GARNER UP

Winner of the L’Oréal Colour Trophy Ireland 2021, stylist and educator Danielle Garner opened Wildflower in Ranelagh, Dublin in 2017, and launched her hair accessories brand Moon & Mai in 2020

What's your earliest memory?

My first day at crèche, which was called Pinocchio. My teacher was called Tibba, and she had blue and brown eyes. It was a magical place that was creative and full of beautiful humans. Whenever I walk by it today, I still get the same warm feelings I had as that young child.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration the people around me – my best friends, my fiancé, my mum and my son Harrison. These are the people that are consistently in my life, making others feel better about themselves.

What was your first job?

It was in Hermans in Dublin. From the age of 16, I was a Saturday girl on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays – and sometimes Sundays,

Ideal holiday destination?

South Africa on safari or deep in the culture of Morocco.

Favourite food?

Spaghetti bolognese is my all-time favourite.

Favourite drink?

Cacao, forever and always.

How do you relax?

I like to wake up early and go down to the beach to watch the sunrise and go swimming. I also enjoy meditating at the beach and the ritual of a cacao ceremony. I find being creative helps me relax.

What was the last great film or series you watched?

The Age of Adaline, which is an inspiring and romantic story.

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

Vidal Sassoon to talk about techniques and building a brand, and Iris Apfel for the stories she could tell.

'The pandemic taught me that I was responsible for everything, so I took on that responsibility and started to act differently within my business'

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

Yes I do cook, and my absolute favourite thing to make is a very tasty spicy vegetable paella. It’s like a hug for your insides.

Best piece of advice you've ever received?

You are who you are, and you’re not what you’re not. This was given to me early this year and it helped me understand that you can’t be any more than what you genuinely are in your life, your body or your soul. When you find out what you’re not, you allow it to just dissolve out of your life.

Best piece of advice you've ever given?

It’s hard for me to say as I wasn’t on the receiving end of it, but I often tell my team that they are only as good as their last client.

Have you changed the way you run your business/work since the pandemic?

Absolutely. The pandemic made me realise that I was a business owner. Before it, I saw myself as a hairdresser looking after my clients, working alongside other hairdressers. The pandemic taught me that I was responsible for everything, so I took on that responsibility and started to act differently within my business. I began prioritising the welfare of my team and my clients, rather than the figures.

Favourite thing about yourself?

I like my creative mind. I think it is a strong power I have been gifted, and I can use it to help others bring out their creativity.

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

My favourite brand is Act+Acre. I use the shampoo and conditioner every day. The Stem Cell Serum is great for hair growth.

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

Everyone will have an opinion on every decision you make, but once you know in your heart the decision is the correct one for you, you don’t need to take other people's thoughts on board.

How would you like to be remembered?

I would like to be remembered as a kind soul who prioritised what really mattered and brought happiness to others. I think the intensity of the workload I have given myself recently has made me come across as stressed or worried – that’s something I’m working on now, so I can be who I am, and not what I’m not.