County Derry business climbing the ranks of the beauty world

A County Derry beauty salon is fast climbing the ranks of the beauty world after winning several awards.

Blissful Beauty in Claudy, run by Charmaine Humphries, has gone from strength to strength for a relatively new salon.

To date the salon has scooped awards including ‘HBA Best new salon’, ‘BFA Best for brows’ and ‘NI’s Spray tan artist of the year’.

After working as a carer through the pandemic, Charmaine decided it was time for a career change.

“I had been working in care for nine years and absolutely loved it. During the pandemic it got really tough.

“I mentioned to my husband that having a salon was always a dream. He said just go back and do the course. I started thinking it would be a hassle going back to college to do the training but I looked into it and found Elizabeth Sands in Portadown and did all my training there, it was brilliant. I found I started to build confidence in myself and have a real passion for it. I started off with brows, waxing and tanning and it took off,” she said.

Starting off working from a room in her home, it wasn’t long before Charmaine found herself having to find her own premises.
“I have two boys and am a full time foster carer for my two nephews, life is busy so I thought I can do this work from home,” she explained.

“So that’s where I started but after a while working from the house got tough enough so I started a little salon in Feeny, it was very quiet over there and hard to get going. So I spotted this place in Claudy and I have been here over two years, it’s the best move I ever made. There is a hairdresser beside me and I think the idea of having everything under the one roof works for people, especially for weddings.”

ABOVE: A glimpse of Charmaine's awards

Reflecting on what she loves about her job, the beautician continued: “My favourite thing to do is spray tanning, I have a real passion for it. Tanning and brows would be my most popular services. We offer a wide range of services including brows, lash lifts, waxing, massages, and a new holistic therapy called ear seeding. Ear seeding is a niche that could help so many people. It is great for helping with anxiety, migraines, stress, help with stopping smoking and fertility problems. I have a few clients that swear by it but it does take a few sessions to see a difference.

“I love the whole buzz of this industry and meeting new people. I love seeing the finished product on someone, especially the power of spray tan when they come in lacking in confidence and they are leaving with a brand new sense of self-esteem. It's the same with brows, seeing the transformation in their faces. It's amazing.”

ABOVE: Blissful Beauty: Welcome desk 

Paying tribute to her loyal clients, Charmaine continued: “I have a brilliant bunch of clients, from day one and new ones going in which is even better. I get clients from the city and the county which is great. Winning the awards was absolutely amazing. They are the best experiences and amazing to get. To date I have won HBA Best new salon, BFA Best for brows and NI’s Spray tan artist of the year and NI’s Beauty Technician of the year runner up 2025! I didn’t even think I would place in these awards. Going to the events and seeing the best of the best there that had been in the business for over 10 years. I nearly died when I saw my name on the screen. I couldn't believe it. This year we are up for Beauty Specialist of the Year and Best Salon of the year. It is unbelievable to get the support. It gives you inspiration and makes you believe in yourself that you are doing things right. Owning your own business isn’t easy, it's not rainbows and butterflies. You are never guaranteed it can be difficult but seeing the success is great.”