Owner of inclusive salon in Co Cork wins award

The owner of a sensory-inclusive salon in Clonakilty, Co Cork has won an award for her innovative approach to running her business.

Practising occupational therapist (OT) Emma Connolly was presented with the Ann Beckett Occupational Therapy Award at the recent Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI) annual conference.

Connolly is the founder and owner of Flourish & Be on Pearse Street in Clonakilty, which became Ireland’s first ever autism-friendly town in 2018.

She set the business up in 2022, with inclusion being at the heart of the project. The idea for it came about when Connolly, in her work as an OT, saw how stressed and overwhelmed families were in places such as supermarkets, shopping centres and salons.

Guided by her desire to create a more accessible society, Flourish & Be is a sensory-inclusive salon for children and young adults. Open to all, the salon has a particular focus on children and clients who may benefit from a different sensory or more tailored service.

“A lot of families I work with have sensory difficulties, in particular with haircare, and I work therapeutically around this task with them,” said Connolly. “Given my role as an OT, background in hair and beauty, and expertise in environmental adaptation and universal design, I decided to open our salon based on this. We are the only occupational therapy-led salon in the county. I also provide industry-specific training to other salon owners/hairdressers to support them in providing a more inclusive service and better experience for our neurodiverse population.”

Features at Flourish & Be include various sensory stations and digital devices, while all fluorescent lighting in the space has been replaced with softer, dimmable LED fixtures to reduce any light sensitivities as required. 

Award-winning innovation

According to Odhrán Allen, CEO of AOTI, Connolly’s project is an excellent example of OT innovation that makes a real tangible difference in people’s lives.

“Emma’s salon is one of a kind in Ireland and is fully integrated within the community in Clonakilty town so that it is easily accessible to everyone,” he said. “It is a perfect example of inclusiveness, and how an environment can be respectfully tailored to meet diverse needs.”

Connolly said that winning the award reaffirms her mission and the impact the salon is making. “It represents a bridge between two worlds that might seem distinct on the surface, but share a common thread of inclusivity, empowerment and the enhancement of one's salon experience, and also quality of life,” she added.

“Inclusive hairdressing is not just about hair, it's about fostering a sense of belonging and self-esteem among individuals who might otherwise feel marginalised. This award is a recognition of the collaborative effort of my team, the clients we serve and our shared commitment to creating a more inclusive world.”