Meet the winners!

The Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards 2023 crowned winners in 14 categories, as the industry came together for a night of celebrating the best in business

The Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards 2023 took place in the InterContinental Dublin on 12 November. Launched last year, the event honours the immense talent within the industry in Ireland.

Winners were crowned in 14 categories on the night, which saw some of the biggest names in the sector come together for a glittering ceremony to celebrate the best in the business.

The Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards are different from other awards because they are judged by the industry, for the industry. A specially selected panel of experts chooses the winners, making it xperts chooses the winners, making it makes them one of the fairest and most rigorously tested competitions in the market.

“Being in a room with 400 of the best professionals in the country, and celebrating their success, was both inspiring and a lot of fun, and one of the best nights of the year,” said Mark Moloney, managing director, Professional Beauty Group.

The winners of the Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards 2023 impressed the judges with their innovation, dedication, skills and client care. Over the following pages, we’ve profiled each one to find out what makes them so special.

Winner: Atelier Hair

With its interior designed by owner Ronan Stewart, Atelier Hair’s home is in a disused military schoolhouse in Derry, which had lain empty for 50 years, after a complex past within its community. Stewart and the team feel empowered to now be positively contributing to the local economy.

Opened in 2020, the salon is among a community of businesses that are embracing the past, whilst taking steps to build a shared, inclusive future.

Atelier Hair’s mission is to provide a luxurious and sustainable haircare experience, using high-quality organic products. The team offers a personalised, five-star service in a relaxing environment. Each member strives to create a welcoming and inclusive space, where every client feels valued.

The Atelier experience can begin online for some clients. The salon’s user-friendly website was designed in-house by salon manager Leonie Sheehan. Clients can choose their preferred stylist and find a detailed price list before making their appointment.

With a mission to empower clients to look and feel their best, Atelier Hair looks forward to building the business with a commitment to sustainability, personalised attention, education and authenticity.

“It is such an honour to have won. The whole team is buzzing. There are 20 of us altogether and everyone is thrilled.”

Winner: Amica Eco Hairdressing

Amica Eco Hairdressing is owned by Greg and Alison Clarke, who believe their team's unwavering commitment over 23 years sets the salon apart from the competition. Its success is built on the dedication of all team members, as they consistently exceed goals set by management, embracing the latest hairdressing techniques to stay at the forefront of the industry.

Amica Eco Hairdressing is an integral part of the community, and this is evident in its loyal clientele and staff. Over 60% of the team has been with the salon for a decade or longer, with some celebrating 20-year anniversaries.

Giving back is part of the ethos of the salon, and the whole team actively engages in charity initiatives – for instance, the annual Christmas Pyjama Day raises awareness for the homeless. Team-building is also fundamental to the salon's culture, and group social activities are frequently organised.

Another priority is education, which is tailored to each team member in order to recognise individual interests and strengths.

“We have had our salon for 23 years and we’ve always believed in our team. Every individual makes a difference.”

Winner: Brendan Molloy, South William Clinic

Brendan Molloy has helped make South William Clinic one of Ireland's most esteemed destinations in the past eight years, as the business has gone from strength-to-strength.

With three prime locations now in Dublin – in the city centre, Terenure and Clontarf – the business is known for its world-class treatment offering, having invested in the latest cutting-edge technologies to deliver the best possible results for clients.

Offering tailor-made solutions across its four pillars of skin, laser, aesthetics and body, and stocking over 20 of the world's best cosmeceutical skincare brands, Molloy is extremely proud of the brand he has built through hard work and dedication. His passion for the business shines through everything he and the team do, and he is involved in every area, from client service through to the treatment menu.

A passionate and dedicated leader in the industry, Molloy strives to inspire his team and colleagues to reach for the stars and achieve greatness, both individually and together.

With a solid vision for the future of the business, he feels like he is only just getting started as he plans the next step for South William Clinic.

“It feels amazing to have won. I wasn’t expecting it at all! I want to thank all the staff at the clinic because we have the best team in the world.”

Winner: Jade Connor, Ashleigh Kelly Hairdressing

Jade Connor always had a passion for hair and art, and began her hairdressing career straight after she finished school. She attended college for a year, obtaining her Fetac Level 5, before joining the team at Ashleigh Kelly Hairdressing, where she completed her apprenticeship.

Working in this salon for the past nine years, she has continued to train and upskill in a range of areas. From cutting to colouring, she enjoys every aspect of hairdressing, always keeping an eye out for a new trend or technique that she can try out on her clients.

With her winning collection Prismatic, she wanted to create an elegant flow of colours, from deep coppers to softer hues. Focusing on how a prism would allow light to shine through to create a reflection of different shades, she used this concept to bring her Prismatic look to life.

Light bouncing off the various tones helps creates a vivid copper tonal direction, resulting in gradient peach hues. The shades chosen blend harmoniously together, as Prismatic captures a mix of intriguing, airy, light and romantic notes.

“For me, winning is a massive achievement. I want to thank my boss Ashleigh Kelly, and the team at the salon, for their support and encouragement.”

Winner: Clare O’ Hanlon, Boost Beauty Solutions

Clare O' Hanlon believes that human beings are lifelong learners, and that effective training is the foundation of long-term success within the hair and beauty sector. Her decision to work as an educator has been influenced by her experience as a successful beauty therapist. Her passion for education grew from her own achievements as a therapist and a desire to help others thrive.

As an educator, she strives to provide an engaging approach to learning. She has evolved her training sessions by trying different approaches and methods to deliver education, adapting as she discovered what works best for individuals.

For instance, PowerPoint presentations offer visual support; storytelling brings skincare experiences to life; and the use of active learning is encouraged through DIY facials and practising treatments on live models.

To support ongoing learning, she established a private Facebook page with pre-recorded Zoom sessions, covering topics such as product delivery systems and specific skin conditions.

Her aim is to create a motivating environment where therapists realise that learning extends far beyond the initial training sessions, and should continue throughout their careers.

“I am honoured to have won this award. I would like to thank my co-director Marsha Abrahams, who has been with me for 10 years since starting the business.”

Winner: Jodie Quinn, House of Colour

A manager at House of Colour and a previous member of the Irish Hairdressers Federation Star Team, Jodie Quinn is passionate about her role a hairdresser, which sees her combine her creative flair and talent with her leadership skills on the salon floor.

Prism is Quinn's winning collection, which is about creating moments of colour brilliance through different angles and shapes. These colours depend on how light hits the shape a certain way. Every time the shape moves, the colour moves with it, which is a core theme within Prism.

“It’s a privilege to have your work recognised, especially in an evergrowing industry where the standard is already so high. A special thanks to all at House of Colour.”

The collection focuses on precise angles and how the human eye reacts to light. When ordinary white light goes through a prism, it can separate into its constituent colours, and is called a spectrum.

Quinn wanted to show this through her colour choices and placement within the hair. Each model shows a different angle, and how each angle alters the light and overall finish. A slight tilt of the head can completely change the viewer's perspective.

Winner: Julio Sartori, The Salon at The Shelbourne

With a wide range of qualifications from education centres such as The London School of Beauty and Make-Up in the UK, and Make Up Forever Academy and LA College of Creative Arts in Dublin, Julio Sartori's commitment to continuous learning has given him a comprehensive understanding of make-up artistry, and the ability to create a wide range of looks for clients.

As a professional make-up artist, client care is crucial to his work. He always carries out a detailed consultation to thoroughly understand the client's needs and preferences. This includes assessing their skin type and discussing their desired look with them. He then tailors the treatment to their specific requirements, ensuring that they leave feeling satisfied with the final results.

He also strives to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that puts clients at ease and helps them relax during the treatment.

Afterwards, he provides clients with aftercare advice that helps them maintain their make-up look for as long as possible. This includes recommendations for specific products that will help them care for their skin and prolong the life of their make-up, as well as tips for removing make-up safely and effectively.

“Winning is an honour. I am so grateful to the industry and judges, and for the support from my amazing clients and The Shelbourne. Thank you all for believing in my craft.”

Winner: Ailesbury Clinic

With locations in Dublin and Cork, Ailesbury Clinic provides aesthetic procedures, such as dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle injections, body contouring, fat reduction and laser treatment options, in addition to a full dermatology service. It strives to ensure quality and excellence are standard in the delivery of all treatments, as it works with the most up-to-date clinical information and current best practice guidelines.

The expert team of aesthetic doctors, nurses and medical aestheticians acts with honesty and integrity, and every member is focused on building discreet and trusted relationships with clients in a clean and clinical environment. Each client is shown respect and treated fairly, without discrimination.

Ailesbury Clinic also runs an internship/ shadowing programme, whereby it invites five doctors from Ireland and overseas to shadow medical director Dr Patrick Treacy over a one-year period. They are offered a two-week free training module under the direction of Dr Treacy, where they can learn, discuss and improve their treatment techniques.

“We had some stiff competition in this category, and are thrilled to have won. We would not be standing here without our team in Dublin and Cork, so a big thanks to every member.”

Winner: Culture Club Beauty

Founded by Jessie O'Brien in 2018, luxury, relaxation and indulgence are at the heart of Culture Club Beauty's philosophy. From comfortable surroundings to attentive service, the salon strives to create a sanctuary where clients can unwind and rejuvenate. With seven nail desks and three pedi stations, clients can enjoy treatments with a range of brands, including The Manicure Company, Young Nails, TGB, Meraki and Perfect Match.

The highly skilled team of professionals stay up to date with the latest trends and product knowledge to ensure that clients receive the best possible service and achieve their desired results. Every staff member prioritises client needs, listening attentively to their preferences. By creating a welcoming and comfortable environment, the salon builds relationships with its clientele, leading to positive reviews and ongoing loyalty.

The Culture Club Beauty team believe they are innovative leaders within the industry. With a strong social media following that they have worked very hard to build since opening, new techniques and treatments are constantly being showcased on the salon's platforms.

The team also takes great pride in working with, and promoting, other local businesses in the area.

“We are so honoured and happy to have won this award. We are blown away by it, and are all still in shock! We really appreciate being recognised like this.”

Winner: Prof, Dr Patrick Treacy, Ailesbury Clinic

Medical director of Ailesbury Clinic, Prof, Dr Patrick Treacy is internationally recognised as a pioneer in aesthetic medicine. Within the clinic, he ensures that the most innovative aesthetic treatments, machines, protocols and products are used in order to deliver the best results for clients.

Prof, Dr Treacy begins his consultations with clients with light conversation about their life as a way to establish trust. He plays music that the client chooses to relax them and help them to open up. He believes this provides a good way of starting conversations with clients who may feel vulnerable within an aesthetic setting.

“We started our clinic 23 years ago, and were the first to introduce many treatments. I am very thankful to have won this award and receive this recognition.”

He regularly reflects on his own performance, professional values and contribution to the Ailesbury team. As director, he leads by example and encourages a culture that allows all staff to contribute and give constructive feedback on the clinic's performance.

Prof, Dr Treacy is also chairman of the Ailesbury Humanitarian Foundation, and is the driving force behind humanitarian efforts to improve the lives of children across Africa and the Third World.

Winner: Rouge Beauty & Skincare Clinic

Rouge Beauty & Skincare Clinic, which is owned by Andrea Watters, puts client service, knowledge and expertise at the heart of its offering. Now celebrating 20 years in business, the salon uses innovative cosmeceutical skincare brands, catering for all skin types and genders.

Clients’ skincare journeys begin the moment they arrive. Following skin scanning and an in-depth consultation, the therapist decides on the most suitable plan. All treatments are bespoke and clients receive light refreshments, such as freshly brewed coffee or fruit sorbet.

Treatment rooms are spacious, with personal lockers available for clients, along with calming music and scented candles for the ultimate relaxing experience.

The team plays a very important role in delivering the best service to clients, with all members attending regular training to refresh their knowledge and upskill.

In-salon training also takes place, to ensure that all staff are confident performing treatments and recommending the correct products.

After noticing that more clients were shopping online, the salon invested in an online store. Staff often do online demonstrations to explain the best way to use different products.

“I’m absolutely over the moon to have won this award – I’m totally overwhelmed by it! I would like to thank my team, my family and the community for all their support.”

Winner: Easanna Wellness & Spa at Sheen Falls Lodge

The team at Easanna is made up of skilled individuals who support each other to make sure clients get the best experience possible. By continuously learning and improving together, they take pride in their professional approach and unique energy. As a group, they believe they radiate positivity, warmth, humour and humanity.

Each morning, the team begins the day with a one-minute dance party as part of its daily briefing, which gives everyone a moment to set their mood and focus for the day.

“We are absolutely delighted to have won. It is beyond an honour, and it truly reflects the brilliant group of people that are on the team – they really are the best.”

Meanwhile, on a quarterly basis, it holds Easanna’s Big Family Team Meeting to discuss new and innovative ideas for the spa in the coming months.

With the many diverse cultures and backgrounds within the team, everyone learns from one another, as they exchange knowledge, skills and experience. Each member of the team believes in the importance of putting an effort into both departmental relationships, and relationships with clients, and all this helps to create a happy and serene atmosphere.

Winner: Aqua Sana Longford Forest

Highly Commended: Thermal Spa Village, Galgorm

Aqua Sana Longford Forest has four zones, with 21 experiences, including saunas, steam rooms, sensory showers, reflexology foot baths, an outdoor pool, hot tubs, an express beauty area and a café bar with outdoor terrace.

As a spa, it focuses on its natural setting and the benefits this brings. The special location, right in the heart of nature, helps guests to feel renewed, as they unwind and let go of the stresses of daily life.

With excellent service and treatment quality among its top priorities, therapists at the spa must be trained to Level 5 in beauty therapy or equivalent. On joining the company, they complete an induction to gain an in-depth understanding of the brand and its ethos. Each member is ultimately equipped with the skills to deliver a memorable guest experience.

Center Parcs also offers a range of apprenticeships, coaching and mentoring opportunities, and a Women's Development Programme, designed to empower female employees. It also recently created a new Aqua Sana Spa Training Coordinator role to give the company greater capabilities to deliver in-house training.

The scoring in this category was so close that Thermal Spa Village, Galgorm was Highly Commended by the judges.

“It feels fantastic to have won this award. It’s lovely for the team to be recognised for all the hard work they’ve put in, delivering a five-star experience.”

Winner: Rachael Foley, Ómra Beauty

Rachael Foley is the owner of Ómra Beauty in Dublin, and has been the driving force behind the business's success since she opened it 10 years ago. In the salon, she specialises in beauty therapies for clients undergoing cancer treatment, as she provides a nurturing space for them to forget about their illness for a short time, and simply enjoy being pampered.

She also takes feedback from clients and develops treatments for their specific needs – for example, she recently designed her Back Beauty Treatment, which is a decongesting facial for the back.

“This award is a recognition of the passion and dedication I've poured into this industry. It is dedicated to my beautiful sister Amber and my team at Ómra.”

With a major focus on client service at all times, she strives on a daily basis to ensure that each and every one is given a superior experience, and that they leave the salon feeling heard, valued, cared for, educated and relaxed.

With over 60 qualifications, she is continually upskilling. Currently doing a business degree in UCD, she has undertaken courses in creative merchandising; sign language; and equality, diversity and inclusion.