With 19 years of experience in hairdressing, Micheala Bailie from Armagh knows all the tricks of the trade to help keep a salon thriving.
She began her career in the industry at the ripe age of 16 and while she did live in Spain briefly, she returned to her hometown and went to SRC to undertake a three-year course in hairdressing.
This month, Micheala is celebrating five years of her salon – Divine Hair – which has proved highly successful since it opened on the Cathedral Road.
A busy mum of two boys – Niadh and Ruadh – she recently returned to work from maternity leave just four weeks after having Ruadh, motivated solely by what she says is, “the love of the job and not wanting to let her clients down”.
Alongside Micheala is Jodie, who is currently in training with a strong clientele built up already in this early stage of her career.
Throughout her career, Micheala has built up her knowledge and experience by working in different salons, while building a reputable client base with her clients “becoming her friends”.
A true testament to her crafty skills and friendly approach, she boasts a list of clients on her books right back to when she first started hairdressing 19 years ago.
Said Micheala: “I love working in Armagh and having my own business because it becomes that bit more personal. You can become friends with your clients and get to truly know them and what they like.
“I love seeing all my clients walk through the door. I get excited to have a catch-up with them!”
Micheala says the secret to her success is by “building bonds, having fun with clients and frequently attending courses to keep up with the latest trends and styles to keep her skills current.
“I like everyone to come in and talk to each other,” she explained. “Then the clients become friendly with one another. Most of the time, I have the same clients coming in and they’re always here together. As time goes on, they get to know each other and bonds are built sitting in my salon chairs.
“My clients are why I love my job. There are clients that I’ve had for years that I’ve went through so many life events with. Whether it be big birthdays, babies, engagements or weddings, we all grew up with each other and get to share big milestones – both ups and downs.
“My first son, Niadh, is now 12 and I remember my client giving me a baby gift when he was first born. Now, 12 years later, that same client recently gave me a gift for my five-month-old boy, Ruadh.
“I have one client who has been with me from the start when I was 16 and I remember doing her hair for her first date with her now husband. Right down to 19 years later and I am doing her children’s hair!”
To celebrate the 5th anniversary, Divine Hair has been revamped with a fresh lick of paint and luxurious golden wallpaper.
You’ll still find the same top-quality brands that make Divine Hair special, including Kemon and Redken, alongside all the popular treatments, such as: keratin blow-dries, extensions, colouring, cuts, perming, blow-dries and up styles.
Gift sets and gift vouchers are also available to buy in the salon – the perfect gift for any hair care lovers!
Reflecting on her time in Divine Hair, Micheala says she loves being right beside the Cathedral in Armagh.
“I can’t believe we’ve made it this far,” she said. “Five years is a real milestone for me because I opened in November 2019 and then the first lockdown came in March 2020 and brought with it months of unease.
“As I was a new business, I wasn’t entitled to any help or funding, so every lockdown was a very scary and bumpy time. The only positive was that every time lockdown eased, business was booming, and my hours were full of clients who’d been waiting months to get their hair done.
“It was definitely scary taking the plunge to open, but I am delighted that five years on, the phone is still ringing, clients have stayed loyal, and the business continues to grow.”
Divine Hair is open four days a week, Wednesday to Saturday. You can find out more information by visiting their Facebook page here.
