International Women’s Day is a United Nations–sanctioned global holiday that aims to celebrate women’s contributions to society and raise awareness to the areas of society that need to improve to reach gender equality. At No.1 Media we use it as way to amplify women’s voices and however you choose to celebrate it, we are here to listen and learn. This week we are spotlighting some of Irelands most beloved businesswomen and entrepreneurs.
Each year has an official theme, but unofficially, many people use it as a day to remember all the women that have made an impact in their lives through sharing International Women’s Day quotes, thoughtful messages, and more. Right now we are all apart so what better way to bring us together than engage some of our favourite most vibrant women in an interview.
What does your role entail?
As MD of Platinum Hair Extensions, my role is extremely varied. Although each day can differ, a working week can include meetings, events and working on the salon floor. I have set office days which allow me to follow up on important emails and phone calls. Orders and accounts are also dealt with on these days. I have meetings scheduled for the week which can include our accountant, PR executive, salon stockists and brand ambassadors. I do fittings on the salon floor to accommodate loyal clients and requests. Planning and preparing for upcoming events such as photoshoots and sponsorships are among my daily tasks and responding to social media mails after hours mean it can be hard to switch off, but Platinum is everything to me and I would not have it any other way. Holding team meetings with brain storming sessions etc are done regularly, I am constantly thinking about the brand and how to push Platinum’s presence. Some of these tasks have obviously been changed with Covid-19, meetings etc are now done via zoom with some launches being put on hold for the moment, let’s hope we get back to some kind of normality soon.
| What have been some of the biggest struggles and triumphs as a woman in business?
Although it is worth it, there’s nothing easy about business. As my dad always says, “If it was easy everyone would be doing it”. The hair industry is incredibly challenging and competitive. Platinum began from humble beginnings in a small South Anne Street studio armed with a shoestring budget, consisting of just three staff catering solely to distribution. Thankfully, a decade down the line, we now supply to more than 650 salons around Ireland and beyond from our heavenly HQ in Bluebell, we have a specialised academy and three successful salons which are in Dublin, Galway, and Cork city. Platinum is highly regarded among the industry winning many prestigious awards, recognising our accomplishments in business, hairdressing, and professional product range. Our dedicated team are constantly changing and evolving to meet and exceed industry standards. The brand has grown and expanded beyond anyone’s imagination.
What skills are important to have in your sector? To succeed in the hair and beauty Industry, I believe you need creativity and problem-solving skills.
The industry is extremely creative and competitive, you need to think outside the box to stand out. Our dedicated team are constantly coming up with innovative ideas, we are constantly changing and evolving to meet and exceed industry standards.
A big element of my role is problem solving, in day-to-day salon life and also when disaster strikes. You need to think quick and fast to find a solution in these situations. Covid-19 has hit our industry extremely hard; our sector was shut for many months last year and we are now during another closure with no end in sight yet. Platinum adapted our advanced academy to online training for the duration of level 5 restrictions.
Our waiting list hit headlines after the first lockdown of last year, generating €20,000 in deposits which enabled us to provide essential PPE for the salons and create rosters catering to the demand upon reopening.
We have also focussed on driving online sales through our social media which has been of the upmost importance during the pandemic. We were forced to adapt to the Covid catastrophe and bring in online business for the duration of our closure.
Describe the 3 characteristics about yourself that you believe led to your success in business. I would say I am dedicated, passionate and patient.
In my opinion, dedication is the key to success. You must be dedicated to your business to make it a success. Although it is worth it there’s nothing easy about business which is the slogan, I live by in challenging times reminding myself to persevere through any problems.
My passion for success, the industry and my team motivate me to up my game every day. My passion for hair grew from an early age, I was obsessed with the industry as it encourages creativity and is constantly changing. I knew I wanted to be a part of it in some shape or form and my interest in business allowed me to combine the two. The most rewarding part of Platinum is seeing the brand evolve and expand over the last decade. Everyone employed is part of the Platinum family and have contributed to the success of the brand.
You need a lot of patience in the business world. You need to believe in yourself and to have patience with your progression as your business journey enfolds. Not everyone can become an overnight success. A loyal support system and hand-picked team are essential to encourage and grow your vision., What woman has positively impacted/inspired you in your career, and what is one lesson she taught you? I have always admired and respected Oprah. She is an amazing entrepreneur and one of the most powerful people in entertainment but still maintains a level of humility and compassion. I love how she tackles important but sensitive topics and is so passionate about them. She would be an excellent spokesperson for International Women’s Day as she has overcome so much in her career and her personal life. What do you do on a regular basis to celebrate your woman self? I feel empowered as a woman when I am looking and feeling my best. Every week during lockdown I enjoy a self-care Sunday, it is my weekly ritual to relax and beautify in preparation for the busy working week ahead. I self-tan, paint my nails, groom my brows, wash and blow dry my hair and apply skincare. It gives me the feel-good factor and a sense of achievement as I admire my efforts, I would have gotten these treatments done in a salon pre pandemic. Working in my industry I like to embrace my glamorous side and my business side even if my efforts will only be seen on zoom. I believe you can combine the two.
What is a daily or weekly ritual you have that contributes to your ongoing success? Each week I take time out to destress and reflect on the week that was. I journal about my achievements and obstacles while planning my daily tasks for the week ahead. This simple ritual gives me a chance to reflect on situations, readjust my goals and organise myself for the coming week. I find it extremely therapeutic to take this time for myself as I am constantly on the go. I also read motivational books regularly to awaken my fighting spirt during difficult times.
What is something interesting you are currently working on? Personal or professional. Our HQ team are busy behind the scenes preparing our post pandemic glow up, stay tuned to see what we have in store. On a personal level I am planning my wedding to my partner Paul which will hopefully go-ahead next year without restrictions. He is my soulmate and ultimate support system, and I am extremely excited to become his wife.
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