Who is Aoibheann Walsh? Award-winning hair & beauty salon owner and Apprentice contestant
AOIBHEANN Walsh is one of the candidates looking to snag Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment in the nineteenth series of The Apprentice.
She thinks that her unique creation, a utility belt for hairdressers, will put her head and shoulders above her competition on the show.
Rising hair and beauty star
Aoibheann’s beauty salon has been based in County Donegal, Northern Ireland since she launched the business at the age of 24.
Within six months of opening, the salon won the Best Business Startup award in 2015 and has since been crowned Best Wedding Hair and Makeup for four consecutive years.
Although opening the business was a struggle at first, Aoibheann hopes that she can “exemplify how hard work and determination can pave the way to success”.
She hopes that women will realise their own potential and that they “possess the power to carve their own paths”.
The star sees a parallel between her own story and Lord Sugar’s, as they both rose to the top thanks to “perseverance”.
Aoibheann’s brilliant idea
Aoibheann has designed a unique utility belt which is specifically designed for hairdressers, makeup, and costume designers.
She noticed that artists often don’t have tools which are “functional, ergonomic or aesthetically appealing”.
The hairdresser also realised that there was no focus on hygiene in their design.
She said: “This realisation drove me to create a tool belt that is not only ergonomic, but also enhances the entire creative process.”
The star added: “I can present a business model that maximises profit potential while minimising risk.
“I have already identified a gap in the market, secured patents, and developed prototypes; what I need now is an investor like Lord Sugar to amplify the reach of my products.”
The Apprentice Series 19
The Apprentice will return to our screens on January 30, 2025.
Fans can watch the show on BBC One at 9pm, but they can catch up with the show on iPlayer.
Lord Sugar will host the show, once again, with Karren Brady and Tim Campbell.