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Tuesday November 4, 2025
Career Development at Tailored Image – Geraldine Hagan
Tell me a bit about your background – what did you study and how did you come across Tailored Image?
After completing my Leaving Cert, I went on to study Nursing at the University of Galway. When I later moved up here, I would have needed to register with the NMC before being able to practise, so in the meantime, I took a job in accounts — something completely new to me at the time! I quickly realised how much I enjoyed the work and decided to pursue it as a long-term career. After gaining a year’s experience, I began the ATI course to earn my Accounting Technician qualification, and once that was completed, I started my CIMA studies, which I’m proud to say are now fully finished.
As I’m not originally from this area, I hadn’t heard of Tailored Image before seeing the job advertisement online — but I’m very glad I came across it!
How long have you worked for the company?
I joined Tailored Image in February 2023, so I’m coming up on three years with the company.
What appealed to you specifically about Tailored Image when you applied to work here?
What first drew me to Tailored Image was discovering that it all began with Celia. It’s inspiring to see how she, together with Bernard, Brendan, and Peter, has grown the company over the years. I really value being part of an organisation that champions collaboration and highlights the success and leadership of women in business. The journey from a single idea 26 years ago to where Tailored Image is today is genuinely inspiring.
How has the company changed since you started working here?
The biggest change has definitely been our move! When I first started, we were based in The Linen Green, and since then we’ve moved into our beautiful new Granville office and opened an additional warehouse facility in Tobermesson. It’s great to see the company continue to grow and expand!

Are there any ways in which it hasn’t changed?
Yes, absolutely — the sense of teamwork and support has stayed exactly the same. The accounts team has remained very consistent, with the only major addition being Brian, our Financial Controller, who joined shortly after I did. It really says a lot about a company when you’re still working alongside the same people years later.
What was your first role and how have you progressed?
I initially joined as an Accounts Assistant, mainly working in Accounts Receivable, which involved a lot of collaboration with other departments. This helped me gain a solid understanding of the wider business and identify ways processes could be improved. As I progressed through my ATI exams, I began taking on more reporting and analytical work, which I really enjoyed. After completing my first CIMA case study, I was promoted to Trainee Management Accountant & Analyst, assisting with management accounts and both internal and external reporting. I’ve since completed all my CIMA exams and am now just waiting for my experience to be signed off to achieve my full designation.
Have you received support in achieving professional qualifications during your time at TI?
Definitely. I’ve been very lucky to have had two incredibly supportive Financial Controllers during my time here. Brian, in particular, encouraged me to pursue CIMA after I finished ATI, and I’m so glad he did! He was always checking in during my studies, helping me set goals, and ensuring I was gaining experience across different areas. Having previously worked in Australia, Brian brought a lot of new ideas, tools, and reporting techniques that really helped me both in my role and with my exams.
The open-door policy here has also been invaluable — I’ve always felt comfortable asking questions and getting guidance. And I can’t forget Ryan, our IT Support Engineer, who made sure everything was set up and working perfectly for my online exams (even through all the technical hiccups!). The support here really does make a difference.
How have the team at Tailored Image helped you to progress in your career?
The support from everyone here has been incredible. The directors — Celia, Bernard, Brendan, and Peter — have always encouraged me and provided opportunities for growth. They really invest in their people and want to see them succeed.
Brian has been a fantastic mentor, continuously guiding me through my exams and professional development. Martina, our Accounts Manager, has also been a huge motivator — she’s always pushed me to keep progressing and was just as thrilled as I was when I passed my final exam! She has such a wealth of knowledge about the company and is always someone I can turn to for advice.
I also really appreciated when David, our IT Manager, took time to teach me the basics of SQL — something I’d always wanted to learn. It’s been a great skill to add and has helped me so much with reporting.
Tailored Image is a value driven organisation, do you recognise those values and experience them in your own role?
Absolutely. The company’s values — Commit, Care, Own, and Respect — are genuinely reflected in the way we work every day.
- Commit – We’re committed to supporting each other and doing our best for both our colleagues and clients.
- Care – Everyone here takes pride in their work and strives to deliver high-quality results.
- Own – We take responsibility for our individual roles and always aim to produce work we can stand behind.
- Respect – Mutual respect is at the core of everything we do. It’s about treating others the way we’d like to be treated and always approaching challenges constructively.
If someone was considering a role in Tailored Image, what would your advice be?
I’d say go for it — but also be ready to put the effort in! You really do get out what you put into your role. If career progression and personal development are important to you, the support is absolutely here, but you have to take that initiative too. What truly sets Tailored Image apart is the people — it’s a genuinely supportive and collaborative place to work, and everyone wants to see each other do well.