Imelda (30) who specialises as a colour technician, recently launched her brand of luxury weaves and ponytails, MelMarie. Locals will know the hairdresser from ‘Hair by Imelda Maguire’ in Kinawley, where she runs her busy salon, which has been open for over three years. 

 The local woman has instantly won some famous fans, including former Miss World Rosanna Davison, and Ireland’s biggest fashion blogger Suzanne Jackson. Imelda impressed the blogger so much, she invited her to provide demonstrations at her popular ‘So Sue Me’ workshops.

“My salon was open about a year when I decided I wanted to get into something rather than just the salon floor. I do a lot of wedding hair, and people had been coming in looking for certain styles when they did not have the hair. I would have used weaves and ponytails but I was never 100% happy with them – so I wanted to create a product that was what I wanted and that is how MelMarie started,” said Imelda.

The 30 year old is married to Liam, a lorry driver, and mum to two-year-old Daniel and she is thrilled that her hair extensions have become such a big hit. Imelda’s products have been such a success, she is well on her way to conquering the market as distributors have been in contact from England.

“I never imagined that this would be such a success. I started MelMarie when I was pregnant, and two years later the salon is going really well and I have two great teams, in the salon and in Melmarie. We are covering the four corners of the country and moving into England shortly. Salons have been in contact and want to stock our products and it has been great. 

“I have got so much support from other local hairdressers, sending me messages offering their support,” she added.