Waterford-based designer Kim Whyte has been named Creative Professional of the Year at the Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year Awards.

Ms. Whyte is the founder of PawPear, an illustrated stationery brand established in 2022 and based in Knockanore, West Waterford.

The national awards were held in Galway and attracted more than 600 entrants from Network Ireland’s 18 branches, with around 100 businesswomen reaching the finals.

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Kim Whyte. Pic: Pawpear.

Network Ireland Vice President Sinéad O’Neill described the win as a ‘tremendous achievement’ given the strength of this year’s finalists.

PawPear now has more than 100 stockists across Ireland, along with outlets in the United States and the Netherlands.

Ms. Whyte previously worked as a stationery designer in London and has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry.

Recent projects have included collaborations with Guinness and Trinity College Dublin on a Book of Kells-inspired range, which is also a finalist in the Irish Made Awards.

Ms. Whyte said using Irish suppliers remains a ‘non-negotiable’ as the business continues to grow.