The 19 year old from Buncrana, who will complete her Level 3 qualification at North West Regional College this June, is preparing to take on professional stylists from across the world at the OMC European Cup Championships on 29th & 30th May.
Tara has been selected to represent the North in the Creative Fantasy competition, against participants from 40 countries across the globe including Italy, UK, Ireland, Austria, the USA, France, Norway, Greece, Denmark, Montenegro and Germany.
Her inclusion on the team follows a whirlwind of success in the past six months, which began with Senior and Junior title wins at the North’s Hairdressing Association Competition in November.
This was followed in March by success at the Blackpool International Hairdressing competitions, held in the Winter Gardens, where Tara again scooped double accolades in creative fantasy – with 1st place in the Senior and Junior events.
Soon after, Tara took a 2nd place in the All-Ireland Championships, beaten to first place by fellow NWRC student Anne-Marie Harkin.
The OMC European Cup will undoubtedly be Tara’s most challenging competition to date, and she has committed hours and hours of preparation in practice for the event.
Creative Fantasy is one of the most exciting elements in professional competitions, with the stylists expected to create intricate works of art. Tara will unveil her brand new creation at the European Championships – which includes a 12 foot high hairpiece – in the RDS, Dublin.
North West Regional College lecturer Susan Cassidy, who herself won the All-Ireland Bridal Hair event in April, believes that Tara’s inclusion on the Northern Ireland team is an achievement in itself.
“We are so proud that Tara, who has yet to complete her course, has been given the honour of appearing at this world class competition. This is an incredible achievement for a young woman, embarking on her career in the industry.”
Tara has also demonstrated entrepreneurial skills, working in conjunction with photographer Mickey Deery to set up Blinx, providing photography, hair and make-up for events and occasions.
Hair & Beauty Students at the College’s Derry Campus are among those who will benefit from the £18m new development from this September. Salons, open to the public, are located on the top floor of the new Foyle Building, allowing clients to enjoy their styling and treatments overlooking stunning views of the River Foyle.