Female hair and beauty professionals win at Women of Vision Awards

The Hi Style Villa Maria Women of Vision Awards 2023 took place recently, with a number of Irish hair and beauty professionals winning at the event.

Hosted by Miriam O’Callaghan in Cork, the awards aim to recognise women from many walks of life, and from all parts of the country, who make a difference. A total of 40 women were honoured from a range of sectors, including hair, beauty and wellness.

The Women of Vision Award for Women in Hair was won by Denise Walsh from CurlyCo. Walsh is a hairdresser who moved into product development after 25 years running her Rustiq Salon business in Kilkenny. Launched this year, her CurlyCo brand is a collection of products for curly hair.

The Women of Vision Award for Women in the Beauty Industry went to Anna Forde of Haumea Skincare. Haumea is focused on creating luxury high-end skincare devices, products and accessories. Horde owns The Beauty Suite Laser & Skin Clinic in Tuam, Co Galway, and created her brand when salons were closed during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The Women of Vision Award for Director Of The Year was won by Fiona Gainfort, Gainfort Hair & Beauty. With a career spanning three decades, Gainfort runs her business while serving as an executive committee member of the Hairdressing Council of Ireland, and being a member of Wexford Chamber and Network Ireland.

The Women of Vision Award for Women Founded Brands went to Marissa Carter from Cocoa Brown Cosmetics. Carter started her business as a salon, before moving into product development to create her own tan brand, going on to add make-up to her portfolio.

“It is a great honour for me and our Hi Style brand to recognise such incredible women for what they do and for what they contribute to life,” said CEO of Hi Style Mary Jane O’ Regan.

“From the thousands of nominations that the public made for these awards, our judges decided on their choice for 2023 and I think they made an outstanding selection. I congratulate every one of our winners for their much deserved awards, and encourage them to keep doing what they do as their contribution is immense and we all appreciate them enormously.”