Don’t Be afraid of Failure!

I used to sing and perform from an early age, using the fireplace at home in the sitting room of our house in Donegal as my stage. My Mum used to sew and make clothes for myself, my two sisters and my 4 brothers (yes there were quite a few mouths to feed in our house!)

My Dad was a hard grafter, working by day as a builder and at night playing music. Our house was a very happy one and very creative and that’s what sparked my interest in both music and fashion.

I wanted to be a singer and I wanted to stand out, so finding my own style was something I worked hard on. 

I completed a one year foundation course in art but got the chance to play in a showband that Summer. I left my home in Donegal, Ireland for the City of Limerick which was where the band was based. 

My path to stardom had commenced! For two years we travelled all over Ireland performing the Top 20 chart music in dancehalls and clubs – the dream of being a stage star soon faded away as the late nights, long journeys, miles of roads took its toll. Life on the road was not what I expected. I learned it was not the glamorous life I had envisioned for myself. I loved singing, but I didn’t love the travelling musician lifestyle. So I changed tack and followed my dream number 2.

I had a rethink, applied to Limerick College Fashion Degree course and after one failed attempt. Took a year to work on my portfolio and finally got accepted and started on my career path in fashion design.

You see, failing to get into the course on the first attempt didn’t put me off, in fact, it made me more determined! When I managed to get accepted on the course I was so determined to succeed.

I was lucky to find two career paths that I loved equally. It was a hard graft, signing at night to support my studies and design work in the day, and often after a gig!

When anyone asks me for career advice I tell them to find something you Love to do, not something you’re expected to do.

Too many people take careers and go into jobs that they hate. It’s a waste of your time and energy!

If you would like to find out more about a career in Fashion and starting a brand of you own look at my “Your Brand is Born” Bootcamp and apply to join the waitlist.

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If you Prefer 1:1 consultation get in touch to arrange a FREE 30 minute exploatory call with me.

PAULA.CANNON@PENTOPEG.COM