Aoibheann Walsh: The Irish Entrepreneur Who Built a Beauty Empire and Took on The Apprentice
When it comes to combining business acumen with creativity, Aoibheann Walsh is a shining example. Hailing from County Donegal, Ireland, she is widely recognised as the dynamic entrepreneur behind G&G Hair and Beauty Therapy Ltd, as well as a memorable candidate on BBC 1’s The Apprentice Series 19 (S19) in 2025. With more than a decade of experience in the beauty industry, she has cemented her reputation not only as a talented professional in bridal and photographic makeup, but also as a savvy business owner who understands the importance of management, communication, and client satisfaction.
This article explores her journey, education, career achievements, television appearance, and personal profile to paint a full picture of one of Ireland’s most inspiring entrepreneurs.
Early Life and Background
Growing Up in County Donegal
Aoibheann Walsh was born and raised in Kerrykeel, County Donegal, a region that nurtured her ambition and drive. Growing up in a close-knit community, she developed both a strong work ethic and an appreciation for building lasting relationships. These values would later form the cornerstone of her entrepreneurial journey.
Age and Personal Profile
As of 2025, Aoibheann Walsh is 37 years old. Over the years, she has evolved from a determined young beauty student to a respected business leader in Ireland’s competitive beauty industry. While her professional life is widely documented, she has remained relatively private about her personal relationships, keeping the spotlight firmly on her career achievements.
Education and Training
Genesis School of Beauty Therapy
Aoibheann’s professional journey began with formal training at the Genesis School of Beauty Therapy, where she earned her ITEC qualification in Beauty Therapy. This gave her a solid foundation in technical skills, industry standards, and client care.
Illamasqua School of Make-Up Artistry
She further honed her expertise at the Illamasqua School of Make-Up Artistry, specialising in photographic and film artistry. This training was crucial in shaping her as a professional capable of delivering flawless results for high-pressure environments such as fashion shoots, media projects, and special events.
La Creative College
Aoibheann also studied at La Creative College, focusing on Fashion, Media, and Bridal Photographic Make-Up. This expanded her skill set into more specialised areas, particularly bridal styling, which would become one of the key pillars of her business.
Career Journey
Founding G&G Hair and Beauty Therapy Ltd
In February 2014, at the age of just 26, Aoibheann launched G&G Hair and Beauty Therapy Ltd. The salon quickly developed a reputation for excellence, fuelled by her hands-on leadership and commitment to quality. Over the next decade, she transformed the business into one of Donegal’s leading destinations for hair and makeup.
Specialisation in Bridal and Photographic Makeup
One of Aoibheann’s defining strengths is her specialisation in bridal and photographic makeup. Her precise artistry and ability to adapt to the unique demands of weddings, film, and photography have made her highly sought after by clients across Ireland and beyond.
International Reputation
Her salon’s success and her personal dedication to her craft have helped Aoibheann gain recognition on an international level. She has become a trusted name for brides and photographers looking for perfection, thanks to her meticulous attention to detail and personalised approach to beauty.
Awards and Achievements
Within just six months of launching her business, G&G Hair and Beauty Therapy Ltd won Best Business Startup 2015, an early sign of Aoibheann’s entrepreneurial talent. The salon also went on to claim Best Wedding Hair and Makeup for four consecutive years, cementing its place as a leader in the industry.
The Apprentice Journey
BBC 1’s The Apprentice Series 19
In 2025, Aoibheann Walsh took a bold step by entering the spotlight as a candidate on BBC 1’s The Apprentice (S19). Competing for the chance to secure a £250,000 investment from Lord Alan Sugar, she showcased not only her creative flair but also her strong background in business management.
Performance on the Show
Although her time on the series was brief—she was fired in Episode 2—Aoibheann’s appearance highlighted her determination and willingness to take risks. The episode involved creating a virtual pop star and recording a music video, during which she contributed ideas about AI-generated voices. Lord Sugar remarked that he hadn’t heard enough from her during the tasks, which ultimately led to her departure.
Legacy from the Show
Despite her early exit, Aoibheann’s participation in The Apprentice added another dimension to her public profile. It demonstrated her readiness to step outside her comfort zone and compete at a high level, reinforcing her reputation as a fearless entrepreneur willing to embrace new challenges.
Business Philosophy and Skills
Strong Management Focus
Aoibheann attributes much of her success to her business management skills, particularly in areas such as business analytics, relationship-building, and effective communication. These skills have allowed her to scale her salon while maintaining exceptional client service.
Client-Centred Approach
Central to her philosophy is the belief that every client experience should be unparalleled. From the very beginning, Aoibheann has emphasised the importance of personal attention, ensuring each customer feels valued and leaves with confidence.
Future Ambitions
Aoibheann’s journey is far from over. With more than 11 years as a business owner, she continues to grow G&G Hair and Beauty Therapy Ltd while expanding her influence in the wider beauty and business communities. Her combination of artistry, entrepreneurship, and determination suggests she will remain a prominent figure for years to come.
Conclusion
Aoibheann Walsh embodies the spirit of modern entrepreneurship: creative, ambitious, and resilient. From her beginnings as a beauty student in Donegal to her rise as the owner of an award-winning salon and a candidate on BBC’s The Apprentice, her journey is one of persistence and vision. At 37 years old, she has already achieved remarkable milestones, yet her story continues to evolve.
By blending technical expertise with business savvy, Aoibheann has set a benchmark for others in the beauty industry. Her commitment to excellence, her ability to adapt, and her readiness to seize new opportunities ensure that her influence will continue to grow both in Ireland and beyond.
