Our Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards 2026 winners series sees us interviewing our trophy recipients about their career and business, and what it takes to thrive in the industry.
Ómra Beauty won Beauty Salon of the Year, sponsored by Bioline Jatò, with owner Rachael Foley answering our questions.
Tell us about your career journey to date?
My journey into the beauty industry began over 23 years ago with a genuine passion for helping people feel good about themselves. From the very start, I was fascinated by the connection between wellbeing, confidence and professional beauty treatments. What started as a love for the industry developed into a lifelong commitment to education, personal growth and client care.
Throughout my career, I have invested heavily in continuous professional development, completing more than 60 qualifications across beauty, holistic therapies, oncology aesthetics, management, inclusivity, marketing and business. I firmly believe that education is one of the greatest investments we can make in ourselves and our clients.
In 2013, I took the leap and opened Ómra Beauty in Dublin 4. Building a business from the ground up has been both challenging and rewarding. Over the past 13 years, we have grown into an award-winning salon with an incredible team, a loyal client base of over 5,400 active clients, and a reputation for excellence, compassion and professionalism. Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for every client, team member, mentor and industry colleague who has been part of that journey.
What have been the highlights/moments you are most proud of?
Winning Beauty Salon of the Year at the Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards is undoubtedly one of the proudest moments of my career, particularly after also winning the title in 2024. To be recognised by industry experts amongst so many talented salons is an incredible honour.
However, some of my proudest moments happen away from the stage. Seeing clients regain confidence after illness, supporting them through cancer treatment with oncology-safe therapies, helping expectant mothers through pregnancy massage, mentoring therapists as they develop their careers, and watching team members grow in confidence and skill are all moments that remind me why I chose this profession.
I am also incredibly proud of the culture we have created at Ómra Beauty. We have worked hard to build a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment where both clients and team members feel valued, respected and cared for.
What do you love most about the industry?
What I love most is the ability to make a meaningful difference in someone's day. Beauty is often viewed as a luxury, but in reality it can be so much more, as a treatment can provide relaxation during a stressful period, restore confidence after illness, offer a safe space to talk, or simply give someone an hour to focus on themselves.
I also love that our industry never stands still. There is always something new to learn, new treatments to discover and new ways to improve the client experience. The opportunity to continue learning and evolving is something I find incredibly exciting. Most importantly, I love the people. The relationships we build with clients over many years are truly special. It is a privilege to share in so many important moments of their lives.
Beauty is often viewed as a luxury, but in reality it can be so much more, as a treatment can provide relaxation during a stressful period, restore confidence after illness, offer a safe space to talk, or simply give someone an hour to focus on themselves
Are there challenges in the industry and how can they be overcome?
Like many industries, beauty faces challenges, including rising business costs, staff recruitment and retention, and the increasing pressure created by social media trends and unrealistic expectations.
I believe many of these challenges can be overcome through investment in education, mentorship and professionalism. As salon owners and industry leaders, we have a responsibility to support the next generation of therapists, create positive workplaces and provide clear career progression opportunities.
I also believe the industry benefits when we support rather than compete against one another. Sharing knowledge, encouraging high standards and celebrating each other's achievements helps elevate the profession as a whole.
Most importantly, we must continue to educate clients about safe, professional treatments and the value of receiving services from qualified and insured therapists. Professionalism and integrity will always be our greatest strengths.
What traits do you think are most important in order to thrive in the industry?
Passion is essential because this industry requires genuine dedication. However, passion alone is not enough. Compassion is equally important. Technical skills can be taught, but caring about people and wanting to make a positive difference in their lives is what creates truly exceptional therapists.
Adaptability is another key trait. Trends, technologies and client expectations constantly evolve, and those who embrace learning will always stay ahead.
Finally, resilience is vital. Running a business or building a successful career in beauty requires determination, perseverance and the willingness to keep learning from both successes and setbacks.
The most successful professionals I know never stop learning, and never lose sight of why they entered the industry in the first place.
Were you surprised to win a Beauty, Hair & Spa Award, and what does winning mean to you?
Absolutely. Whenever you enter awards, you know you are standing alongside some of the most talented professionals and businesses in the country. The standard across our industry is incredibly high, so winning is never something you take for granted.
When Ómra Beauty was announced as Beauty Salon of the Year 2026, my overwhelming feeling was gratitude. Gratitude to our wonderful clients who trust us year after year, to the judges for recognising the standards we strive to uphold every day and, most importantly, to my incredible team.
While receiving the award was a proud moment personally, one of the most special parts of the evening was watching my team celebrate their achievement. Over the years, I have had the privilege of mentoring, supporting and encouraging them as they developed their skills, confidence and careers. To see them standing there, knowing how hard they work and how much they genuinely care for our clients, was incredibly emotional.
As a salon owner, there is something uniquely rewarding about watching people grow and flourish. Seeing team members develop from promising therapists into confident, accomplished professionals who truly shine in their own right is one of the greatest rewards this industry can offer. Knowing they felt recognised for the dedication, compassion and professionalism they bring to work every day gave me an immense sense of pride.
What advice would you give anyone who is thinking about entering next year's Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards?
Enter! So many talented professionals and businesses underestimate themselves and never put themselves forward. Awards are not just about winning; they are an opportunity to reflect on your achievements, celebrate your team and recognise how far you have come.
Be authentic in your entry. Share your story, your challenges and your successes honestly. Don't focus solely on turnover or growth figures. Talk about the impact you have on your clients, your team and your community.
Most importantly, don't wait until you think everything is perfect. Excellence is not perfection. It is commitment, consistency, passion and a genuine desire to provide the very best experience possible.
The Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards shine a light on the incredible talent within our industry. Whether you leave with a trophy or not, the process itself can be an incredibly valuable and rewarding experience. We are incredibly proud to be part of such a supportive, inspiring and passionate industry, and we look forward to seeing even more amazing businesses put themselves forward next year.
Are you thinking about entering the Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards 2027? If so, you can register your interest here.
