CAFÉ QUEEN

Anita Donoghue began her career as a beauty therapist, and is now the co-owner of Hair Café Salon and Barber Café in Smithfield in Dublin, as well as Annutri, the company behind the Grow It hair and skin supplements

What’s your earliest memory?

I remember my mother bringing me and my baby brother to get our picture taken in Chinny’s on Talbot Street in Dublin, and how heavy he was sitting on my lap.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

Michelle Mone, who is a brilliant businesswoman. She started out as a jobless teen and went on to create Ultimo, one of the world’s most iconic lingerie brands.

What was your first job?

As a teenager, I had a job delivering milk. I had to start work at 4am.

Ideal holiday destination?

A family ski trip to Andorra. Being in the mountains is a wonderful way to connect with the natural environment. Also, there is such camaraderie and a fun family vibe when doing something active together.

Favourite food?

I enjoy Thai food – it is both healthy and tasty.

Favourite drink?

Red wine. I love having dinner with friends and family, with a nice bottle of red.

How do you relax?

I like to walk in nature as it can help to clear your head and bring you into the present moment, and is a great way to destress and relax.

What was the last great film or series you watched?

Green Book, which is a movie that’s based on a true story and has a great message about making assumptions. You should never assume anything as you never know the real story or circumstances.

‘We often believe in others more than ourselves, yet the reality is we all have infinite potential’

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

The late Bob Proctor. I have a keen interest in personal growth, and I constantly strive to be the best I can be in all areas of my life. Bob Proctor’s teachings focus on helping people use the power of their minds to achieve lives of prosperity, rewarding relationships and spiritual awareness.

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

I don’t, but my partner is an amazing cook so I’m a lucky girl!

Best piece of advice you've ever received?

This too shall pass. These magic words teach us the power of impermanence. Whatever situation we are currently going through in life, it is temporary and will change.

Best piece of advice you've ever given?

Learn to take ownership. People duck responsibility for reasons ranging from simple laziness or a fear of failure. I've personally experienced huge growth from learning this.

Have you learned any valuable lessons from the pandemic?

I learned to focus on what you can control. At the start of the pandemic, I felt hopeless; with a salon and a newly opened barbers, the lockdown caused immense financial pressure. It would have been easy to lose my sense of drive and direction. I decided to focus on what I could control, which, in this case, was our Annutri brand. I had been working on it in the background for two years, and I’m so grateful I was able to launch our Grow It product during a pandemic, and that salons could sell it online to help bring some revenue through their doors.

Favourite thing about yourself?

I’m a natural people person and a good communicator. I love connecting and talking with others. I’m also a Taurus so I’m highly sociable and loyal.

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

I would tell myself about the importance of self-love, and that I have power within to change my circumstances. We tend to minimise what we think we can accomplish; we put ourselves in a box and think that we can’t do what others can. We often believe in others more than ourselves, yet the reality is we all have infinite potential.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who always tried be the best version of herself, and helped others to do the same.