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 the spotlight is on fashion designer Stevie Blake, who has built a career defined by resilience, creativity, and an unshakable belief in following his own path.
A Portlaoise native, his early working days were spent building theatre sets and props, before chasing opportunities that took him to the edge of Savile Row.
Instead of following the traditional route, he struck out on his own – broke, but determined to create something original.
That determination paid off: today, as founder of bespoke tailoring studio Monto & Perri, Stevie is known for his bold, precise designs and his ability to bring individuality to every client.
His work reached new heights when actress Siobhán McSweeney, the award-winning Irish actress best known for her iconic role as Sister Michael in the hit series Derry Girls and for her acclaimed stage and screen performances, wore one of his creations to the BAFTA TV Awards, cementing his reputation as a designer to watch.
McSweeney, who is now starring in The Traitors, describes him as “extraordinary” and “actual genius”.
In this week’s careers interview, Stevie reflects on the turning points that shaped his journey, the challenges of forging a creative career, and why sometimes the best advice is to chase the dream, not the cash.
1 – What was your very first job, and what did it teach you?
I’ve always meandered the line of the creative world, and whilst it took years for me to find my direction I guess my first job would have been building theatre sets and prop production.
This began as a means of living but I soon figured that I loved working with my hands and being in the thick of it.
2 – Did you always know you wanted to work in this field, or did your career path evolve over time?
I can’t exactly say that I knew I’d end up here, but clothes and design have always been deeply rooted in me. I guess whilst I didn’t know, it was really just a matter of time.
3 – Was there a turning point or moment that shaped your career most significantly?
On finishing college I had planned to move to London and work on Savile Row, and in the weeks leading up to it I realised I was chasing what I wanted in the wrong places.
Whilst London would have been a fantastic starting point I still felt I was ahead of where it was leading me.
I wanted to make a name for myself so I could showcase my own work and I realised that working for somebody else, this wasn’t going to happen.
I decided to move out to the middle of nowhere for a couple of months and try focus on setting something up for myself.
When I moved back to Dublin I was broke and didn’t have anywhere to live, but I knew what I wanted and I was set, as I still am, on making that happen.
4 – What’s one challenge you faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
Financing things is certainly my biggest and most consistent hurdle.
I had planned to open the studio with a friend and business partner, however in the weeks leading up to its open the strain of the pressure became a problem and we were went our separate ways.
Living month to month is still a reality but we’re edging ever so slightly away from that as time goes on. Whilst it’s a constant struggle, it’s the process you pay for total creative control and freedom.
5 – How important were education and qualifications in getting to where you are today?
I always believed in myself and my ability, so I cared very little about obtaining 3rd level qualifications.
Had I paid a little more attention to what was coming up ahead I’d have stuck with it for sure as finding creative work without qualifications is so much harder; and what you learn in college truly will stand to you in especially in regards to software based design programmes.
I don’t believe it’s entirely necessary for everyone, but there’s a reason they’re there – you’ll learn more.
6 – What does a typical day look like in your role—or is there no such thing?
Typical days don’t really exist, but I try to keep some structure to my week so I break days into, alteration days, bespoke days and design days.
Trying to bounce between these three in the same day just doesn’t work for me and it allows me to work in my own time.
7 – Who inspired or mentored you along the way, and what did you learn from them?
Honestly? Nobody really stands out – I did this for myself and nobody else. The support of friends and loved ones has always been greatly appreciated but really I’m building things just for me.
In regards to design inspiration, I’ll find that anywhere but really I look to what interests me most and that comes down to; period tailoring, furniture and architecture.
If ever I’m in need of inspiration I try to imagine myself or the person I’m designing for in any of these worlds.
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?
I was 27 when I figured out where I wanted to go. I had a multitude of different career paths before finally finding what truly made me happy, and that’s it; chase the dream not the cash. The cash will always come.
9 – If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?
I don’t think I would – I’ve always been stubborn and sure of what I wanted to do; I needed to make the good decisions and poor mistakes I made to end up where I am now.
I would however say that college isn’t for everyone at the age of 18, get some life experience and come back when you have your head on your shoulders.
10 – What’s next for you – any goals, projects, or new challenges on the horizon?
I try to set myself new goals and challenges every single week. I think my main goal is to hone in on what I’ve made so far and work on perfecting that before taking the next step.
The last thing anyone wants is to end up with a bunch of unfinished projects and nothing to show.
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.
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