Robert Grace
Allure Hair & Beauty Salon and Midland College of Hair, Make-up and Beauty was founded in May, 2004, by Joan O’Meara, a native of Ballycumber.
In 2014, Joan went on to build the largest private college of hair and beauty in Ireland. With more than 7,000 square feet, the college is located in Tullamore, County Offaly.
In 2016, due to demand for Allure’s training, Joan opened the Allure Athlone Academy on Connaught Street where the college runs part- and full-time courses, hobby courses, and diploma courses in all areas of hair, make-up, beauty therapy, barbering, and nails.
Courses offered include ITEC Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in hairdressing, and Junior and Senior Trade courses certified by State commissions.
The Athlone academy is a much smaller centre than Allure in Tullamore, but Joan wanted this, and hand-picked her location to offer that personal touch. Connaught Street is both a central location and one that is removed from the busiest area of the town, so clients, models, and students can relax and enjoy their training and pampering time.
Excellence recognised
Allure has teamed up with renowned names in the industry like make-up artists Michelle Fox and Aimee Connolly, and NSI - the world’s leading gel nail company. Only this month, the legend that is Gok Wan chose Allure to complete hair looks at his Gok Brunch Fashion Club in the Desmond Hotel in Limerick. Gok researches all his team himself, so the fact that he chose Allure out of all the options on offer in Ireland speaks volumes.
Joan is now known all over the world and has a large following on social media. Her Snapchat account started as a fun way to communicate with the public, but has evolved into an educational must-have for its followers who wait to hear what is happening in the life and business of both Joan and Allure. It has got so big that Joan now offers advice, tutorials, and anything else her followers look for.
This year alone, Joan has being nominated for four accolades in the Tullamore Chamber Awards. This is a public vote, and Joan is now up for Best in Business, Best Professional Service and Business, and Best Social Media. Joan was also shortlisted from 500 applicants to five last year in the chamber awards.
If this is not enough, RSVP magazine named her ‘Best Stylist for 2017’ and also nominated her as one of Ireland’s leading business women. RSVP have contacted Joan a number of times due to her work ethic, standard, and the rapid growth of her business.
Top of the line training
Allure offers affordable payment plans to allow its students to live comfortably while they train for a career. Small class sizes means each student has the added benefit of one-to-one training. High-end facilities and professionally qualified educators ensure that the training received by each student is the best on offer.
A diary entry system and personal meetings throughout the course are in place to ensure students are being looked after and are progressing to their full potential. Allure, to date, has a 100 per cent employment rate on most of its courses, and this is down to the standard of training provided and the fact the college is open to the public, meaning students gain real-life salon experience.
Salons around Ireland and abroad now call Allure when hiring due to the knowledge that the college’s students can walk straight into a stylist job and perform as a result of their training.
The ultimate party venue
Allure cater for special occasions like hen parties, weddings, and even children’s parties. Rooms are available for private events and the Allure team will ensure children, hens, or brides are well looked after, with goodies, minerals, music, wine, champagne, and whatever the event calls for.
Allure offers affordable packages for any event, so clients again can get all hair, make-up and beauty services under one roof. As Allure offers a choice of its students or stylists, this event can be as affordable as each individual budget allows.
Allure also runs children’s and teens’ courses throughout summer holidays and will also cater for birthday packages for this age group, allowing for something different.
Hair and beauty seminars
If you are looking for that fun girlie day out, Allure hosts seminars including hair and make-up workshops, skincare talks, and even fashion shows.
There are numerous goodies on offer and much more. Allure runs different levels of these events, and even if you and a friend wish to complete a hair or make-up course just for you, Allure offer this as well.
Hair care and product range
Allure offers high-end products regardless of whether you are in their salon or school, with leading brands such as Redken 5th Avenue, Revlon, Kuene, Alfaparf, Fuschia - Ireland’s award-winning make-up - Eve Taylor, and Artistry Skincare. These top-of-the-line ranges are known to help sensitivity, ageing, hydration, and more.
Avail of Cocoa Brown shampoo and conditioner, Cleanse Off Mitt, Jessica Nails, and Waxperts - a luxury, pain-free wax. If you have never tried this, you have truly never been waxed!
Special offers
Special offers are available on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, details of which can found at the Allure premises. Get added to Allure’s text line or keep an eye on social media apps like Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram.
Allure Academy Salon opens Monday to Wednesday from 9am to 10pm and on Thursday to Saturday from 9.30am to 6pm. However, both early and late appointments are available on request.
Allure Beauty Salon opens from Thursday to Saturday from 9.30am to 6pm, also with earlier and later appointments available.
For more information, or to be added to Allure’s text line, call (087 ) 7556000. Alternatively, email [email protected], visit www.allurecollege.ie or visit www.alluresalon.ie
