Wexford clothing brand catering for kids with sensory issues into National Enterprise Awards finals

As their names were read aloud as the winners chosen by Wexford Local Enterprise Office (LEO) to represent the county in the National Enterprise Awards, for Nina Shelton and Gillian Duggan-White it was just the latest acknowledgement of the hard work and passion that they put into their company Sully and Juno.

Best friends since childhood, the pair saw another significant acknowledgment of their work back in December, having taken home at bursary worth €15,000 on The Late Late Show’s “Taking Care of Business” show.

The idea behind their company was born from necessity. Both parents of amazing autistic children, during lockdown Gillian in particular found it incredibly difficult to source clothing that met her sons’ unique requirements. 

Seams, tags, textures and fabric weights can be a major problem for kids with sensory issues.

What resulted was a unique and colourful clothing brand of their own design which is completely accessible and inclusive to those with sensory needs. As Gillian and Nina note on their website, in September of 2021, they dropped their kids off to school and got to work on their idea. Three months later, they packed their 1,500th order.

It's certainly an idea which has captured the imagination and the clothes have been a hit with parents of children of all kinds.

Following an application and shortlisting process, six businesses were chosen to compete for the opportunity to represent Wexford at the national awards ceremony. Covering all sectors, Sully and Juno was joined by MachineLab Ltd, Profitsflow, Yola Sourdough Bakery, New Era Spirits and The Tasty Parlour Gluten Free Bakery.

Judges Blaise Brosnan of the Management Resource Institute and Rosemary Ward of South East Business & Innovation Centre eventually plumped for Sully and Juno as the winners, earning them the trophy designed by Wexford based artist Bianca Da Vito, along with a voucher for €500 of training and mentoring from Wexford LEO and a €1,500 cash prize. They will also represent their home county at the national finals in Dublin’s Mansion House in June.

Joint runners-up were Profitsflow and MachineLabs Ltd, each of whom also received a trophy, a framed certificate and a voucher from Wexford Local Enterprise Office for mentoring and training to the value of €200.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council George Lawlor presented the awards and noted the commitment and sacrifice that starting, running and staying in business means.