A Mullaghbawn Hairdresser whose salon is tucked away in rural south Armagh has been named the Northern Ireland Wedding Hair and Beauty Salon of the Year. Maria Owens scooped the winning award at a glittering ceremony for the Northern Ireland Wedding Awards held at The Crowne Plaza, Belfast on Monday last (29th January).
Nominated by fellow Mullaghbawn businesswoman, make-up artist Rosie Kirk, Maria’s technical expertise and creative vision in wedding and occasion styles shone through from the extensive portfolio of work submitted to the judging panel, clinching her the coveted best in Northern Ireland title.
Speaking to The Examiner about her fantastic achievement, a delighted Maria told us she is on cloud nine, especially given the high calibre of talent vying for the overall title.
“To have won the regional was amazing in itself but when they announced that I’d won the overall title, I just couldn’t believe it!” said Maria.
“There were 42 salons shortlisted from all over Northern Ireland, including top city salons from Belfast and Derry – so for a rural salon like mine, up the side of a mountain in Mullaghbawn, to be chosen as the winner is truly humbling. It is such an amazing achievement and I’m still pinching myself! I can’t thank Rosie Kirk enough for nominating me, making me put myself out there to showcase my work.”
Having been shortlisted to the final from the regional heat, Maria submitted a portfolio of her stunning occasion and formal up-do’s as well as a history of her achievements and accolades over her 30 year career – which include awards for Student of the Year and Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year.
Following her formative years working in local salons, Maria says she gained the best experience and her stellar reputation from her time in the Carrickdale Hotel, where she styled for guests and functions.
“I had a phenomenal time at the Carrickdale and it was the beginning of things changing for me and gaining a reputation among clients. I acquired lifelong customers from my years in the Carrickdale and am forever grateful for the platform it gave me,” she said.
After taking time out to raise a family, Maria was constantly called upon to create her signature styles for loyal customers she had worked with in the past and slowly began to build up an impressive clientele base, raising her profile once more in the local hairdressing industry.
Hair by Maria Owens has since gone from strength to strength with clients travelling from all over the district to her rural salon and Maria involved in a number of glamorous events – including styling a whole host of country music stars for the Country Awards in Armagh last year. Thanking everyone who has supported her over the years, Maria said,
“I’m just a small country salon, trying to strike a balance between family life and doing what I love to do best – creative hairdressing. Thank you so much to all my customers over the last 28 years, without them all I would not have been on that stage on Monday winning such a prestigious award.”