From Hairdressing to Business: A Journey with Mike O'Connor



I'm thrilled to share with you an engaging conversation I had with Mike O'Connor, the owner of the Galway hair and beauty salon, Bellissimo. Our discussion revolved around Mike's journey in the hairdressing business, starting from the 80s, his challenges, and his perspective on business and education.

The Early Days

Mike began his hairdressing career at the tender age of 19 in a small salon called Michael Daniels. Despite the societal norms of the 80s where male hairdressers were few and far between, Mike's mother backed him all the way. He found joy in the thrill of working in a hair salon, the environment, and the satisfaction of making people feel good about themselves. Within a year, he qualified as a hairdresser and opened his own salon shortly after.

Education and Business

When I asked Mike about his educational background, he revealed that he never went to college. He believes that college isn't necessary for success in business. His daughter is studying financial maths and economics in college, while his son has chosen to pursue a similar path to his dad at a barber shop.

The Challenges and Triumphs

Mike's early years in the hairdressing business were not without challenges. Despite the difficulties in the first few years and the financial hurdles they brought, he persevered with the support of his friends and the scarcity of hair salons at the time. His ambition led him to open a second salon in Castlebar, but it didn't work out due to the lack of business and difficulty in finding hairdressers.

The Unexpected Turn

Our conversation took an unexpected turn when Mike shared his experience of opening a hair salon in Moscow, Russia. He was approached by two investors who had ambitious plans for expanding their business in Moscow after the country opened up its economy. Mike operated one of the best salons in Moscow for two years, under challenging circumstances, until he was forced to leave Moscow. Despite the circumstances, he describes it as an exciting time for him and it fueled his ambition to open Bellissimo.

The Birth of Bellissimo

Mike and his wife Maria took a leap of faith to open a large salon in Galway, called Bellissimo. They transformed a vacant unit owned by Joe Hanley into a spacious salon with a cafe, barber shop, beauty rooms, and a gym. Mike attributes the success of Bellissimo to their unique concept of offering pamper hampers and a range of treatments from head to toe. They were the first to introduce this concept, which became popular and was later replicated by other businesses.

The Impact of Rising Rents and COVID-19

Mike and I discussed the impact of rising rents on small businesses and the effects of COVID-19 on the hairdressing industry. Mike mentioned that many hairdressers started working from home during the pandemic, leading to a loss of clients for salons. He emphasized the importance of supporting each other in the industry and mentioned his close friendship with another hairdresser, Sean Costello.

The Economic Downturn and Its Impact

The economic crash of 2008-2010 hit Mike hard. He found himself in a difficult situation when the banks appointed a receiver for his property, Terry Brennan’s Tavern, and sold it for a fraction of its value. Despite the financial challenges, Mike managed to negotiate his way around the debt and property issues. He even took unconventional measures, such as buying and delivering coal to make ends meet.

The Future of Bellissimo

Mike talked about the importance of his business partner, Dympna, and how their close relationship has shaped his business thoughts and processes. He also expressed his ambitions for his son, Mikey Junior, who is involved in men's grooming, to change the hairdressing model for men, just as he did for women with Bellissimo.

Conclusion

Mike's journey from a young hairdresser to a successful businessman is truly inspiring. Despite the challenges and setbacks, he has managed to build a successful business and create a positive environment at Bellissimo. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, ambition, and the importance of supporting each other in the industry. Garry really enjoyed talking to Mike and hearing all the wonderful adventures his passion for hairdressing has brought him on. 

A Walk Down Memory Lane: A Conversation with Danny Darcy and His Mum Nora


In a recent podcast episode, I had the pleasure of hosting a delightful conversation with Danny Darcy and his mum Nora. We took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about our shared past, our experiences in the music scene, and our perspectives on life. This blog post aims to encapsulate the essence of our conversation, highlighting the key insights and lessons we shared.

The Music Scene: Busking, Bands, and Solo Recording

Danny and Nora's involvement in the music scene was a significant part of our discussion. Danny's early days of busking, his time playing on stage with the Saw Doctors, and our shared memories of his public performances painted a vivid picture of his musical journey.

Nora recalled a time when she saw Danny performing on the street while she was cycling. She was both surprised and impressed by his talent, despite having to scold him for skipping school. This incident, which we laughed about and joked over, highlighted Danny's passion for music from a young age.

We also delved into Danny's career aspirations and his creative pursuits. His love for football and talent for writing poetry were also topics of our conversation.

The Creative Process: Inspiration and Songwriting

Danny shared insights into his creative process, explaining that he draws inspiration from his own experiences and memories. He mentioned a specific memory of attending a party in Portland, Oregon in 1995, where he saw the Sex Pistols and Blur perform. This experience is currently serving as inspiration for a song he's writing.

We also discussed the importance of vowel sounds in songwriting and how Danny focuses on creating catchy and memorable opening lines. This conversation underscored the thought and effort that goes into crafting a song that resonates with listeners.

Childhood Memories and Community

Our conversation took a nostalgic turn as we reminisced about our childhood and the sense of community we experienced. We reflected on the carefree nature of our own childhood, where everyone walked or cycled to school and had time to socialize with friends. We shared memories of watching TV shows like Home and Away, playing music together, and even a daring adventure of climbing into a hotel room window in our underwear after locking ourselves out.

The Music Industry: From Galway to Tenerife

Danny reflected on his past experiences in the music industry, from working part-time in a pub in Galway to performing at Santa Panza Nellie's pub. He recalled the vibrant music scene in Galway during that time, with many talented bands and artists emerging. He also discussed the challenges of transporting their gear, using a shopping trolley and tokens for transportation.

Our conversation then shifted to Danny's move to Tenerife and his transition from performing as a solo artist to being part of a three-piece band. He expressed his appreciation for the island and how it has improved over the years.

Living in Tenerife: A Different Perspective

Danny shared his experience of living in Tenerife, explaining that while people associate the island with vacations, he actually lives there year-round. He shared a funny story about a tweet he made about a monk he saw in a bar, which went viral years later. He also talked about his friendship with Ricky Hatten, a former boxer, and how they bonded over their love for music and pints.

Working in the Dubliner and Advice to Young Mothers

Danny talked about his experience working in the Dubliner, one of the biggest Irish pubs in Tenerife. Despite the late hours, he mentioned that it keeps him on the straight and narrow and prevents him from drinking during the day.

Nora then gave advice to young mothers, emphasizing the importance of keeping good company, being happy, and having the freedom to do what you want. She also mentioned the importance of manners and empathy towards others.

The Importance of Communication and Human Connection

We discussed the lack of communication among younger people, particularly during the lockdown. Danny shared his concern about his son's college experience being affected by the lockdown, as he missed out on social interactions and events. We expressed our appreciation for simple greetings and conversations, emphasizing the importance of human connection.

Conclusion

Our conversation ended with Nora expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to be on the podcast and sharing her hope that our conversation will be remembered for years to come. I thanked Nora for her company and acknowledged the support she has given me throughout my journey. This conversation was a testament to the power of shared experiences, the importance of friendship, and the enduring appeal of music.