LOVE THAT LASTS

A great partnership between a hair brand and a salon is just like a successful interpersonal relationship. Both require mutual understanding, support, security, and an investment of time to ourish. Mike O’Connor of Galway’s legendary hair and beauty spot Bellissimo knows the value of a good pairing. A Wella Professionals customer for the past 35 years, it’s a relationship that has stayed strong no matter what changes and challenges it faced.

In his rst Galway salon, Michael Daniel, Wella Professionals helped Mike’s young team rise through the ranks to become one of the city’s top tier hair destinations through business support, education, and dynamic products that beat the competition.

Wella Professionals then accompanied Mike to Moscow when he took over a major salon space. Wella Professionals was an integral part of Mike’s new venture in Moscow, with a Wellatrained technician as a manager. The brand was a touch of home, a friendly reminder of what top-grade professional products and excellent education can achieve. Then Galway life beckoned once more, and Mike opened Bellissimo in 1998, followed by a branch in Limerick a year later. His talent may have taken him across the world, but his relationship with Wella Professionals means he always has the best tools to hand.

Wella Professionals doesn’t treat Mike’s business as just another salon to add to the books. It’s about helping it prosper. Forging links with Wella Professionals means connection, conversation and the personal touch. Mike enjoys regular planning meetings with Wella Professionals’ senior national account manager, Michael Glover, national account executive Cormac Rolston, and the rest of the Wella team to map out the ways to take Mike’s brand to glittering new heights. has always had my back... for that I am truly fortunate. I look forward to the future and will be building on this connection!

MIKE O’CONNOR, BELLISSIMO

Today, Bellissimo is the jewel in Galway’s hair and grooming crown. Occupying a mammoth 5,500 sq ft space with 40 chairs, 14 beauty suites and a private wig service, there’s no doubt the partnership has helped Mike become the entrepreneur he is now: “Wella’s business advice and support is second to none,” he beams. Being a salon owner is one heck of a ride and no two days are the same. Despite the chaos and challenges, you CAN have a constant in your life – a partnership with Wella, which will help you grow into the successful business you dreamed of being when you rst started out.

Want to enjoy a relationship with Wella just like Mike’s? Visit wella.com/professional/en-UK/home @wellaprofessionalsuki

A DAY OF WORK/LIFE BALANCE FOR ANTHONY

KILCOYNE, OWNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF SALON 2 @SALON2SLIGO

I GET UP AT… About 6:30am if I’m on the salon oor with clients, but a bit later if it’s an education or of ce day.

MY WORK WARDROBE CONSISTS OF… A lot of black!

MY JOB ENTAILS… Doing lots of haircuts, which is my favourite aspect of hairdressing, especially restyles. I’m also an educator with Xpert Professional which I really enjoy as it gives me the opportunity to pass my skills on to others. I love seeing stylists’ con dence grow as they progress.

MY DAY CONSISTS OF… Organised chaos!

I’m very grateful that my day is always ‘all go’, thanks to a busy column. The salon is always full-on as we have a staff of 30, so there’s a great buzz which I love. Mondays or Tuesdays consist of education, of ce work or planning ahead for the next few months and the other four days are on the salon oor with clients.

MY FAVOURITE WORK TOOL IS…

My JB Mazella 5” silver scissors, which to me is like an extra limb.

MY DAILY FUEL IS… Water and Nature Valley bars.

MY SPOTIFY PLAYLIST INCLUDES… Jenny Greene and Dec Pierce’s Block Rockin’ Beats!

I’M ALWAYS WILLING TO… Share my knowledge with others.

WHEN I GET STRESSED I… Go into the of ce and have fun with my dog Bijou who comes to work with me a few days a week. She is our staff therapy dog!

WHEN I GET STUCK I… Ring my wife Deirdre, she always knows what to do!

THE HABIT I NEED TO BREAK IS…

Overthinking, as the things I worry about usually never happen. I always tell myself overthinking is creating problems that aren’t there and worrying about things going wrong won’t make them go right.

THE MISTAKE I LEARNT THE MOST FROM… I have made plenty of mistakes but nothing major jumps to mind, thankfully.

THE ADVICE I’M GLAD I IGNORED… My accountant told me 30 years ago not to become self-employed. I’m so glad I didn’t listen to him!

MY INBOX LOOKS LIKE… Not a clue! I don’t do emails – Deirdre looks after all that. Phew!

MY BIGGEST INDULGENCE IS… My car.

AFTER WORK I… Go to the gym or for a walk, or chill with a good lm.

I DECOMPRESS BY… Painting. After four years, I eventually went back to my art classes and I really enjoy that peace and quiet for hours at a time!

I

I love it though I’m not great with posting – thankfully my colleagues

You can’t beat a great playlist to chill out with.