Irish hair and beauty professionals were among the winners at the recent Image PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2024, which recognised outstanding women in 13 categories.
CEO and founder of The Smooth Company Aine Kennedy won the Young Businesswoman of the Year (under 35) category.
Entirely self-financed, Kennedy founded The Smooth Company in 2022 after she spent eight years working in the beauty sector and undertook a degree in entrepreneurship from Maynooth University.
Among The Smooth Company's products is the Smooth Stick, which is now on sale in selected Peter Mark salons. Kennedy continues to grow her distribution in Ireland, the UK and the US.
“It’s only an event like this and you can take a step back and actually look at how far you’ve come and celebrate your achievements,” she said. “It’s been a very busy few months and you’re constantly onto the next thing, so it’s incredible to be able to stand back. These awards are inspiring, powerful, amazing and enjoyable. I definitely didn’t think we would be shortlisted and here we are. It’s fabulous.”
Meanwhile, co-founder of Seabody Dr Helena McMahon won the Start-up of the Year category. Seabody is an all-Irish circular health and beauty brand. Based in Tralee, Co Kerry, its marine plant-based skincare and supplements are powered by marine molecules, which the company has sustainably isolated from Irish, organic seaweed using clean zero waste technologies.
The brand has recently begun partnering with spas, including The Castle Spa at Dromoland Castle in Co Clare and Easanna Wellness & Spa in Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare, Co Kerry.
Seabody is the first Irish brand to receive the Butterfly Mark, a global ESG excellence award for luxury brands.
