Derry's Nikita Doherty launches very own Training Academy

Nikita Doherty, owner of Nikita Doherty Hair Extensions on Derry's Carlisle Road, has launched her Training Academy this week.

The mum of two held her first training session on Monday- the first course for her latest project on the Carlisle Road.

Nikita has been working in the industry for over a decade and opened her first salon in 2014 on the Strand Road before moving to the Diamond in 2016.

She then opened her current salon on Derry's Carlisle Road last year.

Since then, Nikita's business has grown from strength to strength, winning five major awards in the last 12 months alone. 

Nikita's latest win was just yesterday (Tuesday 29) scooping up Hair Extensionist of the Year from Beauty Full Box Awards. 

Nikita previously trained others in the industry in the salon or by holding courses in rented out hotel spaces. 

It was with the huge demand for her expertise that she decided to search for a second location for her own Training Academy- which she sourced perfectly across the road from her salon.

After seven months of hard work, and lots of refurbishment, the Academy was ready to open, a day Nikita said left her with no sleep the night before.

"I didn't sleep a wink the night before," Nikita said. "I was so nervous and I wanted everything to be perfect. I was down there at 6am, checking everything an extra 55 times. 

"The first day went really well. I loved it. With the Academy I wanted to do things a bit different from how I'd ever done it. We used a real life model and I completed a fitting from start to finish as my demo. It lets people see everything from matching colours to taking photos. It worked so well.

"We're doing it all over again on Monday, so let's hope it goes as smoothly because it was such a brilliant day, I am still on a high from the whole experience. I can't wait to do it all over again next week."

The courses will run at least two to three times a month and will be updated on the website each month. 

Each course is completed in a single day and is fully accredited by ABT and therefore recognised worldwide.

For more information, visit: www.nikitadohertyhair.com