A YOUNG Donegal designer breaking the mould in the fashion world has ended her year on a high as she is recognised once again for her inspirational work. Katie McGloin, 16, started her own gender-neutral fashion line this time last year and has watched it go from strength to strength in a matter of months. The Bundoran teenager was  recently named as a finalist in the Young Entrepreneur of the Year category in the Irish SME awards, which recognises and celebrates Ireland’s SME business sector. 

 

She was also named in The Daily Edge’s ‘50 women who absolutely killed it in 2017’ list last week. The list is compiled of Ireland’s finest athletes, activists, artists, entrepreneurs, actors, writers, chefs, musicians, broadcasters and meteorologists. The online publication said the thing they all have in common is, ‘they are all absolutely dominating their respective fields.’ Featuring along side Hollywood actress, Saoirse Ronan as well as boxer Katie Taylor, Donegal designer, Katie McGloin came in at number 27 on the list. 

 

Described as an ‘inspirational teenager’, The Daily Edge wrote, “Earlier this year, Donegal teenager, Katie McGloin was named Forogie Youth Entrepreneur of the Year for her clothing line K.T. Clothing Co, which specialises in making gender neutral clothing. The company’s motto? ‘Achieve Goals without gender roles.’ Ace!” 

 

Speaking to the Donegal News, the teenage entrepreneur said: “2017 has been an unimaginable year for me. This time last year I was trying to sell products on a local level in Bundoran and now I’m shipping all over the country. People are more aware of the brand now and it’s surreal. I have had people come up to me and say, ‘Oh, I’ve seen you on RTE’ and ‘This idea will help so many.’

 

“I think that’s my favourite thing, the social responsibility I now have. Entrepreneurs can be painted as money hungry vultures and I think it’s time we change that perspective and look at the amazing creative things being done across the world by them.” 

 

The 16-year-old was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the national youth development organisation, Foroige earlier this year. She was chosen from more than 320 entrants for the award. She was also awarded ‘Start up of the Year’ at U Magazine’s 30 Under 30 awards in July of this year for her unique and individual designs. 

 

“This has been a crazy year from start to finish. From the NFTE award to the 30 under 30’s to the Daily Edge’s list. Being recognised like this is amazing,” she continued. 

 

“In 2018, I want to continue to steadily build my product selection so that there is something for everyone. I also want to get more shops stocking K.T Clothing. 

“I think that gender neutral clothing is such a fundamental idea, we should be able to wear what we want without being judged.”