Meet Claire McGovern, Founder of Rhyme Studio Inc
Meet Claire McGovern, the creative force behind Rhyme Studio, a female-founded luxury interior design and art practice rooted in Irish wool, heritage craft and regenerative design. Working between New York City and Ireland, Claire is bringing Ireland’s native wool, cultural legacy and climate innovation into the global luxury conversation.
A leader in the international design world for over two decades, Claire has launched award winning collections, scaled multimillion dollar creative businesses and collaborated with globally acclaimed designers, artists and institutions. Rhyme Studio is the culmination of her expertise and her deep commitment to sustainability. Her work uses Irish wool and natural materials to create contemporary carpets, lighting, acoustic panels and textiles that celebrate heritage while meeting modern environmental needs.
To get us started, how would you describe yourself in six words or less
Creative visionary, cultural innovator, business builder.
Tell us about your business and what inspired you to start it
Rhyme Studio grew from Claire’s passion for Ireland’s untapped design potential. She was inspired by the collapse of the native wool industry, the centuries of unrealised craft knowledge, and the urgent need for sustainable products in modern interiors. Her vision is to bridge tradition with innovation, placing Irish materials and craftsmanship at the heart of global luxury design.
The studio’s mission is clear. Regenerative materials. Cultural storytelling. Contemporary design. Luxury that is sustainable, ethical and proudly Irish.
Tell us a little bit more about you
Claire is a Dublin native who has spent much of her career in New York and Europe leading high end design galleries and creative brands. Her experience spans collection launches, brand building, international collaborations and scaling design businesses at pace.
She draws inspiration from Irish history, heritage craft, contemporary art and the belief that design can improve wellness and help tackle climate challenges. Rhyme Studio is the place where her cultural, environmental and artistic passions meet.
Fill us in on your female founder journey
The founder journey has been exhilarating and demanding in equal measure. Claire started Rhyme Studio from scratch, without government support and while carrying significant personal responsibilities in New York City. Despite these challenges she achieved rapid recognition, earning coverage in the New York Times, Architectural Digest and leading global design publications.
She has learned that resilience, grit, clarity of purpose and the determination to push through institutional indifference are essential. For Claire, being a female founder means redefining leadership in design and business. It means combining creativity with commercial strength and pairing cultural heritage with forward thinking sustainability.
How has being part of AwakenHub helped your business
Claire joined AwakenHub to connect with like minded founders across the island of Ireland. As she expands Rhyme Studio’s production and presence in Donegal and Dublin, she is seeking visibility, connection and networks that support the growth of Ireland’s design economy. Community matters and AwakenHub provides that shared sense of ambition and progress.
Do you have an ask for the community
Yes. Claire is seeking connections to Irish American investors, heritage focused philanthropists and collectors who value sustainable luxury design. Introductions to supporters of Donegal Carpets and to those interested in championing Lanalux, Rhyme Studio’s groundbreaking acoustic lighting collection, would be extremely valuable.
As a founder, what are your non negotiables and what inspires you
Integrity, sustainability and originality. Every product must honour heritage while innovating for the future. Claire is inspired by cultural legacy, environmental responsibility and the belief that Irish design deserves a global stage.
Where do you see yourself in 12 months and 5 years
In 12 months, Claire plans to establish a Donegal and Dublin base for circular design production, launch Lanalux internationally and build a strong transatlantic sales team.
In five years, she sees Rhyme Studio leading a 20 million euro regenerative design enterprise rooted in Ireland and recognised globally for luxury, sustainability and cultural innovation.
What are your top three tips for other women founders
Build scarcity into your story. People value what feels rare.Protect your bandwidth. Not every opportunity deserves your time.
Lead with vision but always know your numbers.
Six words to live by
Heritage reimagined, sustainability scaled, uncompromising vision.
Connect with Claire and Rhyme Studio
Business: Rhyme Studio Inc
Founder: Claire McGovern
From: Dublin
Location: Living between New York City and Ireland
Social links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhymestudioart/
Claire’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-lucy-mcgovern-8a51926/
Rhyme Studio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71705936
