Don’t give up on your dreams

Don’t give up on your dreams, as mine has finally turned into reality with the opening of my day spa, Seclusion Spa.

It’s been a long road to get here, but seeing my vision become reality has been exciting, nerve wracking and satisfying.

My road into the beauty industry wasn’t exactly straight as I started off studying dental technology at Queens University, Belfast and then travelled to Boston USA to work with a dentist there. The perks of the job meant that the staff were given a massage every second week and a facial once a month. This started my love affair with beauty treatments and when I returned to Ireland after 4 years I retrained with an idea in mind!

I worked as an account manager for a hotel, whilst I spent nights studying and raising my three children. Determination is my middle name, and I kept my goal in mind. Eventually I got my reward of opening and naming the Escape Spa at The Holyrood Hotel in Bundoran for Seanie McEniff.

Managing the Spa with the Leisure Centre for a few years gave me great experience and confidence to move onto opening my own salon. Unfortunately, it was bad timing as the recession hit and after just 2 years I had to close, chipping away at the self-esteem and pride. I had gained serious experience though, so everything is a learning curve.

Still, I kept my dream alive if only in my head and little black book of ideas. Finally, after 6 years of running a bar with my husband, I have managed to gather the funds to bring my dream to fruition.

So, I guess the message is, don’t give up on those ideas and dreams in your head. Visualise and take the leap of faith as you are never sure how things will work out.

Networking at Donegal Women in Business Network group, and joining as many social media outlets, all helped with promotion and support for The Seclusion Spa. You have to believe in yourself and your idea and my favourite saying is, “Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained.”

You can find my little slice of heaven, tranquility, peace and indulgence at Ardfarna , Bundoran, Co. Donegal.

My unique selling point is that when you book your day at the Spa – it’s exclusively yours – no strangers to interrupt your day of relaxation in the rural setting, with only the birds to listen too, and maybe an odd sheep baa too!