Blush New Salon

The journey: Gill and Niamh have over 20 years experience in the hairdressing industry. From the beginning of their careers, they wanted to start their own business. But they didn’t want to open an anonymous salon in a large shopping centre. Instead, they longed to bring their expertise to a local area where they could get involved with the community and become an integral part of the neighbourhood. When the premises at Barnhall Centre, Leixlip became available it seemed like their ideal location, and they soon decided that this was the moment to make their dreams come true. After putting together their business plan they presented it to the Credit Union in order to raise the necessary funds. The Credit Union provided amazing support with both finance and advice, and their negotiations were successful. Gill and Niamh were working in the same salon at the time and were full of trepidation when they handed in their notice to their employer. Fortunately, she was very encouraging and supportive of their new adventure, and they deeply appreciated her response. Inspiration in creating a design for the salon:

Even before they had received the keys to the salon, Niamh and Gill had a vision of a place of luxury, tranquillity and relaxation. Since the premises needed considerable work, they engaged highly skilled professional tradespeople they could rely on to turn their concept into reality. They had decided from the start to name the salon ‘Blush,’ so there were clearly going to be shades of blush pink throughout the interior. Searching up and down the country for high quality furniture, they tried out many chairs to ensure comfort for their clients. Finally, they chose the

best possible Welonda furniture from Richard Barry and his team at Xpert Professional, and invested in massage chairs for the clients’ ultimate relaxation at the wash area. A great deal of thought went into each and every element of the exquisite décor, as Niamh and Gill carefully investigated and selected the mirrors, tiles, lights, and scented candles that became part of the final design. After spending many days and nights examining and changing mood boards to ensure that everything was perfect, they were delighted with the outcome. They also wanted to include in the design an acknowledgement of their wild side, reflecting the big chance they took in opening their own business. With this in mind they included a small wall of tropical prints, reminding them of how they spread their wings, showed off their tropical plumage and flew way, way up into the sky. It also reminds them how far they have come in the world and how they want to nurture and encourage new talent in the industry. Products used and stocked

Wishing to offer the best to their clients, Niamh and Gill relied on their long working experience to select a variety of products that signal excellence in hair care and design. For this reason, Blush Hair Consultancy uses Alfaparf hair colour and stocks Semi di Lino and Olaplex products. The opening: On 30th April this year, the doors to the salon opened. Niamh and Gill have employed an exceptional team of highly skilled staff who have greatly contributed to the creativity and success of the business. What sets Blush apart from other salons is that it brings to the local community the full range of services that clients would expect from a highcalibre salon – not only excellent colour, restyle, cut and blow-dry, but also high-end hair extensions. The salon is exceptionally busy when specific events, such as communions, confirmations, weddings and other important occasions, require more elaborate styles and services. The stylists are adept at creating pretty ponytails and romantic updos, adding additional feminine details, such as flowers and braids, for bridal parties and other special moments. Gill and Niamh believe that behind every confident person is an experienced stylist capable of bringing out the best in their clients. This is what they are putting into practice with their new business venture.

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