Liverpudlian Emilia Ogoo is a hair extensions specialist, mother of two and Director of Issonni, Dublin’s chic new hair extensions studio. Emilia is trained in 10 different methods of hair extension application, including an exclusive system she has developed herself. She learned her craft alongside Feleny Gheorghio, the man responsible for Victoria Beckham’s tresses.

How did you get there?
A lot of training, determination and patience.

What did you want to be growing up?
A Police Woman until I discovered my love for hair and then wanted to become a hairdresser.

My big break?
Having the chance to spend time with and be mentored by Feleny Gheorghio who is a super hair extensions technician who has even been employed to enhance the tresses of Victoria Beckham herself.

Two adjectives to describe your style?
Smart and casual.

Style or Trends?
I prefer style over trends. Trends die quickly where as style is something someone just has without having to wear the latest trends head to toe.

Today I’m wearing…?
Camel colour skinny jeans, white tank top, and beige shrug cardigan with tan platform sandals. I like to look my best but my look also has to be comfortable for work as I spend so much time on my feet working on my clients’ hair.

Style icon?
I don’t have an icon as such. I think Jennifer Lopez looks amazing, from her hair and skin to her physique. I think to be able to rock her style at 42 is any woman’s dream.

Favourite trend this season?
My favourite trend this season is actually a beauty one and its hair embellishments. They are huge for autumn/winter and they’ve already filtered through to popular culture with the feather hair extensions worn by Nicole Sherzinger in her ‘Right There’ music video. Divine!

Favourite beauty product?
Benefit High Brow

Can’t live without…?
My iPhone. What did we ever do without them?

What’s a typical day?
I have two small boys so it would generally start by organising their day. After this my days would be very varied from attending to Issonni clientele, dealing with suppliers, sending emails and researching new products. It’s sometimes hard to fit everything into the day but I do try to get a session in on the Power Plate and walk my dog.

Toughest part of my job?
I don’t find any part of my job tough; it’s pretty easy going because I enjoy what I do. Some days I may work very long hours and this is a little tough as I miss out on spending time with my boys before bed.

Favourite hangout?
My home after a long day at the studio with a glass of red wine and a good DVD.

Friday night treat?
Going to the cinema with my boys and eating treats instead of having to cook dinner!

My perfect weekend is…?
A break away with my two boys or one of the girls or a trip home to Liverpool to catch up with my sister and best friend.

Last time you laughed out loud?
I laugh a lot, it’s good for the soul. Although I think the biggest laugh I had recently was on a trip to Barcelona with a friend and we were going to the beach somewhat hung over, saw a shiny thing in the sky and ended up on a 3.5 hour detour away from the beach on a cable car to basically nowhere! We laughed so much we cried when we eventually arrived at the beach.

What’s on your iPod?
I am currently listening to Kelly Rowland’s new album along with Fantasia and Jazmine Sullivan. I can’t live without my music.

What advice would you give anyone trying to break into the business?
Don’t just rely on a day course if you want to make applying hair extensions into an actual business. Do your research and travel if you have to. Most importantly once you have good training practice, practice, practice.

If you could write your ideal job description, what would it be?
Director of an internationally renowned hair extensions company – I’m getting there!

Issonni on Facebook
173a Lower Kimmage Road,
D6w. Tel: 01 405 5822

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