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.
National Beauty Distribution founder Kieran Walsh won Business Director of the Year (Distributor), sponsored by Eden Beauty Group.
Tell us about your career journey to date?
I actually found the beauty industry by accident around 15 years ago. At the time, I had no experience in beauty, but I saw an opportunity to build something different and took a chance on it. What started as a very small business has grown into National Beauty Distribution, a company that today employs over 80 people and partners with some of the world’s leading beauty brands, while also creating and scaling our own Irish brands.
The journey certainly hasn’t been linear. We’ve had periods of rapid growth, difficult setbacks, economic challenges and plenty of lessons along the way. Looking back, the biggest factor in our success has been surrounding ourselves with great people, and never losing sight of the customer. Every year the business has evolved, but the core mission has remained the same: helping brands, salons, clinics and retailers grow.
What have been the highlights/moments you are most proud of?
There have been a number of milestones that stand out. Building National Beauty Distribution from a small start-up into one of Ireland’s leading beauty businesses is something I’m incredibly proud of. Seeing our own brands, particularly Bare by Vogue, become household names has also been hugely rewarding.
However, if I’m honest, the moments I’m most proud of aren’t tied to revenue or awards. They’re seeing people who joined us early in their careers develop into leaders, watching our team grow from a handful of people to more than 80, and creating jobs and opportunities here in Cork. Those are the achievements that mean the most to me.
What do you love most about the industry?
The people. The hair and beauty industry is full of ambitious, creative and resilient people. Whether it’s salon owners, therapists, distributors, educators or brand founders, I am constantly meeting people who are passionate about what they do, and willing to go the extra mile. It’s also an industry that never stands still. Consumer trends evolve, new products emerge, technology changes the way we work and there is always something new to learn. That combination of creativity and entrepreneurship is what makes it such an exciting industry to be part of.
Every successful person I know in this industry has faced challenges and setbacks – the ability to keep moving forward, adapt and learn is essential
Are there challenges in the industry, and how can they be overcome?
Like many industries, hair and beauty is facing rising costs, increasing competition and rapidly changing consumer behaviour. Customers have more choice than ever before, which means businesses have to work harder to differentiate themselves. I think the answer lies in focusing on long-term value rather than short-term wins.
Businesses that invest in education, customer experience, digital capability and strong relationships will continue to thrive. The industry is also strongest when we collaborate and share knowledge. There is a real sense of community in hair and beauty, and that’s one of its greatest strengths.
What traits do you think are most important in order to thrive in the industry?
Resilience is probably the most important. Every successful person I know in this industry has faced challenges and setbacks – the ability to keep moving forward, adapt and learn is essential. Alongside resilience, I would say curiosity and humility. The industry changes so quickly that you can never assume you have all the answers. The people who continue to grow are the ones who stay curious, keep learning and remain open to new ideas.
Were you surprised to win a Beauty, Hair & Spa Award, and what does winning mean to you?
Winning was a huge honour, but it is not something I see as an individual award. It reflects the incredible team we have built at National Beauty Distribution, the brands that trust us and the customers who support us every day. To be recognised by your peers in an industry you genuinely love is incredibly special, and it is something I am very grateful for.
What advice would you give anyone who is thinking about entering next year’s Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards?
Enter! Too often, people assume they haven’t achieved enough or that someone else is more deserving. The process of entering actually gives you a chance to reflect on how far you’ve come and what you’ve achieved.
My advice would be to tell your story honestly. Focus on the impact you’ve made, the challenges you’ve overcome and what makes your business unique. The industry is full of incredible people doing incredible things, and these awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate that success. Winning is wonderful, but taking part can be an incredibly valuable experience too. If you’re nominated, make a night of it with your team and let them all enjoy the celebrations together.
Are you thinking about entering the Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards 2027? If so, you can register your interest here.
