In this episode, Eileen shares her powerful story of overcoming a challenging upbringing in Ballymun, Dublin, during the heroin epidemic of the 1980s and 90s. She discusses her 14-year struggle with drug addiction, her journey to recovery, and how she found solace and a new path in hairdressing. Eileen is now the founder of 'Hair Together,' an award-winning social enterprise that teaches hairdressing and barbering with integrated personal development and well-being programs to young people from challenging backgrounds and women exiting the prison service. Eileen talks about the impact of her programs, the importance of community and support, and her ongoing mission to help the next generation. She also touches on the challenges of running a social enterprise and her hopes for further expansion and community support.
Timestamps
00:00 – Opening Poem & Introduction
00:38 – Meeting at the PWC Women in Business Awards
00:48 – Eileen’s Work: Hair Together & Social Enterprise
01:21 – Focus on Young People & Women Exiting Prison
02:01 – Eileen’s Background: Growing Up in Ballymun
02:25 – Struggles with Addiction & Finding Hairdressing
03:47 – Recovery, Fashion Weeks, and Giving Back
04:50 – Starting Hair Together: The Early Days
06:09 – How the Program Works & Impact
08:41 – Staying Connected with Graduates
10:15 – Opening the New Salon & Academy
12:14 – Age Range & Types of Participants
13:12 – The Impact on Young People’s Lives
15:54 – Social Enterprise Model & Funding
18:39 – Eileen’s Childhood & First Experiences with Drugs
24:25 – Selling Drugs & Addiction Deepens
31:35 – Family Intervention & Going to Greece
34:00 – Detox, Rehab, and Recovery Journey
41:14 – Life After Rehab: Moving to Waterford
44:07 – Motherhood, Relapse, and Final Recovery
48:41 – Mental Health, Therapy, and Spirituality
54:46 – Advice for Young People
55:53 – The Meaning of Life & Closing Thoughts