Twenty-two-year-old business owner from Irvine, Dara Howe, “couldn’t believe” it when she was announced as a finalist in the UK Hair and Beauty Awards in the Rising Star and Best in Aesthetics categories.
The Irvine beauty therapist founded her own business Final Touch Aesthetics in Kilmarnock just four months ago after passing aesthetics courses.
She said: “If you told me when I first started my business four months ago that I would be nominated for UK Hair and Beauty Awards I would not believe it but with hard work and determination I’ve got there.
“I am so proud that I am making something of myself and starting out a fantastic career that I love. My aesthetics isn’t about the money, it’s about lighting up the client’s face at the end of the appointment.”
Dara studied politics and international relations at Dundee University for three years until she had to drop out and move back home during Covid-19. As a result, she got a job at the local chip shop where she was working on and off since she was 16-years-old.
She said: “I knew I wanted more in life and I didn’t want the chip shop to be my final point of work. I have been getting aesthetic work done since I turned 18 and I knew I had a love for it. The way it changes lives, the way it gives people more confidence, I just loved it all.
“I didn’t know how to get started in the industry so I just left it be but then about a year and a half ago, I saw an advert on Instagram for aesthetics courses and that was it.
“I saved up money to afford the course as it was in Bolton and I had to pay for five nights’ accommodation and travel along with the course itself.”
After finishing the course, Dara decided to open her own business in Kilmarnock as even though there are a lot of competitors there, she believes it is a “hub for beauty in Ayrshire”.
Now Dara has a busy business in Kilmarnock and is continuing to learn about new treatments to offer her clients.
She continued: “I can’t believe I will be competing with the UK wide and local businesses. This is a daunting thing as there are so many fantastic clinics up for the award.”
The UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2023 finals will take place on April 21, where finalists from around the UK will be able to attend a Red Capet Event in Birmingham. An exclusive evening to celebrate the beauty industry in style, from red carpet paparazzi to celebrity hosts to hand winners their awards.
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