Local entrepreneur Mary Murphy has always had a passion for design – Growing up in an artistic family meant that Mary was destined for a career in the creative industry. A graduate with a master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Queens University, Belfast, followed by a Diploma in fashion from Belfast Metropolitan College planted the seeds for a successful bespoke lingerie business.

 

Founded in 2011 and based at Conway Mill, Belfast, Sioda pronounced ‘She Da’ and meaning (silk in Irish) is a handmade designed lingerie label. Sioda offers a lingerie advice service designing and creating bespoke lingerie pieces for local brides and many others spanning across the world from as far away as New York, Mexico and Dubai.

 

Mary works on a one to one basis with each client providing a one-off customer fit and design product which can’t be found on the high street. Sioda offers an appointment based services, Mary has the flexibility to work with brides in various locations throughout the world. Mainly communicating with clients online, designs are made to be invisible and are bespoke to each individual client.

 

Sioda provides various bespoke pieces including an All-In-One support for the bust and smooths the body’s curves; providing a flawless body shape – essential for even the slinkiest of today’s wedding gowns. Sioda also specialises in underwear for dresses with features below the bra line, for women of all bust and body sizes.

Mary joined our business boot camp pre-enterprise course in 2010:

“It was basically luck, but like all things on this journey in business – it turned up at the right time. I came across it on Facebook and signed up straight away. The programme helped me look at my business in a pragmatic and dynamic manner. Incredibly supportive then and now”
Mary Murphy

Owner, Sioda Lingerie

Mary continued:
“I value the skill base I have developed, can create high end products that support the existing bridal boutique industry to broaden their market for certain style gowns which in turn gives the bride a wider choice and above all – confidence to wear the dress of her dreams.”
Mary Murphy

Owner , Sioda Lingerie

Sioda is quickly becoming recognised as a world leading bespoke lingerie designer and will feature on this year’s Made in Northern Ireland series which will be aired in the coming weeks.

 

Find out more on our business start-up programmes here!