Article appeared in Irish Independent on Thursday 15/2/2018
In a running series on Independent.ie Style, we speak to Irish women who inspire us and find out how they got the job they’re in today, what trials and tribulations they faced on their career path and what advice they have to give to working women in today’s world.
This week, we speak to co-managing director of 3D Aesthetics Ireland Sabrina Ni Concubhair.
What is your job title?
My title is Co- Managing Director. I run all aspects of 3D Ireland and our clinic Aphrodite Laser & Beauty in Clane, Co. Kildare with my husband Michael. From machine distribution, training and all the way to the service end of the clinic, I have my fingers in a lot of pies.
Did you always want to work in this career?
I always knew I wanted to work in the beauty industry even though my earlier career path didn’t take me that way immediately. I have always taken courses and up-skilled where I could to get where I am today. Even now I am still taking courses in both 3D Aesthetics and a variety of salon services to keep myself on top of the new methods and trends.
Growing up, what did you want to be?
As a child I wanted to be an air-hostess but as I got older I became obsessed with the beauty industry and I knew that was the right path for me. Barbie was my first client and she never complained, so I knew I was on to a winner!
How did you find yourself on this career path?
I started off my career in my early 20’s in the travel industry. It wasn’t my first choice but it paid the bills. The beauty industry continued to intrigue me so I spent my evenings and weekends studying and doing courses to upgrade my skills. Unfortunately, the travel company folded and I took that as my sign to invest in a full-time diploma in beauty and the rest is history.
Did you face any challenges along your way to this career?
Of course. The biggest challenge I face every day in my career is making sure I have the right balance between family and work. As I am a mother to three young children, it is vital to have quality time with my kids and husband but to also meet all the demands that come with running your own business.
What are some notable obstacles you faced and how did you overcome them?
When it comes to starting your own business, every cent made is re-invested back in. Separating work and home can be extremely hard at the beginning as you find yourself rarely able to leave the office. From the very start I’ve included my husband Michael in everything from the family finances to business decisions, we do it all together. By doing this It really helps free up my time when I am busy with the clinic or training for 3D Lipo.
Are you a believer in having a five-year plan?
Yes, very much so. However, it is important to have a flexible plan. In this business things can change very quickly and you must be able to take a different path when an opportunity presents itself. I was in my second year in my original five-year plan when I had the opportunity to invest in clinical machinery, which in turn saw my salon turn into a clinical salon. A year later I invested once again and now I own 3D Aesthetics Ireland and have the distribution on one of the biggest brands in Non-Surgical Aesthetic Machinery.
3D is a favourite of well known faces in the UK including Sir Alan Sugar, Patsy Kensit, Amy Childs, Gemma Collins and Dr. Leah Totton, to name just a few, and that same love for 3D has definitely transferred over to Ireland and both my clinic and the distribution end are busier than ever. I now say I’m in year two of my revised five-year plan.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in this career?
Never stop learning! There is always a new product, technique and treatment. Don’t be afraid to try something new and different. A quote I always live by in business is definitely: “Don’t swim in the crowded, muddy waters, find your own fresh blue open sea.”
What women inspire you?
Lisa Vanderpump. She started off from very humble beginnings, and with hard work and dedication she built Vanderpump into a business with many dimensions. From nightclubs, restaurants, clothes and modelling to name but a few. She is also known to have a happy loyal staff that are more like family in her business. She motivates and inspires them to be true to themselves and to treat the Vanderpump family as if it was their own.
What’s a typical day like?
It’s very busy, to say the least but having a structure to the day definitely helps. Mornings always start getting the kids to school or the child minder and then on to returning calls on the way to the clinic. Once I’m there, it’s straight into treatments and follow up calls on sales and enquires for 3D Machines or trial sessions. Once I’m home it’s back to mom mode. We always aim to have dinner together as a family and enjoy quality time. Once the kids are in bed it’s back to work to finish off anything that needs to be done for the following day and posting on our social media platforms.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
It has to be getting the 3D Distribution for Ireland. It has turned my business onto a different platform, one which I could have never imagined. I wouldn’t change it one bit.
What skills/traits do you think are necessary for your job?
Confidence and drive are essential in this business as well as having a good bedside manner for clients during treatments.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years time, I hope to have at least four 3D Clinics in every county in Ireland. I would love more salon owners to take the leap and introduce the units into their salons as the results are simply amazing.
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