In this careers series, Martina Mulhall, Gold Star Careers, speaks with high-profile figures across a range of industries to explore the stories behind their success.
From early career choices to pivotal moments, challenges overcome, and advice for the next generation, every interview offers a personal insight into the many different paths a career can take.
This week we shine the spotlight on Portlaoise-born fashion designer Heidi Higgins, whose career is a masterclass in creative entrepreneurship, adaptability, and staying true to your vision.
From launching her own label in 2009 to opening a flagship boutique at just 24 years old, Heidi’s boldness and business savvy quickly saw her collections stocked in Brown Thomas, Arnotts and boutiques at home and abroad.
Known for her timeless silhouettes, clean tailoring and elegant use of colour, her designs reflect a confident, feminine style that continues to evolve.
Heidi’s journey in fashion began with a QQI Level 5 PLC portfolio preparation course at Abbeyleix FET Centre, which helped her to secure a place at the National College of Art and Design.
Now, nearly two decades later, she has come full circle, teaching a QQI Level 5 fashion design course at Portarlington FET Centre, passing on her knowledge and passion to the next generation of Irish designers.
From learning the business of fashion on the go to embracing a slower, more sustainable production model from her home studio in rural Tipperary, Heidi continues to evolve her brand on her own terms.
Alongside designing, she runs sewing retreats, mentors students, and serves as secretary of the Council of Irish Fashion Designers.
In this inspiring interview, Heidi shares the pivotal moments, mentors, and lessons that shaped her journey, and the advice she’d give her younger self and others about trusting your instincts, making space for creativity, and staying resilient through change.
1 – What was your very first job, and what did it teach you?
I worked in retail after my junior cert during my Summer holidays.
It taught me about the importance of earning my own money and being independent.
2 – Did you always know you wanted to work in this field, or did your career path evolve over time?
I always wanted to work in fashion. Every job or project I have been involved in revolves around designing or the business of fashion.
3. Was there a turning point or moment that shaped your career most significantly?
Opening my flagship store at the age of 24 was a big moment in my career. My own space to showcase my designs and meet my customers.
4 – What’s one challenge you faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
Learning to run a business while maintaining a creative vision for the brand.
In Art college, we aren’t taught how to price a collection or how to make a business plan, so I learnt everything along the way.
There were plenty of mistakes made over the years and each one taught me what I know now.
5 – How important were education and qualifications in getting to where you are today?
They were very important, but my degree was in fashion and although I didn’t have a business degree, entrepreneurship is all about grit and adaptability.
If you want to be successful in your career you need to be prepared to work hard and be persistent even when things don’t go your way.
I am constantly up-skilling in areas of the business that are new to me.
6 – What does a typical day look like in your role—or is there no such thing?
There is no typical day! I am almost finished my graduate diploma in Adult and Further Education at Mary Immaculate, which I have really enjoyed.
I spend my week teaching the fashion design course in LOETB in Portarlington, working on my own fashion collection.
I am secretary of the Council of Irish Fashion Designers, and I am often found judging best dressed at the races! I enjoy the variety that my career offers and that’s why I still love to go to work each day!
7 – Who inspired or mentored you along the way, and what did you learn from them?
I have been very fortunate to have a few mentors in my career to date, and they mostly taught me to have confidence in my ability and to stay focused (not to get distracted by what everyone else was doing).
I still check in with them for advice on new projects or business opportunities.
8 – What advice would you give to Leaving Cert students who aren’t sure what they want to do yet? Or to adults seeking a career change?
Give yourself a chance to find a career you are interested in.
I did a PLC course after my leaving cert in LOETB in Abbeyleix to work on my portfolio to get into art college and it was a brilliant year that set me up for my first year in college.
Try some short courses in something you have a passion for, even if it’s only a hobby course, attend networking events or career days in school to meet professionals in different fields, or maybe do some work experience to see if the job you think you might like is what you would expect.
The same applies to adults seeking a career change. I have gone back to college almost 20 years after I started my first degree – it’s never too late!
9 – If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?
If I could speak to my younger self, I’d say: trust your vision, even when others don’t see it yet.
You’ll face doubts—your own and others’—but stay true to your creative instincts. Learning the business side early is so important; talent alone isn’t enough.
Start small, make mistakes, and learn from them—they’ll teach you more than success ever could. Build relationships, not just a brand.
Get to know your customers and keep focused on your design aesthetic. Don’t get distracted by the noise around you! Join network groups of like-minded people and find a good mentor who understands your business and believes in you.
And most importantly, be patient. Growth takes time. The late nights, designs that never worked out, and tight budgets will all be worth it. Believe in yourself and be adaptable to change!
10 – What’s next for you—any goals, projects, or new challenges on the horizon?
I am looking forward to teaching my QQI level 5 fashion course in LOETB, Portarlington.
There has been fantastic interest in the course, so I have lots of fashion students joining me in September.
I am also doing a teen fashion camp in the Presentation Secondary school in Thurles this Summer.
I have also launched my weekend adult sewing workshops in Old School House Living in Tipperary, which will take place once a month between now and December. All the dates are on my website www.heidihiggins.com
Martina Mulhall, Gold Star Careers offers one-to-one or small group career advice, in-person or online, to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Follow on Instagram for updates and reminders about all things careers, or head over to the website to book a personalised guidance session.
SEE ALSO – Check out all of the other Martina Mulhall pieces here
