'Devine' new salon in the heart of County Derry village

A County Derry salon has won two top industry awards.

ABOVE: Devine Hair and Beauty Salon Feeny 

Feeny's Devine Hair and Beauty Salon scooped the Best Hairstylist and Best Colourist in County Derry at the NI B-Beautiful Awards in Belfast.

Eugenia Devine (25), originally from Donemara, set up her salon in August which has gone from strength to strength.
Speaking on her win to the County Derry Post Eugenia said: “I am honoured to receive these awards as I only have opened my small business in August of this year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped reach my dreams at such a young age. It was lovely to have my work appreciated.

“When they rang me and said I had been nominated for two awards I couldn’t believe it. I went to a judging day in Antrim.

“When I got there I spoke all about what hair products I use and different types of questions about hair. Then I had to create two hairstyles which included a bohemian up style and bohemian colour.

“So for my upstyle I did a bohemian bridal style, it was different and stood out from the rest. Then for the colour I did a cowboy copper. It was lovely when it was done.

ABOVE: Cowboy Copper style by Eugenia Devine

“When all that was done we went to the awards night on November 17. We were just enjoying the night, drinking and eating wee snacks.

“The awards started and they were calling out all the winners. Next thing my name was called out, I turned to mummy and was like ‘ohh that’s me’. I was expecting it at all, it was amazing.”

The businesswoman has previously won the British Hair Awards’ Best Hair Extension Specialist 2022 and Best Hair Stylist 2022.

Eugenia explained her journey to becoming a successful businesswoman and hairdresser, saying: “As a young child I was always very creative therefore it was obvious I was going down the route of hairdressing. “I remember for Christmas Santa always brought me dolls heads, hairdressing equipment. I am a past pupil of North West Regional College Strabane Hair and Beauty where I attended the LEF Programme after leaving school, I studied Level 2 and Level 3 Hairdressing. These courses gave me a good foundation to begin my hairdressing career.

“I had exceptional teachers who instilled confidence and encouraged me to reach for my dreams.

“I am currently studying Nail Technology with Nail Art and E File as well as Makeup and Brows at North West Regional College. I believe it is good to keep learning and expanding your mind.”

She added: “I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be my own boss. I worked in several hair salons over the years but always dreamed of opening my own salon.

“One day while driving through the village of Feeny I spotted a premises which was up for rent and thought it would be perfect for me. I noted down the number and continued on my journey.

“I told my parents I was going to take the plunge and open my own salon. They were very supportive, so I rang the owner, viewed the premises that evening and all was agreed. A few days later I received the keys.

“I was so excited. I began tirelessly decorating and a few weeks later I opened my luxury hair salon.

“My dream had become a reality. Given how new my business is to the area I am over the moon with how busy I’ve been over the first few weeks since opening.

“I truly appreciate every person who comes through the door and I am thankful to my family and my new and loyal clientele. I am glad I took the step and the support has been amazing.

“At present the salon offers hair and makeup appointments but I do hope to expand to nails and other beauty services in due course.”

With Christmas upon us the salon will be open seven days a week through December to get everyone ready for the festive season.

Find out more about Devine Hair and Beauty on Instagram and Facebook