Culture knight

Owner of hair and beauty group Sugar Culture, Mark O’Keeffe began his hairdressing career at the age of 16, before opening his first salon Brown Sugar in 2005. Now operating seven salons across Dublin, he is also a member of the Irish Hairdressers Federation’s committee

What's your earliest memory?

I remember my mum putting on her make-up for a night out. She was a beautician and I was fascinated at how she applied it and, more importantly, how it seemed to make her feel great about herself. It obviously stuck with me as I went on to marry a make-up artist and make-up is such an integral part of Brown Sugar.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

My dad. He worked for Peter Mark for 45 years, and introduced me to the world of hairdressing at a young age. I fell in love with it instantly, and it's great that my dad and I have so much in common.

What was your first job?

Unofficially, I was cleaning my neighbours’ windows when I was around 12. Officially, I worked in the Peter Mark laundry when I was 14 until I was 16 and old enough to get an apprenticeship there.

Ideal holiday destination?

Sitges in Spain. I've been there well over a dozen times. It’s a short flight and I bring the kids. It has great beaches, along with a lovely traditional town. And if you’re looking for some night life, there's plenty of that too.

Favourite food?

I don't have a favourite food. Like many people, I like to mix it up.

Favourite drink?

I'm partial to a full-bodied red. One of my absolute favourites is a Californian wine called Duckhorn. I had a few bottles put aside for Christmas. I wouldn't turn my nose up at a nice whiskey either – old-fashioned sums me up!

How do you relax?

I have five children and seven salons, what's relaxation! The gym is my happy place and where I go to destress. When I get a chance, I love to go to a rugby match and have a few pints with good friends.

‘I worked in the Peter Mark laundry when I was 14 until I was 16 and old enough to get an apprenticeship there’

Dream dinner party guest/guests (alive or dead)?

My mum and my best friend Eugene.

Sadly, they both passed away, and if I could have one wish it would be to have dinner with them.

Do you cook and, if so, do you have a signature recipe?

I love to cook and I'm a bit of a Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen –I swear a lot and make everyone else do the work! I recently got into cooking Asian food.

Best piece of advice you've ever received?

My Dad always said ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’ and this is something that

I have adopted in every part of my life. Also, ‘knowledge is power, but only if you share it’. I see this daily – something falls through the cracks because someone hasn't shared information.

Best piece of advice you've ever given?

I once told a friend whose marriage had ended that he only had about 20 good years left in him, and to enjoy them. He said it really helped him – and he’s still having a great time!

Have you learned any valuable lessons from the pandemic?

I've learned to not take the simple things for granted. When so much is taken from you, you really start to realise the importance of simple things like seeing work colleagues and friends.

Favourite thing about yourself?

I've been told I’m very generous, and I certainly try to be.

What's the one hair product you can't live without?

L’Oréal Professionnel’s Serioxyl shampoo – it invigorates your scalp.

What, if anything, would you now tell your 16-year-old self?

Don't be in a rush for everything – take your time, build your structure and good things will come to you.

How would you like to be remembered?

The only thing that genuinely matters to me is that my kids think I'm a good dad. The rest will fall as it falls. PBHJ