Former journalist Jamie Monagan weaving her way to business success

When she moved to Cork from the USA 14 years ago, former journalist Jamie Monagan brought her favourite ‘blankie’ with her — now, thanks to a special programme for wannabe female entrepreneurs, she’s about to launch a business making designer throws.

Custom-made throws are hugely popular in the States, says Monagan, who came up with the idea a year ago when she realised that she never saw custom-made cotton throws on sale in Ireland: “I had this light-bulb moment — why do these products not exist in Ireland?” she said.

Images, text and logos can all be woven into the throws. “You can weave Shandon Steeple, City Hall or Patrick Street into a blanket for example,” explains Monagan.

She previously worked as a freelance feature and arts writer and has just graduated from Cork Institute of Technology’s intensive PINC programme, a course which is specifically aimed at nurturing female entrepreneurs.

“The throws are commissioned as corporate gifts, fundraising tools and retail products,” she said, adding that they’re woven on computer-driven Jacquard looms using advanced textile technology.

The 55-year-old will launch her new company later this summer offering a special ‘Wild Atlantic Coastline’ blanket depicting the coast from Cork to Donegal.

She’s already had a good start — her company, Irish Custom Throws by Loominations (www.loominations.ie), scooped the best business opportunity award during the programme which took place in CIT’s Rubicon Centre.

Ms Monagan, who now lives in the city’s Military Hill area, was one of 12 female entrepreneurs who unveiled their new business ventures on completion of the eight-week intensive programme.

It was specifically targeted at developing successful female entrepreneurs. Women account for just 34% of entrepreneurial activity across the EU although this percentage is considerably lower in Ireland.

To date over 90 female entrepreneurs from a broad range of sectors have completed the programme with more than 70 new jobs created since the programme began in 2011.

Other PINC programme winners included Mags Noonan (best presentation) whose business Liveeka is a medicinal cream used in the treatment of joint and muscle pain and Michelle Ryan of Michelle Ryan Health (best stand), a nutritional gluten-free therapist who produces activated nuts for better health for all ages.