Alumni Spotlights
Ailis Crowley - Founder of FASH Forward
Ailis Crowley is championing sustainability with her innovative business, FASH Forward. At the forefront of Ireland’s sustainability movement, FASH Forward is inspiring businesses to reimagine their role in a circular economy. By partnering with repair, upcycling, and zero-waste experts, Ailis delivers workshops that help businesses adopt sustainable practices and reduce waste.
A graduate of UCC, Ailis holds a degree in International Commerce. After starting her career in London, where she spent seven years working in marketing and sales for Yahoo, she returned to Ireland to pursue her passion for sustainability. She later returned to UCC to complete a Higher Diploma in Sustainability in Enterprise, equipping her with the knowledge to drive meaningful environmental change.
An IGNITE programme alum, Ailis was recently recognised at the IGNITE Awards and Showcase event at UCC, where she won two of the top prizes.
What did you study at UCC?
I studied International Commerce with Hispanic Studies from 2010 - 2014 and a Higher Diploma in Sustainability in Enterprise 2022 - 2023.
Where did the idea for FASH Forward come from?
The inspiration for FASH Forward came from a trip to Sri Lanka in 2020. I came across a brand that was collecting colourful rice sacks from beaches and up-cycling them into weekend bags and other high end fashion accessories. This concept of reuse, resourcefulness and creativity inspired me to think differently about waste. I thought, 'could this same creativity be applied to all waste?'. FASH Forward was founded with this mission to engage and inspire people in a zero waste future.
Can you tell us about the zero-waste workshops that you run?
FASH Forward’s workshops run with our network of zero-waste experts to inspire employees to engage with the circular economy and reduce waste through a structured six-part approach. Workshops begin with an introduction to FASH Forward’s zero-waste mission and the EU waste hierarchy, followed by practical waste reduction examples from communities and businesses. Participants then gain hands-on skills in one of three areas: cooking with leftovers demonstrated by a zero-waste chef; upcycling waste cotton material into laptop charger bags, or repairing personal tech devices like laptops. Impact is tracked through feedback and results, and is compiled into a post-workshop case study to showcase the short and long-term benefits of waste reduction.
We work collaboratively with businesses to weave their sustainability vision, mission and values into the workshop content.
How did the IGNITE programme help your business idea?
IGNITE inspired confidence in my business idea through positive feedback from partners such as the Local Enterprise Office, Bank of Ireland and Cork City Council. It allowed me develop relationships with these business supports, setting strong foundations for growth. IGNITE also provided access to networks and connections that lead to sustainability consultancy work, which has created a further revenue stream for the business.
Best memories from your time as a UCC student?
Getting involved with clubs and societies. From my postgraduate I enjoyed being part of the UCC Enactus Society where I was inspired by students working on sustainable ideas like skateboards made from plastic bottle tops. During my undergraduate I enjoyed being part of the UCC Mountaineering Club - a highlight was abseiling down the Kane building for Raise & Give week.
About the IGNITE Programme:
IGNITE, UCC’s flagship equity-free incubation programme, is calling on recent graduates with a passion for entrepreneurship to connect and explore how their journey to business success can be supported. Open to graduates from any 3rd level discipline or institution, IGNITE empowers participants to transform ideas into thriving businesses. Closing date for applications: Monday, 3 March 2025