IN 2016, Chiara and Barry, who have two daughters aged 22 and 15, took their workwear firm global.
A year later, with the support of their Local Enterprise Office, they opened a design studio and factory, increasing their staff from three to 20 and turnover by over 500 per cent.
Chiara said: “We became friends at 13 and got together at 17. I was attracted to Barry because he was very confident for his age and a bit wild!
“I was lecturing in UCD at age 23, which gave me a lot of time off during summer, Christmas and the Easter holidays. So in order to spend time with Barry I helped him with his uniform business and we realised that we worked very well together.
“We really support each other in difficult times and all the responsibility doesn’t fall on one person.
“One example was very recently we had to make some very big decisions because of Covid-19. As we supply uniforms to the hospitality, corporate and Government sectors, we have now found ourselves with less demand for our products.
“We decided to produce antibacterial reusable face masks and to concentrate on Personal Protection Equipment in response to Government and HSE appeals.
“It’s been great to have someone whose agenda aligns completely to get difficult decisions over the line quickly.
“It can be hard, though, because work doesn’t stop. It carries on at home every evening and through the weekend and holidays. We are always thinking of new ideas and strategies.
“I also run another business and have my home and children to look after, so I’ve sometimes thought about letting something go, but I am too committed to both businesses and my family!
“My advice would be to get into business with your partner if you genuinely like spending enormous amounts of time together.
“Make agreements from the start about very clearly defined roles, because these can sometimes blur and cause problems. And use the available supports out there to making starting out easier.”
Source: The Sun