Sinead Clarke is the designer behind the brand "EssenC". Sinéad was born and raised in Co. Cavan. After her Leaving Certificate she went to Liberties College in Bull Alley Street, Dublin to study "Design and visual Studies" for one year and compile her portfolio for art college in 2001. She graduated in 2002. From here, Sinéad went to LSAD - the Limerick School of Art and Design to study Fashion Design. Here Sinéad studied design, pattern cutting and knitwear. She graduated with an Honours degree in Fashion Design in 2006. Her degree collection entitled "An Sorcas Taisteal" which was inspired by the travelling circus was entered into an international student design competition. This was selected from over 15,000 entries to participate in a grand final in Gorizia, Itlay in September 2006 along with 27 other entries. Here Sinéad was awarded "Most Innovative Knitwear Collection" and was offered an internship with Missoni - Europe's largest knitwear design company. September 2006. One of the outfits from the same collection won 1st prize in the RDS National Crafts Competition for her knitwear and travelled around Ireland in a winners exhibition. April 2007. Sinéad headed to Italy to work with Missoni. Here she designed fabrics using various yarns and delicate textures for the company and worked on Men's and Womens collections for Milan Fashion Week. August 2007. Sinéad returned from Italy and began designing a range or reversible knitted handbags under the brand "EssenC", and began to set up her design studio in Co. Cavan. Her designs went on sale in selected stores in Ireland and through craft fairs Nationally. January 2008. EssenC Designs was officially launched. The official opening took place at the studio in November 2008 with many friends, family and neighbours.