County Armagh’s beauty industry is booming. That’s what five of Northern Ireland’s most celebrated beauty professionals have declared – the judging panel for the NI Beauty Excellence Awards proudly sponsored by West Coast Cooler, as the Award’s finalists are revealed.
Two business from Armagh and Loughgall have been announced as finalists in the Awards: The Barber, Armagh – Barber’s / Male Grooming Salon of the Year; and EMC Beauty, Loughgall – Nail Salon of the Year.
Scissor Sister Camlough has been shortlisted in the Hair Salon of the Year category. Also from Camlough, Rouge Beauty & Skincare Clinic, has been shortlisted in the Beauty & Skincare Salon of the Year category.
Elizabeth Sands Beauty School Ltd in Portadown has been shortlisted in the Hair / Beauty Training Provider of the Year category.
Dr Emma Clinics, from Newry has been shortlisted in the Aesthetics Clinic of the Year category and Excellence in Marketing, while Younique Beauty Salon, also in Newry, a finalist in the Beauty & Skincare Salon of the Year category.
It’s been a challenging 24 months for the industry, but their determination and resilience has been evidenced by not only keeping their businesses running, but the sector’s salons, clinics, spas, innovators, hairdressers, nail technicians and specialists are putting Northern Ireland on the map for beauty innovation bringing new treatments, products and expansions to these shores.
Makeup and Skincare specialist Katrina Doran, who is one of the five judges that have whittled the hundreds of entries down to finalists, said they had the toughest job deliberating their winners this year.
Katrina commented: “The pride and inspiration that we have for this industry after reading through the entries for the Awards this year is not surprising, but I am so inspired to read how so many have overcome various obstacles to push through the challenges, and to even achieve some major growth since our last awards ceremony in 2019.
“A lot has changed since then, but the tenacity of our industry shines through every one of the entries we received, and we are so excited to share the list of finalists today.”
Katrina is joined on the panel by multi award winning Hair stylist and owner of Stafford Hair, Paul Stafford, Bellamianta owner and entrepreneur Linda Stinson, Medical Director at Woodford Medical Dr Mervyn Patterson and Elanna Percherle, a local beauty entrepreneur and founder of Pearl Beauty.
Organisers received more than double the amount of entries from the Awards’ inaugural event in 2019, with Innovation of the Year, Product of the Year – which champions homegrown products developed in Northern Ireland – and Beauty and Skincare Salon of the year amongst the most popular categories for 2022.
Sarah Weir, Director at Weir Events which created the Awards added; “It’s fair to say this industry has chosen to use the past couple of years as an opportunity rather than a hindrance, and have created new experiences and products for consumers in Northern Ireland, and more around the world. The growth and innovation our entrants have shared with us is incredibly inspiring. Where our entrants were met with challenges, they saw opportunities for growth and have made a huge impact locally and on the industry worldwide.
“We are very excited about honouring all of our finalists and winners in May, and bringing the industry together for the celebration they hugely deserve!”
Laura Shiels, Brand Manager from title sponsor West Coast Cooler added: “Congratulations to all of the finalists for the 2022 NI Beauty Excellence Awards, It’s an exciting time for the industry and West Coast Cooler are looking forward to being able to celebrate with you all on the night.”
The 2022 NI Beauty Excellence Awards will be hosted by TV personality Pamela Ballantine and will take place at the Crowne Plaza Belfast on Sunday, May 15, 2022.
