About Jenna McDonnell
Hi, I’m Jenna - bridal beauty specialist and founder of the Jenna McDonnell boutique.
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After many years of mobile wedding services and other creative work, I decided to take the plunge and open my own little shop in Newport in September 2014. As the business expanded, I purchased a larger premises in 2018 where we now offer everything a bride needs to feel beautiful on her wedding day. I provide hair and make up, while my highly trained beauticians offer all the treatments you may need in the run up to the big day, including tans, nails, waxing and massage. We have a dedicated wedding showroom where couples can visit our permanent wedding fair display, discovering an amazing range of local suppliers. We have a bespoke range of hats and hair accessories to hire, and even a photo studio.
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I absolutely love my job and love nothing more than helping others and seeing happy brides on their wedding day. Working all over the UK and travelling to destination weddings worldwide, I understand how important it is to feel your best, which is why I only use the very best products to achieve top results every time. If you aren’t completely sure about your look, I will keep adjusting my creations until you’re 100% happy.
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In the first year of opening, my boutique was listed as 'Best Salon in Newport' at the Fans' Choice Award 2015. I also achieved the title of Best Regional Hair Stylist at both the Welsh National Wedding Awards 2015 and 2016 as well as being a finalist for 'Best Bridal Make Up' in my region. In 2017 I was shortlisted for a Genius Award, which targets aspiring new young businesses and follows them on their journey; a finalist at the 2017 Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards, and won 'Best Hair and Make Up' at the Best of Welsh Wedding Awards 2017. More recently I won a Gold Award from Careers Wales, and was named runner up 'Best Hair and Make Up' at the Best of Welsh Awards 2018.
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My work has been featured on TV (BBC's 'Barking Mad') and ITVs evening news. Magazines such as 'Brides' and 'Tiara' have also followed my story and I have made it into local and national newspapers.
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In February 2016 I set a new Guiness World Record as the fastest bridal hairstylist in the world, creating 304 bridal hair ups in 7 hours. It was an incredible day that raised lots of money and awareness for the Ieuen the Lion Memorial Fund. In the five years the salon has been open, my hair and make up skills have seen us raising over £12,000 for local charities, a figure that I am extremly proud of.
Meet The Team
Jenna McDonnell
Bridal Hair and Make Up Artist
Jenna is the founder of our wonderful boutique. Specialising in bridal hair and make up, as well as eyebrow art and waxing, Jenna's skills will see you have nothing less than a perfect service on your wedding day. To learn more about Jenna's background and how it all began, click here: The Story So Far...
Hannah Moylan
Beauty Therapist
Hannah is qualified in level 2 and 3 beauty, providing a range of treatments in the salon including lashes, brows, nails, facials and more. Previously working on a luxury cruise ship, Hannah will ensure you always leave us feeling relaxed, pampered and gorgeous!
Lauren Prosser
Beauty Therapist
Also qualified in level 2 and 3 beauty, Lauren has worked in the industry for 8 years in various spas and salons around the local area. Offering a full range of treatments including nails, lashes and brows, she loves getting to know her clients and providing a friendly and relaxing experience at every appointment.
Karina Kononova
Beauty Therapist
With level 3 qualifications in beauty therapy, salon management and hairdressing, Karina has built her experience and talents in a number of local spas and salons. She offers a range of treatments including nails, lashes, brows, facials and more.
Sara Gallagher
Hairdresser
Sara is our talented and experienced hairdresser. Beginning her career in the Friends Hair salon before moving to The Nuthouse as a respected Senior Stylist, she offers a range of services within the salon including cuts, blow drys, colours and balayage.
Siobhan White
Manager / Doodle Bow Dollz
Siobhan is the glue that holds everyone together! Not only does Siobhan organise appointments and bookings, she also manages all our Doodle Bow Dollz designs and product distribution line. Siobhan is your go-to girl when we need questions answering!
Louise Parry
Receptionist
With 20 years experience in customer facing roles, Louise looks after our reception - answering the phone, taking bookings, organising the appointment books and greeting clients to the shop.
Lowri James
Junior Make Up Artist
Lowri has just completed her second year of a foundation degree in Media Makeup, giving her advanced skills in prosthetics, wig making and high fashion / editorial makeup. She will soon be working towards her third year of study in makeup while demonstrating her amazing talents as a junior makeup artist here at Jenna McDonnell.
Nikki Swift
Designer / Nikki Swift Designs
Nikki designs and maintains our marketing materials and website, using her background in fashion and textiles to bring a stylish touch to logos, flyers, appointment cards, price lists, business cards and more. Nikki also runs Nikki Swift Designs, creating bespoke wedding stationery and she often meets brides in the boutique to discuss their invitations and other stationery needs.
Reanne Cogdell
Florist / Libbies Flower Boutique
Reanne owns Libbies Flower Boutique and works from her studio at the back of our shop. A qualified florist, she creates beautiful bouquets and floral displays for weddings and other special occasions, holding workshops and consultations within the shop to discuss all your flower needs.
Sallyann Waters
Complementary Therapist
Sallyann offers a range of treatments within the shop including Reflexology, Aromatherapy Massage, Holistic Massage, Reiki, Indian Head Massage, Reflexology Lymph Drainage and Facials. She is currently in university doing a degree in Complementary Level 5. Learn more about Sallyann's work at her Facebook page Sallyann Waters Complementary Therapy.
Nicole Abraham
Hair Stylist / Just Gorgeous
As a talented wedding hair stylist at Just Gorgeous, Nicole brings her talents to the Jenna McDonnell salon on Saturdays. Offering beautiful hair for every occasion, Nicole aims to inject ‘total gorgeousness’ into your special day!
Shannon Trigg
Pamper Party Technician
Shannon is a level 3 qualified hairdresser and is our amazing Pamper Party technician, creating beautiful nail art on the tiniest of tiny nails. Shannon also creates flamboyant hairstyles for our miniature customers and makes every little girl feel like a princess.