Keynote SpeakersIzzy Wheels was founded by sisters Izzy and Ailbhe Keane.
The story of Izzy Wheels is a personal one that has seen a college project become a global brand.
Izzy, who has spina bifida, regards her wheelchair as a symbol of freedom but felt it never expressed her bubbly personality. Ailbhe, who was studying art at The National College of Art and Design, designed a range of colourful wheel covers that matched her sister’s exuberant style. Their tagline became ‘If you can’t stand up, stand out!‘.
Overnight, what started as a passion project went viral online (16 million views in one week), and the business exploded.
Today, Izzy Wheels sells to 60 countries and has collaborated with over 100 world-famous artists and major brands, including Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Hello Kitty, and Barbie.
It’s also featured in some of the world’s biggest publications, including Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Forbes, Good Morning America, CBS News, TechCrunch, and Oprah Magazine.
This has culminated in over 20 national awards, including The EU Prize for Women Innovators, a BBC documentary, a place on the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and most importantly, it has provided an outlet for expression and individuality to wheelchair users all over the world.
The sisters’ success shows what can happen when your business is driven by innovation and an unshakeable sense of purpose that brings compelling and enviable brand integrity.
These are also young women entrepreneurs who are helping to break down the stigma of disability by bringing attention to the personality in the wheelchair instead of the wheelchair itself. And they do so seamlessly, partly because they love what they do but also because it makes business sense to tap into a market whose potential many others overlook.
Izzy Wheels Inspirational Speeches:
As guest speakers, Ailbhe Keane and Izzy Keane are warm, confident, and inspiring as a duo.
Their positivity, determination, and a sense of purpose are striking. Audiences who hear them speak leave feeling motivated and energised.
Speaking topics include:
- Diversity and Equality
- Social Inclusion
- E-commerce
- Social Media
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Marketing and Branding
- Women in Business
