Write a comment
Camlough's Donna McNeill is now reaping the benefits of her hard work and dedication to her business Archie Lloyd Hair Extensions, which offers various products and training courses both in-person and online.
Donna has been nominated for multiple awards for Archie Lloyd's Hair Extensions and The Healing Hair Company and next month she appears on the cover of Local Women magazine.
Donna who hasn't a hairdressing background, entered the industry during the Covid pandemic with support from her parents and friends. Her team in Newry, including Aimee Morgan, marketing; Andrina O'Hare, customer service and Denise Kelly, head educator are focused on expanding the business.
After launching during a challenging time, Donna diversified Archie Lloyd Hair to stand out from competitors. Besides the shop, she now provides hair extension courses throughout Ireland and the UK as well as online and at various venues.
The training side has grown significantly, offering courses in 12 application methods. These include mesh integration for hair loss, men's toupees, and a comprehensive course covering tape, weft, nanos, and u-tips in one day.
Following lockdown, Donna noticed more women experiencing hair loss due to stress and unable to wear extensions. She launched the Healing Hair Company, offering toppers and hair pieces for those struggling with hair loss.
Donna plans to grow both the training and retail sides of the business, hoping her products will soon be stocked in salons across the UK, Ireland, and Europe.
Donna McNeill is on a mission to empower and educate other women, having as a single mum overcome confidence issues herself. "For myself, personally I always suffered greatly from low confidence and feeling I was stuck after having two young children and a failed marriage, I was simply surviving and didn't have options to start something that could massively help financially and that I could work around family life."
Archie Lloyd Hair Extensions delivers high-quality hair extensions in over 45 shades worldwide and offering various courses at its Newry academy and online. These courses cater to beginners and those upgrading their skills. The training programs see each participant receive a training kit, lifetime support, and a certificate.
All extensions are 100% human hair, double drawn, and cuticle correct, available in i-tips, u-tips, wefts, nanos, tape hair, and micro loops.
Donna keeps classes small to ensure personalised learning, aiming to give participants the skills needed to become successful hair extensionists. Her goal is to empower women to be confident and independent, offering a career path in hair extensions.
Donna wants to inspire other women, showing that life doesn't stop when you become a mum. Ultimately though Donna's two children, 18 year old Caitlin and 14 year old Oisin, remain her priority.
This year has certainly been a busy year. Donna was nominated for entrepreneur of the year for the Local Women Awards. Archie Lloyd’s as a business were nominated in 3 awards with NI Beauty Excellence Awards: Educator of the Year, Supplier of the Year & Beauty Business of the Year. And Archie Lloyd’s won Training School of the Year part of the Mighty Women Awards. The Healing Hair Company was also nominated in the NI Beauty Excellence Awards for Supplier & New Beauty Business. Donna is also being put forward for Business Woman of the Year for the Mighty Women Awards in December.
