From international roots to local impact – how one Brazilian entrepreneur is building a purpose-driven creative agency in the heart of Tallaght.
The press release below was written by TU Dublin marketing students during the WorkIQ PR & Media Workshop 2026 — and it tells the story of one of the most purpose-driven founders in our community. Gabriela de Paula arrived in Dublin at 18 with a dream of becoming a journalist and the quiet fear that her English wasn’t good enough. Today, she’s the Managing Director of Canopy Creative, a sustainability-focused creative agency helping impact-driven brands tell their stories. This is her journey.
Gabriella de Paula a Brazilian Entrepreneur shaping Tallaghts local Economy
From international roots to local success, her story reflects innovation and determination.
Gabriela the manager director of a purpose driven creative & sustainability communications agency specialising in social media management, content creation & paid advertising for impact driven brands, whilst being sustainable. Gabriela completed Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from the Dublin Business School in 2018, where she was also the chairperson of the Marketing Society. She later then attended University College Dublin and earned a Professional Diploma in Creativity, Innovation, and leadership.
De Paula relocated to Dublin in 2013, as young adult (18) with a dream to be a journalist despite her self-doubt that her English was not up to par. She experienced imposter syndrome throughout her life, following through to her professional career. After graduating from Dublin Business School, she began working in a creative agency. After realizing it did not suit her she began working in an independent hotel in Dublin as a marketer. De Paula always knew that she “wasn’t meant to be an employee hence why I (she) strived to be a business entrepreneur.”
Canopy Creative sets out to make “the world a better place” according to De Paula in an interview by TUD Students. She pledges to donate atleast 5% annual profit to amplify charities and Non-Government Organizations. Her office is based in WorkIQ, Tallaght which is a place to incubate your ideas and help build a “New Tallaght” filled with endless opportunities for locals.
Building at WorkIQ
Gabriela de Paula is based at WorkIQ Tallaght, where she’s part of a growing community of founders building businesses with purpose. Her story is proof that backing yourself — even when it’s hard — is always worth it.
Want to meet more entrepreneurs calling WorkIQ home?
- From São Paulo to Tallaght: Gabriela de Paula and the Story Behind Canopy Creative
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