Stockist Stories: Ohh By Gum, West Ireland

Situated in the idyllic town of Clifden in the west of Ireland, Sharon of Ohh By Gum tells us more about her world. From what it's like to run her shop, to her favourite pieces from our latest collection.

Stockist Stories: Ohh By Gum, West Ireland

Tell us a bit about your shop. How did you start it and how did you come up with the name?

Ohh By Gum is a lifestyle shop selling ethical fashion for women and children, and quirky little extras for everyone. We are in an old Water Tower in the beautiful town of Clifden, on the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland. Lots of people have asked me about the name of the shop. Many think it’s to do with the Yorkshire expression, ‘Ee bah gum’. However, they’re mistaken. My maiden name is Gumley and when I was in primary school in London we had to read a book called Bottersnikes & Gumbles. From then on my nickname was Gumbles. During my free time after school I sewed and knitted clothes that I sold to my friends. Eventually, I had a little label sewn inside with ‘By Gum’ written on it. Whenever someone teased me about my name I said that one day I would be famous and they would remember me because of my name. When I decided to open the shop 9 years ago the name just seemed obvious.

Now a bit about you… what's life outside the shop like? What do you do to live thoughtfully?

When I am not working I love to get my hands dirty in our garden. I find it’s a great way to forget about everything else that’s going on and focus on the task at hand. We grow our own organic veggies and salads and I just love going into the garden every day choosing what to have to eat. Our veggie garden overlooks the Owenglen River. I find that being by moving water brings me a calmness and re-energises me at the same time.

What do you love about your town?

Our town of Clifden is between the Twelve Bens Mountain Range and the Atlantic Ocean so spectacular landscape surrounds us. We have so many stunning walks in or clean empty beaches to swim in. I am very lucky to live in such a beautiful place and am reminded everyday when I walk to work.

A bit about Thought… what are your favourite items from our current collection?

I have to say, I really love the Portico Tencel dress this season from Thought. It has long sleeves and pockets and the fabric feels so good against my skin. It washes really well so it’s a great piece to wear for work. I also love the Vermeer Tencel Skirt and am going to wear this on - dare I say it - Christmas Day! I have recently started wearing the Nara Bamboo leggings. I find them really flattering – I particularly love the seams as they give the leggings more structure and support.

A final note…

I opened Ohh By Gum nine years ago after my mum's cancer diagnosis. Thankfully she is fully recovered now. The whole experience made me realise that life is short and if I was going to have to work a lot I should really do what I love. So now I do - finding wonderful treasures from beautiful companies like Thought and bringing them back to the west of Ireland where I show them to all the lovely people that come and visit my shop. Everyday is an experience and I try to make it worth remembering. You might also love reading our Nila Store Stockist Stories. Do you have a favourite piece from our latest collection? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @wearethought.