Caroline Hirons
QUEEN OF SKINCARE | BRAND OWNER | INDUSTRY DISRUPTOR
Caroline Hirons, the "Queen of Skincare," will be a keynote speaker at the Salon Owners Summit 2026. Her journey began in the beauty industry, with her mother and grandmother working in the field since the 1960s. Caroline started her career on the counter at Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge, and became a qualified beauty therapist before moving into senior roles in 2001. In 2008, she transitioned to consulting for top beauty brands and retailers.
In 2010, she launched her blog, quickly gaining a massive following. Caroline is known for her ability to drive sales and create "retail stampedes" when she recommends products or collaborates with brands, demonstrating her profound market insight. She is a multi-award-winning consultant and brand owner, including her groundbreaking Skin Rocks line and app. Her success stems from her honest, science-backed approach, which has redefined consumer skincare and allowed her to build one of the most trusted communities in beauty. Caroline is recognized for her independent mind and unfiltered, authentic voice, making her an industry icon who defines trends and builds empires.
Caroline's insights as a speaker are set to be incredibly impactful, offering transformative lessons on personal growth, wellness, and innovation that will not just inspire, but empower salon and clinic owners to catapult their businesses to unprecedented heights
Dr Lollie Mancey
CULTURAL FUTURIST | MEDIA PERSONALITY | AI & INNOVATION STRATEGIST
Dr. Lollie Mancey isn't just an expert; she's one of Ireland’s most compelling voices igniting conversations where humanity meets cutting-edge technology. As an anthropologist, futurist, and AI ethicist, she brings razor-sharp insight into how culture, innovation, and emotional infrastructure will revolutionize the future of work, leadership, and even life itself – helping forward-thinking salon and clinic owners like you thrive.
As a 2026 Keynote Speaker at Phorest’s Salon Owners Summit, Dr. Lollie is set to deliver a future-focused talk that demystifies AI ethics, will help you unleash powerful branding strategies and spot the next big tech trends. You’ll dive deep into her philosophy that innovation isn't just for Silicon Valley giants; it belongs in every salon, clinic, and studio, shaping your culture and elevating every client experience. Prepare to leave with fresh thinking, real-world strategies to propel your business to an entirely new level.
A regular media commentator, Dr. Lollie is also co-presenter of RTÉ’s Futureville (now in its second series). She previously captivated national audiences with her appearance on The Tommy Tiernan Show, where she explored the ethics of AI companions and the emotional future of human-machine relationships. Her thought leadership consistently challenges assumptions and sparks vital national conversations that will directly impact your business's future.
As Programme Director at University College Dublin’s Innovation Academy, she doesn’t just teach; she equips leaders with the mindset and tools to navigate complexity, build resilient teams, and harness AI responsibly. Her impactful work with global powerhouses like NASA, Mastercard, and various public agencies ensures she bridges deep academic insight with real-world application – insights she's ready to share with you.
Known for her captivating stage presence and unique ability to make complex topics incredibly accessible and exciting, Dr. Lollie is a highly sought-after keynote speaker across all sectors. She’s praised for her ability to translate frontier thinking into bold, human-centred strategies that you can implement easily. Whether she’s unpacking the future of leadership, the ethics of digital intimacy, or what AI truly means for our emotional lives, her message is crystal clear: the future isn’t just about tech – it’s about what kind of humans (and businesses!) we want to become.
Heather Bagby
HAPPINESS EXPERT
Heather Bagby is a force within organisational development and happiness, known for her captivating insights into creating thriving workplace cultures. As the visionary behind the Summit Salon Business Centre’s Happiness Project, she has dedicated her career to helping leaders understand that happiness isn't just a feeling – it’s a powerful tool for growth. Her research dives into how embracing flaws, inspiring curiosity, and fostering courage can transform teams and drive operational excellence.
An internationally sought-after speaker, Heather ignites enthusiasm and uplifts leaders in the professional beauty industry with her infectious energy. She firmly believes that when business owners invest in understanding their team’s dreams and aspirations, they can create cultures where both people and profits flourish.
In her summit session, Heather Bagby will explore practical strategies for creating workplace harmony through happiness-focussed leadership. She will cover finding balance in the workplace while leaning into happiness as a driver of success.
A proud alumna of Auburn University with a master’s degree in organisational leadership from Rider University, Heather's career is built on a strong foundation of service and leadership. With her commitment to growth and happiness, she inspires audiences and organisations to embrace the journey toward a more joyful and successful workplace.
Previous Speakers
Winnie Awa, Keya Neal, Tendai Moyo, Dija Ayodele & Alex Belisle-Springer
Ryan Power, Founder of Salonology
Ronan Harrington, Resilience & High-Performance Expert
Daniel Mason Jones, Hair, Branding, Social Media & Leadership Guru
Emma Doran, Comedian, Writer & Podcaster
Michael Yost, President of Strategies
Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, Social Entrepreneur & Computer Scientist
Peigin Crowley, Founder of GROUND Wellbeing
Kati Whitledge, Marketing Guru & Founder of mya
Ken Hughes, Leading Consumer & Cyber Behaviouralist
