Award winners explain the benefits of entering
The inaugural PBHJ Awards, which are taking place on 7 November at Citywest in Dublin, will acknowledge the absolute best beauty, hair and spa professionals in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Organised by the team behind the Professional Beauty UK Awards and HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, they are now open for entry across all 16 categories, with the deadline extended to 30 July.
Now that the Irish hair and beauty industry has been given the green light to reopen on 10 May, this is the perfect time to enter the PBHJ Awards in your chosen category.
The UK awards in both hair, beauty and spa are hugely respected the world over and the key to their success is the rigorous judging process, and rigour and transparency will be applied to the Irish awards. By highlighting yourself – or your salon – as a PBHJ Award winner, you will stand out from your competitors to clients and fellow professionals alike. Winning offers unrivalled recognition that you are at the top of your profession.
We asked some previous winners of the Professional Beauty Awards in the UK and HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards about their experience of entering and winning, and what the achievement has meant for them, their business and teams.
PB Make-up Specialist of the Year 2019: Betsy-Dora Turner
“Winning was an overwhelming experience. The feeling of confidence in myself and belief in my skills that came from the award was something unmeasurable. I finally felt – and still do – that I could do anything I put my mind to. Dedication and passion in your career through the toughest times will pull you through.
”After winning I moved my premises to a bigger location, grew my team and now teach accredited make-up courses and have a clientele base larger than ever. The award got me into the local papers, an influx of clients and social media followings, and an amazing feeling of gratification from the industry. The whole awards ceremony is an incredible experience. For anyone who is thinking about entering them, go for it! You just never know, it could be you on that stage, winning the award for your category.”
Betsy-Dora Turner
HJ British Hairdressing Awards sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional,Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year 2019: Sharon Malcolm Hairdressing
“The awards are a great platform for you to make a name for yourself, to tell people ‘this is what I’m about, this is what I do, here I am, I love the craft’. It’s all about being passionate about what you love and half of what you do is about belief, you’ve got to have belief and you’ve got to follow those dreams.
“I’m still elated and grateful to have won. My clientele was delighted, and it also brought new business to the salon. Plus, it provides awareness and recognition for my team.”
Sharon Malcolm
PB Residential Spa of the Year 2019: Corick Country House Hotel & Spa, Co Tyrone
“It was an honour to win such a prestigious award for the business. From recognition on the night of the awards, and across all major social media outlets, to customers and clients being able to see our award in its pride of place in our spa reception, it has been a great talking point and has no doubt brought custom to our door.
“The team were overjoyed when they heard the news. We all work so hard throughout the year and to be recognised at the end is incredible. Staff morale after was at an all-time high and this shows in every area of business. Entering is only the start and I would recommend any business to do it. Once you initially select your category and apply, it is well explained and easy to complete. From getting shortlisted with other major leading businesses in beauty to attending the awards itself, it is all an experience and team-building platform we are very thankful for.”
Jenna Chambers, spa manager
HJ British Hairdressing Awards, Schwarzkopf Professional British Colour Technician of the Year 2019: Sophie Gibson and Jonathan Turner, Hooker & Young
“Winning Schwarzkopf Professional British Colour Technician of the Year was a dream come true, putting us in the same place as so many other hairdressers that we have looked up to throughout our whole career. It is something that we will be proud of for the rest of our lives. Our colour clientele has risen significantly, and it has brought a lot of new business to the salon. We’re so grateful to have received such an accolade.
“Winning this award has always been a really big ambition of mine in my career, and to hear our names being called out was such a special, surreal moment. The British Hairdressing Awards are the biggest awards in British hairdressing. Winning this has meant our Yearbook collection has had a lot of attention from international hairdressing press. I have always dreamt about seeing my work on a front cover, which has now become a reality. It has also given me an opportunity to travel and educate others, which I love. I would definitely encourage anyone who is thinking of entering the Irish awards to go for it! You have nothing to lose!”
Jonathan Turner
For more information on the categories and how to enter the PBHJ Awards click here.
