Irish memories, myths, and legends. In a world increasingly dominated by digital advancements, my collections serve as a nostalgic retreat to a simpler era. Bursting with vibrant flora and fauna, woven with threads of ancient folklore, my creations are an homage to the timeless beauty found within the enchanting landscapes of Ireland.”

Challenges & Opportunities

Like many businesses Georgina found capital and fundraising to be a challenge.

“They were pivotal in launching my venture. Establishing my own website proved to be a significant endeavour, one that required careful consideration and investment. Opting to work with Shopify was a strategic decision, as I recognised it as the optimal platform for launching my business.”

Understanding Your Customer

“Over the years, I've gained a deeper understanding of my customers and the factors that influence their purchasing decisions. It's become evident that the element of uniqueness and compelling storytelling holds significant sway over them. This realisation has led me to explore innovative avenues for reaching out to new customers.

One notable endeavour was my collaboration with Temple Street Children's Hospital, which highlighted our commitment to social responsibility and helped us connect with a wider audience. By aligning our brand with meaningful partnerships, we’ve extended our reach and resonated with a broader demographic. Moving forward, I aim to push the boundaries of marketing, continuously seeking new ways to engage with our audience and drive sustained business growth.”

Stand Out Moment

“Recently, something amusing occurred involving my brother, Ferghal O'Hanlon, who serves as the COO of Barclays in Europe. During a meeting with a lawyer at the office, he couldn't help but notice that she was sporting a strikingly familiar scarf. Curious, he inquired about its origin, to which she casually replied, "Oh, it's by an Irish designer whom I adore, Georgjna O'Hanlon." She then remarked, "That's a great name," unwittingly alluding to him. With a grin, he revealed, "That's my sister!" From this chance encounter, I knew I was successfully reaching my target market.”

LEO Supports

“My first interaction with Dublin City Local Enterprise Office (LEO) was after completing a business course with The Irish Times in 2018. Encouraged by my tutor, I booked a one-hour session to help start my self-employment journey. From 2020-2022, I engaged with mentors through LEO's mentorship programme and took the five-week "Start Your Own Business" course.”

  • Business Advice Clinic
  • Mentoring
  • Start Your Own Business Course
  • Free Library Talks
  • Networking Events
  • Showcase Ireland

“During the SYOB, I received invaluable advice to consider Showcase Ireland. I heavily relied on the training provided by LEO for my inaugural showcase experience. Despite the steep learning curve, I found the process thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding.”

Showcase Ireland

“As my first Trade Show, Showcase was undeniably a significant learning experience for me, as it marked my debut in this arena. I cannot overstate the value of such an opportunity for gaining feedback and gauging market response. While committing to a trade show is indeed a substantial decision, I found immense support by partnering with LEO, particularly benefiting from the highly subsidized stand they provided.

The training offered by LEO was invaluable, equipping me with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful showcase. Thanks to their guidance, I felt well-prepared and confident throughout the event. To my delight, one of my products was even selected for the EDIT, offering invaluable exposure and opening doors to securing my first wholesale orders. This achievement serves as a testament to the effectiveness of leveraging resources and expertise provided by organisations like LEO in propelling entrepreneurial ventures forward.”

Plans for the Future

“I am currently working behind the scenes on exciting new products, many more collaborations and aim to achieve more stockists, Irish and internationally.”

Advice for Budding Entrepreneurs

“Reflecting on my journey, I’ve learned valuable insights from unexpected sources. Engaging with other business owners has opened my eyes to new perspectives and opportunities. While self-doubt initially held me back, I’ve realised the importance of taking calculated risks and keeping costs manageable. I believe in gradual growth and starting small, allowing businesses to evolve organically. Although financial gain isn’t my primary motivation, it’s vital for sustaining a business, especially in the early stages where costs often arise unexpectedly. I was inspired by Chupi’s story of overcoming scepticism, which reinforced my commitment to my craft. Despite challenges, I remain focused on serving my customers and celebrating the beauty of nature through my work. In essence, I urge fellow entrepreneurs to remain steadfast in their convictions, buoyed by the unwavering faith that propels us forward on this remarkable journey!”

GOH Scares & ChairGOH Blue Scarf

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Email: Hello@GeorginaOHanlonIllustration.com