As part of our Women of vision series, we want to highlight the professional challenges and career aspirations of the women working here inIreland. Women in Ireland have a strong entrepreneurial spirit: the rate of female early stage entrepreneurs in Ireland is the 5th highest in Europe. The agility and resilience of women during the pandemic has been a testament to their strength and courage.

Tell  us a bit about you?  

 

My Name is Naoimh Feeney  and I am Currently the C.E.O of a new Beauty on demand platform ALANA as well as a busy mother of 2. I have been in the beauty industry for over 3 years working directly as a make-up artist for freelance work and photoshoots with Alana. I started my current role with the  ALANA team in 2021. I am passionate about beauty. I live and breathe it and feel there was something in the Industry missing and that is where Alana comes in.

 

Tell us about your Business?

Our Business is Beauty on demand. We have created an app ,which is being launched in the  coming weeks. It is a booking system dedicated to people in fashion and beauty where they can take bookings and control their own business. Our customer focus is bringing makeup , beauty and fashion to their doorstep and guiding them to the very best in the business. Need an MUA and hair stylist ?Need an outfit? Alana has got you covered 

 

Have you always been entrepreneurial ?

Absolutely, I have always thrived to create something for myself and bring my ideas to fruition. Believing in yourself and your own ability is key and surrounding yourself by an amazing team is how you become a success 

 

Where did the Idea for your Business come from?

The idea of Alana came from our co-founder Niamh Parker , An entrepreneur herself who found there was a gap in the market for doorstep beauty. Niamh travels quite extensively and needs make-up and hair done sometimes on short notice and found there was no one there to accommodate this. That’s where the Alana idea was born. 

 

Who has been your biggest inspiration in growing the business?

Alana Founder – Niamh Parker. She has trusted me to grow and nurture her business. Her belief  in me continues to inspire me and to keep working hard.  

What do you love most about having your own business?

I love creating. Creating this brand , creating a platform for my fellow artists as well as meeting all the amazing people in the industry. The team I have brings so much passion to the table and really makes all the tough days worth it. 

If any, what challenges have you experienced as a woman in business during your overall career?

I think for me is being underestimated, which happens quite a bit for women in any business but the worst thing you can do is underestimate a woman on a mission.

What are the most important things to progressing as the owner/Director of a business?

You need to surround yourself with a team as passionate as you. People with different views and talents who can see the vision you are trying to create and help you get there. Valuing each other and our individual talents. 

What has been the most significant thing you have done to grow your business?

Build a team that is a community with the same drive and passion for the company as I have. 

What have been some make or break moments in your career?

Everyday is make or break, when running a business, well that’s how I look at it. You need eyes everywhere that’s why my team is so important. 

What is your number 1 tip for anyone struggling to overcome entrepreneurial overwhelm and keep going?

Believe in yourself , if you’re not struggling you’re not doing it right. Nothing that succeeds is easy but once you get there you realise just how much it was all worth it

 

by Mary-Jane O’Regan

Glamity-Jane