The Clare Echo is proud to be media partner of The Clare Business Excellence Awards. In the lead-up to the Gala Awards ceremony on Thursday, November 19, 2026 at the Rine Hotel, The Clare Echo is doing a Business Spotlight series sponsored by AMQ Accountants and Auditors. This week, we speak to Alison McGrath of My First Steps children’s shoe shop.
When you were smaller, what did you want to be when you grow up?
I lived in the clouds most of the time so most likely Cabin Crew.
Tell us about your career progression to date?
I always worked in customer facing roles mainly in retail management and I had a natural passion for shoes, but little did I think I would end up specialising in children’s shoes but every decision I made in my career definitely helped carve this path, and now 4 years in I wouldn’t change a thing.
What’s the most enjoyable aspect of what you do?
On a practical level I love the buying of the shoes for future seasons, and in the day-to-day it’s definitely our little customers who never fail to surprise us or make us laugh, it’s definitely true that no two days are ever the same.
What motivates you?
I’m naturally competitive, but my biggest competition is always myself. I love setting goals, pushing my own boundaries and seeing what I’m capable of achieving. There’s nothing more motivating than beating a previous version of yourself.
What advice do you have for your 15 year old self?
Trust the process and don’t think you have to have it all figured out, when I’m thinking of a big project or change I still tell myself the same thing ‘It’s a long life yet’ and I hope I’m right, but what I mean by that is don’t keep rushing through it all, find time to enjoy each stage and give yourself the chance to find the next opportunity.
If you weren’t in this job, what do you think you’d be doing now?
I love to travel so still think that cabin crew job still sounds very appealing! But being a teacher would probably me more practical with the kids.
What’s your greatest life or career achievement to date?
Opening My First Steps and taking the leap of faith in myself and the business idea is definitely my biggest achievement and I definitely think the stars aligned to let me pursue it.
Who or what is the biggest influence on your life?
My family as a whole influence me so positively as a person and in my decisions every day whether it’s my Mum, my husband, my kids or my extended family I treasure them all and their support.
What’s the life dream now? I am genuinely living it, although it ebbs and flows throughout the year I love the balance I have between my family and my ambition and I hope I can continue to navigate it successfully.
How do you switch off?
I really enjoy reading a good book and have made a real effort this year to read a book a month.
When are you at your happiest?
Any where near the coast ideally in the motor home with my family and my toes in the sand.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I just started Golfing this year but with a handicap of 38 I’m not sure if it’s a talent (yet!).
What might we be surprised to know about you?
I am apparently in my running era and this year completed my first ever 10k in Lahinch thanks to my sister in law, Marissa, aka coach.
Is there anything else that you’d like to share?
It’s so humbling to receive the nomination and recognition from the Clare Business Excellence Awards but it wouldn’t be possible without my wonderful team and loyal customers, so a HUGE thank you to each of them!
Fact File
| Name and position | Alison McGrath, Owner at My First Steps |
| Age | 39 |
| Lives | Quin |
| Family | Wonderful husband & 2 little girlies, Emilie & Isabel |
| Favourite holiday | Safari in South Africa |
| Favourite album | The Corona’s |
| Favourite thing about about Clare
Favourite TV series |
The people & The Coast Motherland |
