In a remarkable achievement, Hair By Aine, a hair salon nestled in the scenic surroundings of west Wicklow, has secured the prestigious title of “Best Customer Experience” at the esteemed Irish Hair & Beauty Awards. The glittering event took place at Dublin’s Crowne Plaza Hotel and served as a resounding testament to the salon’s exceptional dedication to its clientele.
Although Hair By Aine has been gracing the beauty scene for just over two years, its triumphant win at the national level is a significant accomplishment. Notably, the salon was also recognized as a nominee in the highly competitive “Best Hair Salon” category for the Mid-Leinster region.
The recognition is a momentous milestone for Baltinglass entrepreneur Aine Foley, the driving force behind this flourishing enterprise. She embarked on this entrepreneurial journey during the challenging times of the pandemic, establishing a one-woman operation that has since captured the hearts of her loyal customers.
Aine Foley’s salon has blossomed into a beloved haven known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, as well as the personalized and intimate experiences she offers to each client. Expressing her elation following the awards ceremony, Aine remarked, “It was a huge honor to even be nominated for an award, considering I’m not in business that long, so to actually win one goes beyond anything I could have ever imagined.”
Aine expressed her gratitude towards her clients for their nominations and votes, emphasizing her commitment to providing a deeply personal experience that resonates with them. She continued, “I have never entered any awards before, but this one is quite different, as it’s more about recognizing the business side of things, so to be nominated for two awards – it’s a great confidence boost and a bit of a nod that the business is moving in the right direction.”
A Baltinglass native, Aine Foley’s journey began in the summer of 2021 when she transformed a disused shed on her property into a captivating, fully-equipped salon. Departing from the conventional salon experience she had been a part of for years, Aine has been relentless in her pursuit of a personalized approach that places her clients at the center of attention.
In her own words, “I’m really delighted with how it has turned out. People really seem to appreciate that they’re getting my full attention from start to finish, and it’s my job to make them feel like they’re number one.”
As Hair By Aine continues to flourish, Aine remains grounded and committed to her unique vision. She concluded, “I don’t really plan to expand more in terms of more clients, and I’ll always keep it as a one-to-one experience. It’s served me well so far, and the clients seem to be loving it. So, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” This resounding success is not only a testament to her dedication but also a heartwarming example of thriving entrepreneurship in challenging times.
