60 Seconds with Nicola McLaughlin

Tell us about your role and your organisation.

My name is Nicola McLaughlin, I am the director and owner of NL Beauty. 

There are many aspects to my business. I own my salon, Nicola McLaughlin Makeup/Brows/Beauty/Academy where I work with clients providing beauty treatments daily which I absolutely love. I am very passionate about people and love providing a service that makes women feel good. Within my salon is my training academy where I also teach accredited Makeup and brow courses. This was always a huge goal and passing on my skills and knowledge to others brings me a lot of joy and fulfilment. Teaching just feels very natural to me. Then I have the cosmetics range and natural skincare products which is another unique aspect of my business. I create cosmetics products which include makeup brushes, brow products, etc. I also own Nicola McLaughlin Skincare which is my range of handmade natural skincare products. Nicola McLaughlin skincare was born during lockdown when I had a lot of time on my hands and so to keep myself busy, I learned how to formulate skincare. I write my own formulas and make the products by hand which is weirdly therapeutic and at times quite stressful. But I love it. I do wear many hats but I am a multi-passionate entrepreneur. 

Give us a brief overview of your career journey so far.

I trained as a beauty therapist 17 years ago, and then as a makeup artist 13 years ago. I started my cosmetics brand with one product, a brow pencil and it has grown from strength to strength. I now own a successful beauty salon in Belfast and have multiple products within my brand.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Motivated, multi- passionate and optimistic

What is one skill that helps you most in your role?

I would have to say my creativity is essential to my role, as a hugely creative person my work allows me to tap into that skill and use it to my advantage. From creating makeup looks for clients to creating new products. 

What advice do you have for women in your sector/industry/type of role?

No one can do what you do! It's impossible, there's only one of you on this planet with your own unique set of skills, and talent.

Are there any exciting plans in the year ahead in your organisation that you can share with us?

I am just about to launch two brand-new skincare products which is super exciting. I plan on adding more beauty courses to the academy. I would love to stock my products in local pharmacies etc so watch this space. No doubt there will be big things coming from me in 2024. I can already feel it. 

Who has been your biggest career inspiration and why?

I don't have one in particular but there are a few makeup artists that have been killing it in the industry for year's I find quite inspiring.

If you had to pick your soundtrack song to get you through the working day, what would it be?

Sounds cliche but Beyonce Listen, works every time.

What's your favourite break-time snack?

Pip & nut Almond butter cups. Slightly addicted

How can you fellow WIB members keep up to date with you and your organisation?

Keep up to date with Nicola Mclaughlin Makeup on Instagram, Facebook or tiktok

Or view the website to shop Nicola McLaughlin Cosmetics at www.nicolamclaughlincosmetics.co.uk