Dungiven salon scoops Masseuse of the Year at NI Hair & Beauty Awards

Louise Nicholas based at Dungiven salon, Serendipity, has taken home the prize for Masseuse of the Year at the Northern Ireland Hair and Beauty Awards 2023.

The awards ceremony, held in the Europa Hotel in Belfast, celebrated the best hair and beauty professionals across the country, with 350 guests in attendance.

Speaking to County Derry Post, Louise said it feels amazing for a small business in a small town to be recognised, "I put my heart and soul into my wee business from the start and it's nice to see it paying off," she said.

This was my first time ever nominated for an award and I won it. To win it and to be recognised was absolutely fantastic- it just shows that even a small business like mine can be recognised."

Lousie is highly trained in all her treatments and started her journey in the beauty industry in 2006. She went on to become a Holistic Therapist in 2011 when she trained under Josephine Gallagher of The Angel Sanctuary in Greencastle and her skills blossomed from there. 

Lousie continued: "I would like to thank my clients who in these past eight years of opening in Dungiven have supported me through thick and thin.

"After covid it was hard to recover and after reopening my salon it caught fire. I was working from a small makeshift room downstairs which I was extremely grateful to Gillian for to let me share her space- she is so thoughtful.

"After six months, the upstairs reopened and it has gone from strength to strength from there. I'm extremely thankful for everyone who crosses my door. 

"My clients have been loyal and I thank them for that as I always say we are like a wee family here and I'm blessed to have you all.

"I'd also like to thank my four children for always being supportive, knowing it can be long days and late nights. I have such a great circle around me- so supportive and encouraging.

"To my family, friends, partner and clients, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart."

You can find Louise and the team on Facebook or contact them on 02877277100. The salon is based at 87a Main Street, Dungiven.

The winners of The Northern Ireland Hair and Beauty Awards 2023 represent excellence in the hair and beauty industry.

They have been recognised for their exceptional skills, expertise, and creativity in their respective categories, including hair salons, beauty salons, male grooming salons, spas, cosmetic clinics, makeup artists, nail salons, and beauty training academies.

A Spokesperson for The Northern Ireland Hair and Beauty Awards 2023 said: “It has been an unforgettable night, filled with incredible food, entertainment, vibrant energy, and passionate conversations.

“Winning an award in this prestigious competition is a significant achievement, as it acknowledges the talent and hard work of hair and beauty professionals and sets a benchmark for others to follow. The winners of these awards represent the highest standards of quality and service in the country’s hair and beauty industry.

“We have celebrated the finest professionals and businesses, recognising the creativity, innovation, and exceptional service that have become synonymous with this beloved industry. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees and thank you to everyone who participated and supported this event."