New lash and brow salon opens in Dublin city centre

A new lash and brow salon in Dublin is the brainchild of Maura Healy, who says she came up with the idea for her business during lockdown.

Located on Wicklow St in the city centre, Alchemy Lab has a focus on creative and innovative lash and brow treatments, and services include microblading, brow lamination, threading, bespoke tinting and lash extensions.

Healy spent 11 years as a brow technician, building her skills in a range of salons in Ireland, the UK and Australia, and recently returned from a year-long trip around the world.

“I dreamt up Alchemy Lab during lockdown,” she said. “ I'd just gotten back from my trip. My original plan at the start of the year was to run retreats in Mexico by the end of this year, but the travel bans sent me back to the drawing board. I turned back to my craft and decided to go with an idea of a brow studio, which had been in my mind for years.

“Business is going well, considering I opened post-lockdown. I am growing my clients daily, but it can be unpredictable. For example, a Monday may be booked out, but a Thursday might have just a few appointments. There's no way to gauge the bookings right now. My hope for the rest of the year is to avoid another lockdown. I am currently working on developing a new product and I'd love to have that on sale for Christmas 2020.”

Now Alchemy Lab has joined forces with the Dress For Success charity, which was first brought to Ireland by stylist and Lennon Courtney designer Sonya Lennon. Dress For Success has two Irish centres in Dublin and Cork, and is part of a larger global charity to empower women. By giving women the skills, development tools and professional attire, the aim is to empower them by gaining employment and economic independence. Healy has teamed up MUA Judy Wong, and the pair are assisting with beauty side of Dress for Success.

“It was so important for me when setting up the business to give back,” said Healy. “I knew I wanted to work with a charity, and when I discovered Dress for Success, it just struck a chord with with me. I want to help and empower women and this just seemed like the perfect match for me. We've already helped 30 women in the time we've been open.”