Role: Makeup Artist & Beauty Therapist
Company: Louise Donnelly Makeup & Beauty Studio
Track Record:
Starting over and following her dream has led to Louise running her own successful business.
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
I started off as a bank official with Ulster Bank while working towards getting all the qualifications I needed to get me on the road to my dream career in the beauty industry. The long hours spent studying paid off and five years ago I took the plunge and opened my first salon on a part-time basis from a log cabin at the side of my house. My business was growing steadily and after a relatively short time I decided it was time to resign from my banking job and work full time for myself. Thankfully my regular client base had grown very quickly and I needed more space so I moved into my first main street premises in Ballycastle. At the end of last year larger premises became available, which ironically was a redundant branch of a local bank, and I opened my latest studio.
What was your favourite subject at school?
I didn’t really have a favourite subject to be honest, I went to a fantastic school, I loved sport and we had a laugh every day, the teachers were amazing.
Did you go on to further/ higher education, if so what did you study and where?
Yes, I left school and went to Liverpool Hope University and completed a degree in Early Years and Education with the intention of going into teaching.
How did you get into your area of work?
I worked full time in the Ulster Bank and I had just had my first child, I quickly realised what I wanted to do with my life and that really got me excited. I remember being so nervous about telling everyone that I was thinking of going back to ‘school’ but my husband really encouraged me, the only problem was I hadn’t a clue where to begin. I spent hours researching online and eventually found the qualifications needed, I followed my gut instinct and decided to go for it. I got a loan to pay the fees and enrolled with the Bronwyn Conroy Beauty School Belfast and graduated later that year with distinction. I then enrolled with The Nail Room, Belfast and successfully qualified as a nail technician. I continued to work Monday to Friday full-time in the bank and travelled the 120 mile round trip to Belfast on a Monday evening and on a Saturday, rain, hail or snow!
Is this what you always wanted to do?
Beauty was always my passion. I recently found a copy of a business plan that I had produced in 4th year as part of my GCSE coursework on how to set up a beauty salon – crazy! I remember sitting for hours just painting and repainting my nails, never thinking I could have made a successful career out of it, I hadn’t the confidence. I would book myself into salons to get treatments done just to soak up the atmosphere and watch what everyone was doing. I loved it. I knew deep down I always wanted to be a beauty therapist, I had toyed with the idea of leaving university but I knew how important it was to finish my course. I honestly believe it’s impossible to know for sure until you have a go at something to find out if it’s for you.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
I had to complete a diploma in Aesthetics so I could carry out basic beauty treatments and I qualified as a nail technician. Following this I enrolled on the Ciara Daly Foundation Makeup Course and qualified in Makeup Techniques and Application. My most recent training session was with the amazing PLouise Makeup Academy in Manchester. I believe you never stop learning, and time spent finding out who is best in class and aiming for that level is time well spent.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
Yes, there are definitely alternative routes, local colleges offer amazing courses and there are some fantastic educators available locally. I chose the route that felt right for me, I needed the income from my full-time job to pay the bills as going back to college full time was not an option.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
My job requires an amalgamation of different skills. Enthusiasm and dedication are essential, together with great social skills. A good sense of humour is important and you should be approachable and understanding.
What does a typical day entail?
The job can entail long hours; sometimes working a seven-day week. Every day brings something new, we are always on the go. I have a fantastic team and we all work really well together.
We are always on the lookout for something new, from the latest trend in nail art to the quirkiest look from the catwalk. We are lucky enough that our salon is fully booked most days and we thrive on a buzzing atmosphere. Our clients come to us for the experience as much as for a treatment and we appreciate each and every one.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
I’ll start with the most challenging and keep the best for last. Many working parents experience a daily struggle with time spent apart from their children. I work exceptionally long hours and as a full time working mum it can be difficult. However, I have the support of an amazing husband and family, without them I’d be lost. The best part of this job is undoubtedly the clients. My aim is to offer the absolute best and this is what keeps me going.
Why is what you do important?
Because it is all about people, our clients are what keeps this dream alive. I cannot explain how it feels when you have finished someone’s makeup and see how blown away they are by what you’ve done. You watch their confidence soar. How we make our clients feel is what’s important.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Do your research, find a way and just do it.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
I would remind myself of the quote ‘The minute you stop being brave you become stale’.
Describe your ideal day off.
A lazy day with the family, phones off, PJs on, TV, food…bliss.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Be clear in your own mind what you really want to do. Don’t settle for second best, stick to your goals and go after them, you never know where it may lead.