Kiltoom entrepreneur Hannah Kelly: ‘This is only the beginning’

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Kiltoom business owner Hannah Kelly (O'Brien) first started building her brand over eight years ago from a small room in her home.

The Athlone woman went to school in Our Lady's Bower on Retreat Road, with her parents Billy and Carol Kelly both being self-employed and business owners for over 30 years, which she credits as a factor that inspired her business journey.

“My father sold bread and other confectionary in Athlone, Roscommon, and the surrounding areas,” she said. “He worked seven days a week, and woke up at 5am each morning.

“I remember going in the van with him when I was maybe three years old, and I could only carry one loaf of bread in my hands at the time. Business is definitely in the Kelly blood, Dad would have instilled that work ethic into us.”

From taking clients in the spare room of her home while she was training in beauty therapy in The Academy by Sharon Leavy in Portlaoise, to becoming an award-winning business owner, Hannah has said that determination and a 'no risk, no reward' mindset has led her to where she is today.

“I remember when I first went in for the interview with Sharon, and she said to me 'you need a five-year plan'. I always knew I wanted to open my own salon and made a five-year plan to get there.

“I started taking appointments at home and I began building my brand. I worked in various salons around Athlone to gain experience, and they were stepping stones towards opening Radiant.”

During the pandemic in 2020, Hannah enrolled in a business course with Enterprise Ireland.

“I learned about revenue and how to run a business. I learned the importance of finding the right location – that was extremely beneficial.

“After that I just felt ready. In April I went online – and the unit in Kiltoom had just been posted. I viewed it the next day. I immediately knew it was the one, and I got the keys.”

'Radiant by Hannah Kelly' officially opened its first location in Kiltoom in June 2021, followed by a second Radiant location in Glasson in May 2024.

“I got this feeling in both of the units, and I just knew. The location was perfect, they both have shops and hotels nearby, and Glasson has fantastic restaurants. Both locations have passing trade which is everything when opening a business.

“It started off with just one part-time employee in Kiltoom. Now I have seven staff in Kiltoom, and three staff in Glasson, and we're really busy! We are always fully booked.”

Radiant offers an array of Beauty and Body Treatments specialising in Semi Permanent Make Up, Skincare, Aesthetics, Nails, Lash Extensions, Bridal Make Up, Tanning, and lots more.

“We are also dedicated to providing Cancer Care Massage and Facials for our clients who are in active cancer treatment and post-treatment to ensure no client is ever turned away” Hannah said. “My team is highly specialised to address and cater to the unique needs of each individual.”

One of Hannah's proudest achievements among so many was launching her own branded range of products. Radiant Cosmetics consists of a range of lash and brow products to enable her to give her clients high-quality aftercare post-treatment to purchase online or in store.

Going from strength to strength, Radiant was named Beauty Salon of the Year at the Midlands103 Customer Service Awards in June of 2024, having previously won the award in 2023. The business was also awarded the Best Beauty Team at the Passoa HiStyle Awards in 2024.

More recently, Hannah was named the Businessperson of the Year by the Athlone Chamber of Commerce Business Awards in November 2024, as well as being awarded the Best Hair & Beauty award.

“On a personal level, it was just an indescribable feeling as a relatively new business owner. You definitely have that feeling that all the work has paid off.

“To be nominated, to be shortlisted, and then to win – it isn't something I ever expect. It's just amazing to know that so many people are rooting for you.

“I have a fantastic team, and without them it wouldn't be possible. We're an all-female team of eleven beauty therapists, and the fact that we are so celebrated by our clients and in our community is just unbelievable. I am lucky to be surrounded by a talented team of women who are also a joy to work with.”

The beauty business in the Midlands is a huge industry, with dozens of salons popping up across Roscommon and Westmeath. However, Hannah said there's a great feeling of support amongst the businesses.

“I think it's very important that women in business stick together. Time are tough for business owners. A lot of businesses are facing closures in Athlone at the moment - there's more every day.

“I'm lucky to have a great support network alongside the other beauty salons. I feel its very important we all help each other as I believe there is enough clients for everyone.”

The secret to the success of Radiant lies in the highly-trained team, and also in the guidance of more experienced business owners who have helped Hannah in achieving her goals.

“For me to have two locations that are always busy, and almost always fully booked, is a great feeling. You do think of those businesses who have had to shut their doors.

“I think I have a very positive mindset to help me stay focused, and when things are changing so quickly, it's really important to be able to adapt. I've definitely learned to take the challenges and use them to motivate me to grow the business even more.”

Hannah credited Shirley Dempsey, owner of Balanced by Shirley, an Athlone-based company which combines business and financial guidance with mindfulness, as an integral part of the Radiant team.

She said: “Shirley is a member of our finance department and helps with financial and business management while keeping me focused on my business goals. She had hugely contributed to Radiant's success by offering invaluable guidance, knowledge, and innovative ideas."

The Radiant businesswoman has developed a close and personal relationship with each of her clients, and her dedication is proven through her extensive list of return customers.

"When I opened Radiant, I worked 6am to midnight daily to build my business. You have to prepared to put in a lot of hard work and continue to do so.

"Some of my clients have been with me for the past eight years, and started coming to me when I was still working at home.

“Their trust in me and support has been very much appreciated all these years. Every business starts out with zero clients and Radiant now holds over 4,000 clients on our booking system.”

The support of family has also had a huge impact on the success of Radiant, with Hannah’s husband Francis O'Brien working behind the scenes to support her in her endeavors while also building his own career in Dublin.

“He wakes up at 5am with me, and although he's not seen in the salon, he is working with me in the background. He does the maintenance, helps re-stock and always there when I need him.

“When we met, Radiant was just an idea, and he's been with me for the whole journey.

“The Radiant team plays a crucial role bringing their unique skills and creativity to every treatment, ensuring our clients receive the best care possible,” she added.

“Their passion not only enhances our services but also creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that keeps clients returning.

“I truly could not do this without them. They are my backbone, a great support system, and I'm so grateful for everything they do.

“I believe a great business woman and business owner embodies hard work and determination. When you put in the effort it truly pays off. You need to take charge of your own journey and be proud of it! There is lots more to come, for Radiant, this is only the beginning.”