Navigating New York with Don O'Neill

On this weeks Episode I talk to my dear friend Don O’Neill. Don, who is originally from Ballyheigue in County Kerry has been living in New York for 28 years. Don is one of Irelands most successful and beloved Fashion Designers and has dressed some of the worlds biggest Celebrities including, Orprah Winfrey, Meghan Markle, Taylor Swift, Khloe Kardashian and Carrie Underwood, to name a few.

Don originally trained as a Chef but soon after graduation he followed his true passion in fashion and design, after winning a full tuition scholarship to the Barbara Bourke College of Fashion in Dublin. Don worked in London and then Paris where he met his husband Pascal before finally settling in New York 28 years ago.

Don not only creates exquisite bridal gowns and couture collections that allow the women wearing them to feel like goddesses and light up a room, but he also inspires anyone he meets to spread love and light and kindness, just as he does,

Like  so many industries Covid has radically changed the Fashion Industry, and the label Don created many years ago “THEIA” “meaning "Goddess of Light” in Greek Mythology, decided to go in a different direction, completely reshaping its design team and management...  leaving Don at a challenging point in his life and career.

In this conversation we talk about how our identities are often tied to our work and the struggle of breaking away from that mindset. We also chat about Dons upcoming book, his journey in fashion, his sexuality and spirituality, losing his mum and his love for Ireland. 

I can’t thank Don enough for being so open with me for this episode, and just a heads up, it gets a little bit emotional at times but I think you will be touched and inspired by what a talented and unique person Don is. I hope that no matter what challenges you may be facing that you can be inspired by Dons faith, honesty and vulnerability as we talk about how he is currently navigating an uncertain part of his own journey in New York.

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