Young NI entrepreneur who turned University project into unique business idea

It began as a project for her University degree but now Gabrielle Feenan has launched her own business which has a unique selling point- it leaves little trace on the environment.

The Banbridge woman set out in her final year at Ulster University to find a sustainable alternative to modern MDF furniture and with that, Korkki was born.

Gabrielle’s unique furniture pieces are all made from cork and glass and are much more environmentally friendly than much of the furniture produced worldwide.

Read more: NI footballer using her studies to help dream of turning professional

Following her studies at Sacred Heart Grammar, Newry she pursued a degree in Product Design at Ulster University, Belfast, where she graduated in 2021 with First Class Honours.

Explaining her business, Gabrielle told Belfast Live: ” I have always had an interest in design and problem solving for as long as I can remember, and knew I wanted to pursue a path in creating something that has the potential to make a change.

“Korkki was developed over my final year at University with invaluable help and guidance from my tutors as well as the UUSU Enterprise team.

“Furniture waste is an ever-growing issue that doesn’t receive a lot of exposure or attention and is not a problem we as consumers tend to consider. The issue not only being the abundance of furniture that we throw away annually but also the modern manufacture and material choices associated with the pieces we buy. In the UK over 22 million pieces of furniture go to landfill annually, a number that only continues to grow.

“All of our pieces are made from cork and glass and take inspiration from local culture, with cork being an incredibly sustainable material alternative to MDF. Cork is biodegradable, recyclable, decay-resistant and anti-carcinogenic to name but a few properties, this allows us to create a solution for the future that makes a big impact, but leaves little trace.”

Although passionate about the enivronment, and wanting to make a change in the world, Gabrielle didn’t plan on turning it into a business.

She said: “In terms of starting the business I hadn’t directly planned for this to happen, but I knew myself the standard 9-5 wasn’t right for me, I personally love the diversity of start-ups and entrepreneurship.

“It’s a job that allows me to be creative and innovative, which has always been a must for me when it comes to working.

“Korkki really began after having entered Catalyst’s Student INVENT competition last year, I had applied not sure what would come of it but I’m always keen to enter competitions and decided to give it a go. At the awards show in September Korkki was named the student winner of the evening and the support, funding and exposure from INVENT is what spurred me on to start the business.

“Until INVENT I didn’t think many people would be interested in my products, but I have gained incredible support and guidance since then, and have been able to take full advantage of some incredible opportunities for both the business and myself.”

Since its inception, Gabrielle’s business has gone from strength to strength and she has won several accolades herself.

“Korkki has seen some great successes over the last few months, I won the Institute of Directors, Pitch Perfect competition which was held at this year’s Women’s Leadership Conference. I was awarded a £4,000 bursary for the business which has been a great boost, not to mention having the privilege of sharing the platform with some incredible female leaders.

“I was also very honoured to be named amongst the Belfast Telegraph’s 30 Under 30 Northern Ireland Entrepreneurs this year, such a great accolade to have received so early on in my business journey.

“Most recently I took part in Young Enterprise’s Connect USA programme which saw me pitch Korkki to some incredible business people across Boston and New York. This trip not only introduced me to a fantastic group of entrepreneurs, but also allowed me to engage with an international market, and hear from some truly inspirational people who have tread the entrepreneurial path before myself.”

The 22-year-old is very passionate about her work and wants to make sustainable products available for all, she feels we can all do our bit to help the enivronment.

“Sustainability is definitely a very current topic and something at the forefront of our minds these days, but I find furniture is often forgotten about within this space.

“Our mission is to make sustainable furniture as accessible as possible, to allow everyone the opportunity to make better choices. I think it’s fair to say sustainability as we know it is a luxury for most, with environmentally friendly products costing more than the standard, we would like to change that and to offer a wide range of pieces that cover most styles and budgets.

“I also think everyone has a level of social responsibility to better our planet, and we want to make it easy to do so, as well as help to educate along the way. Korkki has allowed me to create a product that is working for the greater good, which is a legacy I would like to leave behind. “

For any other young people out there interested in pursuing their own business dreams whatever they are, Gabrielle had this to say.

“Take full advantage of all the opportunities at hand, there are so many for the taking and I’ve found the ‘start-up world’ in Northern Ireland especially is more than willing to help you along your journey.

“There are so many programmes and enterprise spaces that will make all the difference for you and your business idea, being in the right mindset and environment is so important.

“For example, when I moved Korkki to Ormeau Baths it was an absolute gamechanger, both in terms of the facilities and the people who call it home. The best way to look at it is what is the worst that can happen? The office jobs will still be there if you decide entrepreneurship isn’t for you, but it’s certainly a very rewarding path and worth a shot.”

You can find more about Gabrielle’s business here.

Read more: Young NI entrepreneur breaking down barriers for children with autism

Read more: Christine Lampard on her career success and importance of coming back to NI

For the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.