Amy Michelle is an urban retreat salon located on High Street in Cork City. Their stylists are committed to providing the very best experience to each and every client. Amy Michelle provides all the services you need to walk away feeling confident and ready to take on anything.Get your dream hair in one appointment – hair extensions by Amy Michelle allow you to achieve longer, thicker, and more beautiful hair instantly!
We caught up with the team and and had a chat with them about work, life and whether they are a sheep or a wolf.
Amy Shanahan: Owner and Senior Stylist
Tell us about yourself, your company, job profile, etc.
My name is Amy Shanahan I am the owner of Amy Michelle Hairdressing. I’ve been hairdressing for 18 years; I always knew I wanted to open my own salon.
I moved to London when I was 23 and worked in a fantastic salon in Chancery Lane in Central London, who had an established celeb client base. This launched me into working free-lance for London’s fashion week, The XFactor and ITV. This gave me the experience I needed to move home to Cork and follow in my dream of opening my own salon. We’re now open 3 and a half years, I can’t believe where the time has gone!
Who has inspired you in your life and why?
My friend and former employer Mark MacKelvie who I worked for in London. He inspired me through his and downs, buying himself out of Toni & Guy (he owned 5 at one point!) to opening his own independent salon and going from strength to strength.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you have and why?
Diet Coke, because I can’t survive without it!
Sun cream, because I don’t want my skin to go leathery!
And contact lenses so I can see…
*Editor’s note: No mention of her husband! (they are just married)
In a team environment, what role do you usually take on?
Oh, Team leader always! I’m easy going in my personal life but when it comes to work, I’m the boss! I want my salon and team to be the best they can be.
What three things do you need to be successful in your job?
Creativity, time management and patience, as dealing with the public can sometimes be a challenge!
How do you define success and how do you measure up to your own definition?
I define success as being happy in your professional and personal life, finding a work-life balance. (I don’t have that quite down now but I’m working on it!)
Which of the two animals would you say you are most like — a sheep or a wolf — and why?
A wolf in sheep clothing because I absolutely hate confrontation. But if push comes to shove, I stand up myself, my staff and my business!
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Jean Crowley: Salon Manager and Front of House
Tell us about yourself, your company, job profile, etc
Hello! My name is Jean, and I am manager and front of house here at Amy Michelle Hairdressing. I’ve been here nearly a year now and have had the opportunity to watch our team and client base grow leaps and bounds, we’ve some very exciting things in the works for the future!
My background is in sales and marketing so it’s fun working in a different industry like Hair & Beauty
Who has inspired you in your life and why?
My dad has an insanely good work ethic but never lets the stress get to him (on the outside at least!) so I do go to him for advice or channel his “take it in your stride” attitude when needed.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you have and why?
A fan because anyone who knows me knows I cannot COPE with the heat!
Franks Red Hot Buffalo Sauce because it’s delicious and presumably this deserted island will have an abundance of chicken wings available… right?
And a good murder mystery book, I’ll happily reread books no problem as I’ve a short memory anyway so I’ll forget who the killer is.
In a team environment, what role do you usually take on?
I’m an organiser, I’m a bit of a Monica sometimes, and am never without a pen and notebook making lists.
What three things do you need to be successful in your job?
I certainly need to be gregarious and friendly as I’m primarily client facing, a sense of humour will serve you well in a salon!
Organisation and problem solving is essential. You need to remember that no problem is insurmountable.
Always go above and beyond for clients, whether its babysitting while mom gets her roots done or changing a parking disk for them so they can relax care-free, treat everyone like a VIP.
How do you define success and how do you measure up to your own definition?
I’m very receptive to feedback so I do genuinely get a buzz off happy client reviews or recognition. In general, I’m very hard on myself though so I always think I could be doing better. Always room for improvement!!
Which of the two animals would you say you are most like — a sheep or a wolf — and why?
I’m actually a sheep in wolfs clothing I think, I can be assertive when it comes to work but inside, I really am a big woolly pushover
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Megan Aherne: Senior Stylist
Tell us about yourself, your company, job profile, etc. – my name is Megan I’ve been hairdressing for 6 years and I’ve recently joined the team at Amy Michelle hairdressing as a stylist.
Who has inspired you in your life and why? My sister as she got me into hairdressing, she’s a stylist herself and older than me she’s like a second mother!
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you have and why? Water, a knife and a magnifying glass to stay hydrated and start a fire. I am practical.
What three things do you need to be successful in your job? Personality, you must be a people person and confidence.
How do you define success and how do you measure up to your own definition? Success to me would mean working hard I’ve worked hard to get where I am today and I’m constantly upskilling on updated courses
Which of the two animals would you say you are most like — a sheep or a wolf — and why? A sheep I like to blend in.
Ava O’Rahilly: Junior Stylist
Tell us about yourself, your company, job profile, etc.
My name is Ava o Rahilly ,I joined the team in 2017 as a Saturday girl when I was only 16 . I began my apprenticeship with Amy Michelle’s in June of 2019. My training is ongoing every week with Amy not only to learn hair but also how to learn many different other skills. Also, as many trainees learn and study the basics In hairdressing, I also have the opportunity of learning an extra skill as a trainee which is extensions which is an extra for my career. I am now working in Amy Michelle’s over 2 years and couldn’t see myself in any other salon.
Who has inspired you in your life and why?
My mom inspires me the most because she believes In me and everything I do.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you have and why?
If I was stranded on a deserted island, I would take my Phone because I’m addicted to it , a blanket to keep me warm and food because I love it.
In a team environment, what role do you usually take on?
In a team environment the role I take on is a trainee is being there and helping the two stylists Amy and Megan when help may be needed and helping Jean out if jobs may be done. We all come together as one to get it done.
What three things do you need to be successful in your job?
I think the most important thing to be successful in my job is to be confident and have good human relation skills and to be honest. Without these customer service skills I wouldn’t be successful in my job.
How do you define success and how do you measure up to your own definition?
I define success by achieving my goals and working hard to make them happen.
Which of the two animals would you say you are most like — a sheep or a wolf — and why?
A wolf because I’m always on the hunt to learn more.
To make an appointment you can call 021 431 2950
or check them out on the ‘gram
https://www.instagram.com/amymichellehairdressing/?hl=en