Tara van Zyl photo by Terry Warren

Here at #DigiWomen we are always excited to hear about women making waves in technology. #SheDIDIt is a collection of these stories which we hope will inspire other women to step forward and take pride in their contributions.

Would you like to share your story with us? Get in touch and let’s spread the word about women’s achievements in technology. If you are at Web Summit this week, we’ll be there too so visit us at our exhibition stand and share your story in person. We’re near the builder’s stage. You can’t miss us we have a giant iPhone and #SheDIDIt hash tag sign.

#DigiWomen: Tara, tell us a little about your background.

Tara: I was a costume designer in the film and television industry and I am originally from Canada, my Mother is Irish. I lived in Ireland as a child and chose to come back as an adult and start a career here. I have an Irish heart and have lived in Ireland in 20 years. I got my first big break working with Joan Bergin (renowned costume designer) and have worked on numerous films including Prometheus, Game of Thrones, Chicago and Moon Boy. In 2013 was released its an iPad application for tracking costume continuity on film sets.

#DigiWomen: Why develop an iCostume App?

Right now costumer design is done with paper pen and digital camera. And that drove me insane. And I love technology and was sure there was a way to do it digitally. Despite being told it would be too costly and that I didn’t have enough technical knowledge. And generally been told it couldn’t be done. I think this is really important behind all the negative responses to my idea I felt if there was a will there was a way.

And the one thing that really blew my mind. In film we make a phenomenal amount of film. For example, if we have to film a football match. We have to get costumes ready for 2 teams, the referee, the fans, the linesmen, the extras, everything in place and we can do that in a week. And this app took forever. It is amazing how long it took to build it.

#DigiWomen: What do you felt slowed you down?

I didn’t think what I was doing was good enough. I hand sketched the design for the App out at the beginning. And didn’t want to show it to anyone because I felt it was too raw and needed to be done by a graphic designer. So I hired a graphic designer and spent lots of time and money getting my idea looking perfect. Then handed it to a programmer who basically scrapped the artwork. When he gave me his first test I nearly cried. He then explained that they have to get the wired framework right first then they look at using the artwork. So that was a huge learning curve for me.

#DigiWomen: What have you felt you have learnt from your experience of making the App?

I have all the information. I had industry experience. And that is the secret sauce. You can hire people to do the design, to do the app development it’s the experience gained from working in the industry that is essential. Don’t let the technical aspect be the barrier to bringing your idea to life.

#DigiWomen: What message would you give other women about to start out?

One thing I knew for sure I wanted to make a change in my life. I loved being a costume designer but the hours were long and hard. I had an interest in making a change for years. I didn’t think I could make the change. Took years to convince myself that it was ok to change. So my message would be it’s okay to change. It’s ok to change. It’s taken five years of me wanting to do something different. Telling myself no …you are a costume designer you cannot change. And it has not been easy to take that step.

Last year I had never heard of the Web Summit. This year I am pitching there. The last few months have been crazy. And it all started with one small conversation with DigiWomen Pauline Sargent. We connected on LinkedIn and when she seen my profile she actively encouraged me to apply for with the NDRC.

I didn’t think I could because I wasn’t a techie person. She said nonsense I was exactly what they were looking for. So I entered and won. Isn’t that amazing. I then went on and was selected to take part in the . I didn’t win however, the experience and exposure for iCostume App was invaluable.

#DigiWomen: You have a mantra that has inspired you to get to this stage of your new journey. Tell us about that. 

On this digital journey the more you talk about your idea the more people can help you and point you in the right direction. Don’t be afraid to share your idea. Tell everybody.

There are people who want to help develop and grow my business. My mantra is when you dream it, and you believe it… you can achieve it. As soon as you have that one door after another opens for you and people help you. Meeting fantastic people has been the best part of this whole experience.

#DigiWomen: So what’s next? 

With all the encouragement and meeting people in the industry I see the bigger picture and the potential is huge. So watch this space!

Tara will be on Stage 3 in ‘the village’ at 11:15 on Tuesday November 4^th as part of the Coca-Cola PITCH – Alpha competition

If you are in the RDS on Tuesday morning, come by and check it out!

Stage 3 is in ‘The Village” here is a link to a map:

https://[email protected]/files.websummit.net/2014+Startups/2014_PITCHVenue_Map(Village)

DigiWomen will be supporting Tara and the rest of the start-ups making pitches over the next few days. Good luck EVERYONE!