Known for their picture-perfect manicures and quality client care, Belle Beauty has this week celebrated its move to a prominent corner premises on Barrack Street, Armagh.
Owner, Kirsty Frazer (23) first opened the doors to Belle Beauty four years ago at McCrum’s Court – a premises she believes was ‘fantastic for starting out’ – but her dream of having a bigger ‘main street’ site has now been fully realised with the move to number 34.
Speaking to Armagh I Kirsty said: “The day and hour I got into McCrum’s court it was fantastic for starting out but I knew I wanted onto a main street and wanted something bigger. But literally every property viewing there has been in Armagh over the last few years I’ve been there and seen it.
“A lot of the premises needed refurbishment and I saw that Barrack Street came up and it had been refurbished and it was a beauty salon before so all I had to do was paint it and put up my sign!”
Business-minded and beauty-loving Kirsty played to her strengths from a young age – ditching the academic route that so many of her friends chose – opting instead to trust her gut and follow her vocation.
By age 19, the Newtownhamilton woman had developed a client base, a brand image and a business.
Said Kirsty: “I felt like I knew enough to make a start. But looking back, I knew absolutely nothing and was totally winging it but it’s worked out some how!”
The ‘some how’ Kirsty so humbly refers to is most likely attributable to her hard work, professionalism and perseverance.
“I opened March 4, 2020; two weeks before lockdown hit. It was the worst possible timing”, continued Kirsty.
“It was so hard I honestly thought the whole venture was over after about two weeks but I struggled and got through it.
“I was doing a lot of social media, selling skincare and teeth whitening products at home and driving around the country delivering products to people’s homes just because it was some form of income coming in.”
Her determination to succeed won out and the young entrepreneur now looks back on those early days with a new perspective.
She added: “The thing I’ve learnt most is to have confidence in myself.”
Today, her new-found confidence extends to her new premises which offers a nail area, two treatment rooms and kitchen area – all to be enjoyed alongside experienced new team member, Mykenzie Cartmill who joined Belle Beauty in January 2024.
Together, the two specialists share a wealth of knowledge gained through competition across the UK, with Kirsty holding a Silver medal and Mykenzie holding a gold medal from World Skills.
With an extra pair of perfectly polished hands, Belle Beauty now offer an array of treatments including manicures, waxing, brow treatments, massage and facial treatments.
The pair are now ready to welcome their beloved patrons through their new, freshly painted door.
Belle Beauty can be found at 34 Barrack Street, Armagh and are open Tuesday – Saturday. Their full list of opening hours, treatments and contact information for booking appointments can be found via their Facebook page here.
