Lavender Hair Design in Macroom, Co Cork has opened a second salon in Killarney, Co Kerry.
Lavender Hair Design is owned by Patricia McCarthy, who opened her Macroom business in 2020. Last year she moved it to the premises next door, going from a four-seater salon to a 12-seater one, with additional staff joining the team.
The new Killarney outlet is a three-seater salon that includes a coffee bar area where clients can relax. Lisa Palmer is the resident stylist, while Carthy also has two beauty rooms rented out to therapists Hanna and Sheena.
According to McCarthy, the business is doing very well since it opened. “It’s going great. I thought the first month would be quiet, but it’s been busy. Word of mouth is a huge help, as is Instagram – we can do free marketing any time with it. We also use Phorest's online booking system for both salons, so clients can book any day, any time, from anywhere.”
She's also finding running the two salons very manageable, which she puts down to the work of her team. “Don’t get me wrong, juggling everything is hard. But Tori, who is amazing and works front of house, is training to be our salon manager. Dedicating roles to staff members is a must if you want to grow you business. Our Macroom stylist Nadine is going to be undergoing training to be an Irish Hairdressing Apprenticeship mentor. I have plans for all my team to grow over the next year. I am open with them about the plans for the company, and I am open to suggestions and ideas from them. Communication is key.”
With staff shortages in the hair and beauty industry well-documented, McCarthy says that recruitment can be a challenge. “Sometimes it works out, but sometimes I advertise for someone and don't receive any CVs. I've been lucky, but I don't think it’s not going to pick up unless industry training and opportunities pick up.
“We need to work harder on showing the younger school generation how fun and challenging a career in hairdressing can be, not to mention the huge opportunities that come with it. I have a huge passion for my industry and its people. When I was in sixth year in secondary school and I wanted to be a hairdresser, I did not think I'd own two salons today. Education is key to keeping our beautiful industry alive.”