A Donegal salon owner has made the final line-up of candidates in the new series of The Apprentice, which is airing on BBC from 30 January.
Aoibheann Walsh is a native of Kerrykeel in the county and owns G&G Hair & Beauty in Letterkenny. An award-winning make-up artist, she opened the vintage-style boutique salon in 2015.
Her business plan for Lord Alan Sugar’s show is a unique patented utility belt specifically for hairdressers, make-up artists and costume designers on the go.
“In my experience within the beauty and hair industry, I noticed a significant problem – the tools that artists typically wear are often not functional, ergonomic or aesthetically appealing, nor was there any focus on hygiene,” she said.
“This realisation drove me to create a tool belt that is not only ergonomic, but also enhances the entire creative process.”
Walsh believes she deserves Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment because, like him, she has achieved her success through hard work and perseverance alone.
“This is highlighted due to my proven track record of success in one of the most lucrative industries,” she explained. “I can present a business model that maximises profit potential, while minimising risk. I have already identified a gap in the market, secured patents and developed prototypes; what I need now is an investor like Lord Sugar to amplify the reach of my products.”
Posting on social media, Walsh expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the show. “I still can’t believe I made it to the televised finals of the show out of a whopping 80,000 applicants!” she said. “This journey has been nothing short of amazing.”
