At WorkIQ, we’re fortunate to be surrounded by founders building businesses with purpose.
One of those businesses is Thomp2 Socks, a colourful Irish sock brand inspired by the story of Thomas Barry, an entrepreneur from Tallaght who was born with Down syndrome. Launched in 2019 with the support of Thomas’s family, including his father Finbar and nephew Shane, the company helped Thomas achieve something he had always wanted: a job of his own.
What started as a small family idea has grown into a brand shipping socks around the world while promoting inclusion and opportunity for people with disabilities. We spoke with Shane Barry, business owner and part of the WorkIQ tribe, about the story behind Thomp2 Socks and the mission driving it forward.
Can you tell us a bit about what your company does and what you’re currently working on?
We are a family-run Irish sock company inspired by Thomas who was born with Down syndrome. We sell a range of colourful high-quality socks made from organic cotton. Our mission is to spread love one pair of socks at a time and to support inclusion in the workplace.
We are currently working on expanding our retail opportunities and employing those with special needs.
What problem does your business help solve, and why is that important to you or your clients?
We provide a range of fun socks that are ideal for gifting and at the same time provide employment opportunities for those with special needs.
What’s one of the bigger challenges you’ve faced recently as a business?
As a growing small business, scaling while keeping the personality and story behind the brand is always a challenge.
We want to keep that genuine family feel while continuing to grow and reach more people.
Is there something about your company or the work you do that might surprise people?
People are often surprised that what started as a small family idea has grown into a brand shipping socks around the world.
It’s amazing to see such a simple product help spread such a positive message.
What are you most proud of in the business so far?
Seeing how proud Thomas is to be part of the business.
What started as an idea to create a job for him has turned into a brand that’s spreading awareness about inclusion and supporting charities along the way.
What made you choose WorkIQ as your workspace?
We liked the flexible and professional environment, but also the strong sense of community for growing businesses. The business development support in the building is amazing and played a vital role in our success last year.
How have you found WorkIQ and the community since being based here?
It’s been amazing. The space is welcoming and it’s nice being surrounded by other local businesses, it really adds to the sense of community in the building.
Thomp2 Socks is proof that businesses built around people and purpose can grow far beyond their original idea. Today the brand continues to spread positivity through colourful designs while supporting charities and promoting greater inclusion in the workplace.
If you’d like to learn more about Thomp2 Socks, connect with Shane Barry and discover the story behind the brand.
And if you’re building something of your own, the WorkIQ community is here to support founders and businesses at every stage.