Laois entrepreneur pitches luxury clothing line to investors

A young Portlaoise entrepreneur has pitched her company to a host of potential investors at the inaugural Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers Showcase 2023 this week at South East Technological University’s (SETU) campus in Carlow.

Hollianne Phelan is the founder of Cotone Collection, a wellness and lifestyle brand focused on creating high-comfort, high-quality sleepwear from natural fabrics. Hollianne joined nine other entrepreneurs taking part on the New Frontiers programme who showcased their innovative businesses to investors. The event was also attended by sponsors META, UNUM, Netwatch, and Carlow Local Enterprise Office. 

New Frontiers offers a second-to-none support for start-ups in bringing their business ideas to fruition. Developing an idea from concept to a viable reality is an immense project and so the programme offers mentorship, financial support, and navigational guidance for what can seem like unchartered waters for new entrepreneurs.

“The New Frontiers programme has helped me immensely in terms of developing strategic plans that align with the company’s ambitious business goals, setting out the future strategic direction of the company, and planning for future growth. The programme helped me to step back and look at the business from the outside, to work on its growth and not just the day-to-day operations of a start-up. The support of programme coordinators, business advisors, and mentors, and the structure of the programme deadlines, helped me to focus on crucial aspects of the company that otherwise may have been put on the long finger”, said Hollianne.

She continued, “New Frontiers brought me clarity on the growth trajectory of my business, next steps, the supports available and a network of extremely experienced professionals who have become my support network along this journey. I would highly recommend the programme to anyone who is keen to develop a business concept, launch a start-up, or aims to grow their business.”

The vision of Cotone Collection is to provide a sustainable and ethical alternative in the luxury sleepwear space that delivers on performance, fit, quality, sizing, and style. The entire collection is made from 100% European cotton at a family-run factory in Portugal. Each piece is handmade with care by seamstresses, providing a fit that enhances both comfort and style.  

Speaking about the business' trajectory so far, Hollianne commented, “Having just reached our one-year trading, Cotone Collection is available to shop online, and we are now stocked at Brown Thomas, both online and in store. Our goal for the next year is to replicate the success we have had in the Irish market on a global scale, securing premium stockists overseas, further developing our own supply chain, international marketing, and sales strategies, and expanding our product lines and collections”.