Abby Bonner is a self-taught makeup artist. She works in Safari Hair Studio in Dungloe and does a lot of freelance work on the side. She specialises in bridal, prom, and “going out” makeup.
Abby’s talent has gained her a huge following on social media, with over 7,500 likes on her Facebook and 4,500 on her instagram!
She was also the Dungloe Mary in 2015 and has a keen interest in music and Irish dancing.
This is Abby’s Donegal…
(1) What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
I love home (Lettermacaward) the scenery over the Gweebarra bay is just breath taking, there’s nothing like it!
(2)If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything about it, I like it the way is is.
(3) Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?
My boss, Donna Boyle. Almost 2 years ago she asked me if I would be interested in working for her, I really wasn’t sure because I didn’t think I was good enough, but she pushed me to do it, and to this day she still pushes me to do stuff out of my comfort zone, honestly without her I wouldn’t be where I am today!
Also my mum, she’s been through so much herself, and the majority of her life still revolves around me and my 2 sisters. She pushes me to be my best and she supports me in everything I do.
(4) Daniel O’Donnell or Packie Bonner?
In my house, Packie Bonner, no competition.
(5) What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
Without a doubt, the All Ireland final in 2012, it had the whole county on a high!
(6) What was Donegal’s saddest moment?
Losing the All Ireland final in 2014.
(7) What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Donegal Catch fish fingers.
(8) Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
Daniel O’Donnell, his tours all over the world attract so much tourism to Donegal- especially Dungloe!
(9) Who is Donegal’s most successful businessperson in your opinion?
My auntie, Danielle Duddy, opened her clothes shop, Pure Occasional Wear, a few years ago. Since then, she’s got married and had 2 children. She recently moved to Andorra and is still running the shop from there, and it’s doing great!
(10) Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Jim McGuinness, he completely transformed Donegal football and helped them win their first All Ireland final in 20 years.
(11) What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
The Highlands hotel in Glenties.
(12) Donegal’s golden eagles or basking sharks?
Golden eagles.
(13) What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
‘Everyone and their granny was there’
(14) What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?
Employment, since it is just a quiet county, I think finding jobs is really tough for young people, a lot of them are being forced to move away for employment which is sad to see.
(15) What is your favourite Donegal food?
The potatoes, there’s something about them in Donegal that makes them so much better than everywhere else!
(16) Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
Nothing, I think Donegal people are great!
(17) Do you have a favourite local band?
Not a band, but definitely my sister Mikaela Bonner, she’s an amazing country singer and she’s had 2 number 1 songs on iTunes, I’m so proud of her!
Mikeala appeared on “The Voice Ireland” last year
(18) What inspired you to pursue a career in makeup artistry?
I’m an Irish dancer, I’ve been doing my own makeup for stage from the age of 7, so I’ve always had an interest. In my leaving cert year I wanted to do anything but study, so I became addicted to watching YouTube videos.
From there I started doing makeup for my family and friends, then my current boss (Donna Boyle, Safari hair studio, Dungloe) asked me if I would be interested in working for her.
(19) If you had a million euro to spend improving something in Donegal what would it be?
I would definitely invest in some more facilities in the west of Donegal, like a shopping centre, a nightclub and a cinema.
(20) Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of?
I’m proud of everything about Donegal, I think it is such an amazing place!
To check out more of Abby’s work you can follow her on Facebook or Instagram
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