The owner and CEO of Platinum Expert Hair, Onagh Chira has helped grow the business from the ground up. Starting from humble beginnings in a small studio on South Anne Street, they now have over 600 stockists nationwide along with a few more worldwide too.
Becoming a CEO wasn’t something I envisioned from the start.
It’s been an incredible journey filled with unexpected opportunities and challenges. I’m immensely grateful for the dedicated team we’ve built. Leading 40 talented and passionate individuals has made my role incredibly rewarding. Their unwavering commitment to our brand inspires me every day.
Studying for a bachelor’s degree in business at DIT was a pivotal experience.
It provided me with a solid foundation for my entrepreneurial journey and it was there that I honed my strategic thinking and leadership skills.
My most formative work experience was front of house in the Glenview Hotel in Wicklow.
That taught me the importance of first impressions and exceptional customer service – skills that have been invaluable in my career.
Waitressing at the Martello in Bray taught me the true meaning of hard work and resilience – qualities that have been essential throughout my career.
Early in my career, I learned the invaluable lesson of resilience. It’s been the cornerstone of my ability to navigate challenges and bounce back from setbacks with determination and perspective.
A common misconception about what I do is that it’s easy.
In reality, managing a team and running a business requires constant problem-solving and decision-making. It’s demanding, but incredibly rewarding.
My primary role at work is ensuring the satisfaction of our more than 600 stockists nationwide.
We distribute Platinum Expert Hair to stockists across the country and a few worldwide (Spain, Dubai, Australia). This involves the continuous task of training and onboarding new stockists, as well as keeping our existing partners informed about the latest stock, trends and training methods.
My sisters are my role models and mentors.
Their advice and guidance have been invaluable, providing me with perspective and support throughout my career.
The biggest risk I have taken in my career so far is opening three salon locations in quick succession in 2018. Thankfully, the risk has paid off.
It was a bold move, but seeing the thriving communities we’ve built around each location has been incredibly rewarding. This experience taught me that taking calculated risks can lead to great success.
I start my day bright and early at 6.30am, ready to tackle whatever comes my way, which is normally a lot!
The first thing I do every morning is jump in the shower, do my skincare, and have my first coffee. I can’t start my workday without my laptop and a stash of snacks to keep me energised throughout the day. I love the M&S Apple and peanut butter snack pot.
Commuting gives me me some quiet time to prepare mentally for the day ahead.
My workday kicks off at 8am sharp, with a focus on setting the tone for a productive day. Upon arriving at work, I check my post and deliveries and set up my office to ensure everything is in order for the day. We distributed from our salon in D’Olier street for years so it’s still a pinch-me moment to arrive at our HQ offices and warehouse.
The first part of my day is typically spent in meetings with our salon managers, where we discuss goals, strategies, and any pressing issues.
I usually have a quick lunch at my desk which allows me to stay on top of things, even if it’s not the most glamorous habit. Flavoured water and multiple coffees are my daily staples, helping me stay hydrated and energised throughout the day.
The most useful tool in my daily business arsenal is our project management software.
It keeps everything organised and ensures we stay on track. I maximise my time by making calls during my commute, turning travel time into productive time.
The highlight of my day is unwinding in the evening with my husband, enjoying our favourite shows on Netflix and a sneaky glass of white wine.
The most challenging part of my day is wrapping up all tasks by 5pm, so I can avoid opening my laptop in the evening and only keep my phone handy for any urgent matters.
I know it’s been a good day if I’ve accomplished my key tasks and still have time to relax and recharge in the evening.
I typically wind down and end my day at 10pm, ensuring I get enough rest for the next day. Sleep is essential. I completely switch off from work when I go to sleep, allowing myself to recharge fully for the next day.
After a long work week, I find relaxation and clarity through evening meditation, which helps me decompress and recharge.
Before bed, I follow my skincare routine, review my diary, and lay out my outfit for the next day to ensure a smooth start.
The accomplishment I’m most proud of is the success of Platinum and the incredible brand we’ve built together. It’s a testament to our hard work, dedication, and vision.
If you want to get into my line of work, my advice is to have a good network of people around you, people you trust, and a team that shares the same love for the brand as you and strive to see it succeed. Be cautious about who you trust, and be prepared to make mistakes, learn from them, and grow.
We had an amazing year this year so far, refurbishing our four locations in Dublin, Cork and HQ with Galway underway at the moment.
We just finished a full company rebrand and the launch of our brand-new e-commerce website. I’ve just wrapped up our exciting Christmas plans and am currently immersed in an innovative new project set to launch in 2025. It’s a thrilling and super busy time for us!
Imagery courtesy of Onagh Chira
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