Tell us a little bit about yourself and your current role.
My name is Mary O’Sullivan, and I’m a fashion and textile designer based in Limerick, working under my own label, Mary O’Sullivan. My work focuses on storytelling through textiles— blending illustration, heritage, and contemporary fashion to create meaningful, sustainable pieces. I specialise in modern Toile de Jouy-style prints and often draw inspiration from Irish landmarks, local history, and personal stories.
Up until recently, I was balancing running my design business with my role as assistant manager at The Attic Bridalwear Boutique, where I collaborated closely with brides and designers to bring custom wedding gowns to life. I also host embroidery and textile workshops, aiming to build community around creativity, slow fashion, and craft.
My career is deeply rooted in values of connection, sustainability and self-expression—and I’m proud to be building something meaningful both for myself and for others who value mindful design.
What path led you to where you are today?
I honestly didn’t think I would end up in fashion. Like most young kids, I briefly wanted to be a vet however quickly realised what was involved and knew it wasn’t for me. I was always very expressive and creative as a child, and my parents got me into speech and drama which was my first real introduction to the creative industries. As part of the Leaving Cert cycle, I did a brief stint working at Bullman’s Tattoo Studio in Limerick City, where my love of drawing and functional art became firmly cemented. I was convinced that I would do a tattoo apprenticeship after school, but my family and friends convinced me to go to college. I compromised and applied to LSAD, which forever changed my life.
In my first year of college, you’re encouraged to try as many disciplines as possible and my heart fell in love with a mixture of fine art and design through graphic design, sculpture and fashion. I also found out that I was pregnant with my beautiful daughter. When I did the fashion module despite the exhaustion of pregnancy, a wave of creativity and flow took over me that was undeniable, but sculpture still called out to me. I picked Fashion Knitwear and Textiles, as for me it was the perfect blend of fine art creativity and design meeting function and allowed me to balance college work and personal life.
What do you love most about the work that you do?
Truth be told, it’s seeing how people react to the work. When people see the Limerick Toile de Jouy print out and about, they do a double take when they really see the landmarks and joy comes out. People laugh and share stories and memories connected to the locations and they love the silhoutte and cut of the designs. It’s being able to bring people and community together. That’s the real heart of what I do, and I’m forever grateful to facilitate it through the work. I’m still a mix of shock and delight that the print resonates so deeply with people—that they want to take a piece of it home with them, whether through clothing or fine art prints. It’s incredibly fulfilling for me, and it reminds me why I do what I do.
When you’re not working, where would we find you?
For the past few years, I’ve been constantly grafting—juggling my own creative practice alongside my job. Now that I’m stepping into my business full time and have my weekends back (when I’m not hosting embroidery workshops at Angel Times or doing markets), you’ll find me in the back garden at home. I’ll have a good book in one hand with a cup of tea in the other, and my daughter beside me, reading her own book. It’s a quiet little ritual we share—and one I really treasure.
Looking back, how did your time at LSAD influence you?
My time at LSAD completely changed the trajectory of my life. It might sound cliché, but that one decision to go there genuinely changed everything for me. I found out I was pregnant with my daughter during first year, at a really vulnerable and uncertain time. But within LSAD, I met people—both staff and fellow students—who made me feel supported, protected, and encouraged.
The friends I made there are still in my life, and the creative lessons I learned continue to shape my work every day. More than anything, LSAD gave me confidence. I was in an environment that nourished my creativity and gave me the space to grow into myself—not just as a designer, but as a person.
What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates from your field?
Perseverance is the most important skill you can have. You don’t need to be the most talented or the smartest person in the room—what matters is staying in the room. Keep showing up, keep working, and trust that consistent effort will pay off over time.
What’s one memory from your student days that stands out to you?
Without a doubt, it has to be graduating with my daughter. Hearing my name called out and walking up hand-in-hand with her to collect my scroll was the moment I had worked so hard for over four years. As we walked, other graduates from the design department—some I knew, some I didn’t—began cheering for us. I ended up carrying her back to our seat with tears in my eyes. It was a moment where everything came together for me—hard work, motherhood, and the support of a creative community. I’ll never forget it.
How do you stay connected to the TUS community?
I’m still friends with a lot of the people who I knew in college, both in Ireland and abroad, and I’m still in touch with a number of my tutors.
What does the idea of an Alumni Community mean to you?
As someone from LSAD and a creative, I think it’s so important to stay connected to the community we built in college. After graduating, it’s easy to drift away from your creative practice —but by staying in touch with peers and friends in the creative industries, you keep that part of yourself alive too.
For many of us, creativity is deeply tied to our sense of self and mental health. So staying connected —both creatively and personally—isn’t just beneficial, it’s vital. Alumni networks that foster those friendships and creative conversations are incredibly valuable.
Finally, what’s next for you?
I’m stepping into my brand full time this summer, which is both exciting and a little surreal. Right now, I’m working on a commission for Bon Secours to illustrate Barringtons Hospital before the move to their new site in August. I’m also in the middle of a rebrand with Head of Brands, a creative studio run by fellow LSAD graduate Olwyn.
Alongside that, I’ll continue hosting embroidery workshops, and I’m preparing to launch a clothing collection featuring my Limerick Toile de Jouy print for Autumn/Winter. There’s lots happening— but people can keep up to date via my website and newsletter at www.maryosullivandesign.com, or follow along on Instagram at @maryosullivan_design.
At its core, this journey is about creating a meaningful, creative future not only for myself but also for my daughter. Building a brand that reflects my passion and values while leaving a legacy I’m proud of for her drives everything I do.