by Naomi McLaughlin
n.mclaughlin@donegalnews.com
A Donegal teenager has been shortlisted as one of the most inspirational young women the country has to offer. Katie McGloin, Bundoran, is one of thirty ladies who have been selected in the ‘30 under 30’ awards organised by U Magazine. Katie said it felt ‘inconceivable’ to be thought of as one of Ireland’s most inspirational young ladies, and said she is really excited to be heading down to the capital this evening for the award ceremony.
Katie McGloin, Bundoran
U Magazine’s 30 under 30 awards shines a light on Ireland’s future makers, in over 30 categories. Speaking to the Donegal News, Katie said she had a ‘pinch-me’ moment when she heard the news she was selected.
“I am ecstatic to be heading down to the awards! As a 16 year old from small town Bundoran, being shortlisted and formally invited was a shock and now I can’t wait. I am so glad to be part of it.”
Katie is the Managing and Creative Director and Founder of KT Clothing Co., Ireland’s first completely gender neutral clothing company, which she claims is dedicated to achieving goals without gender roles.
The categories on the night will be diverse as STEM, fashion innovation, literature, charitable contribution and beauty entrepreneur of the year. Previous nominees included Roz Purcell, Vogue Williams and Aoibhinn McGinnity, to name a few.
Models wearing KT Clothing’s slogan sweatshirts
“When I first found out, I spent a bit of time looking over my own inspirations, most notably Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone. The thing is, I know why she is my inspiration; her activism, her politics, the contributions she has made to my life and the lives of so many others, and to be recognised as inspirational or influential is inconceivable to me,” she said.
Remaining appreciative, Katie thanked her team around her, and recognised all the work they have helped with over the last year. “I think it is also very important to mention that I didn’t get here on my own and I am very humble to that fact. I have a wonderful support system that includes my wonderful mother, Judy and brother Jack, Ms Igoe, my business teacher who has helped me develop myself as an entrepreneur.
“I also have good friends, who all kindly donated their own set of talents to help me in the beginning such as doing the make up and modelling for brand photo-shoots, proofreading proposals and presentations.”
At the young age of 16, Katie talks like a mature business woman, who knows exactly where she wants to be and how to get there. She has big plans for the future, and we have no doubt that this will not be the last we hear of KT Clothing.
“I do have plans for the future and this was never just something I was doing for a competition or to pass the time for transition year. I am serious about making this business work and successful. I am looking into different collections like adding to casual collection, introducing a formal or active-wear collection.
“I am definitely preparing for the next round of the NFTE competition where I will be representing Ireland at the European Finals in Sofia, Bulgaria this November,” she concluded.
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