High Class Hairpieces is a business model for success

A START up business in Palmerstown which uses its customers as models to advertise their clip-in hair pieces, took out a billboard advert this week to thank the local community for their support.

Aisling Robinson started High Class Hairpieces eight years ago, after finding it difficult to source the products in Ireland.

The clip-ons, or extensions, are mostly for special occasions, such as weddings or birthdays.

“The business started because I was wearing hair pieces but had to source them myself outside of Ireland. Local people were always asking me about them and where I got them.”

This led Aisling to take the plunge and start her own business, which has grown over the years and is looking to expand due to demand.

“The business wouldn’t be where it is today without the people of Palmerstown, and I’m at the shopping centre everyday, whether that is for the gym, SuperValu, the post office. At the moment most of my customers are located outside Dublin but with the billboard, I kind of wanted to bring it back to Palmerstown where it all started,” said Aisling.

“Everyone who has worked on the business is local, the models, the hairdressers and the photographer. The models are all customers. I’d say to them I think you would take a good pic and although they are not professional models, they look great.

A wide range of hair pieces are available at High Class Hairpieces, from a large 12 piece to small pieces, with varieties of straight hair, curly hair, and even pieces for thinning hair.

“There is options for everyone,” said Aisling.

“I would call them occasional pieces, that you wouldn’t wear all the time, but great for special occasions. The demand is from the age of 16 and up. Just today I had a lady who is 60 and wanted one because she is going to a wedding.”

At the moment, it is a fully online venture, but Aisling plans to open a bricks and mortar premises as soon as a suitable premises can be realised.

“South Dublin LEO have helped me with mentoring, a grant for the website and networking which I’m bad at, because when you are running a business there is a lot to do, and finding time for networking is not easy.

“The LEO tried to help me find a premises last year, and the plan is to have a premises and three staff by next Christmas,” said Aisling.

“Hopefully, I can stay in the locality. If anyone out there wants to give me a premises, that would be great!”