The Irish beauty industry has seen incredible growth, but behind the scenes, unique voices are breaking barriers every day. Ioana Somesan, a deaf business owner and holistic therapist based in Rathdowney, is an inspiring entrepreneur. From her journey into holistic therapy to advocating for inclusivity in beauty, Ioana shares her challenges, victories, and vision for a more accessible industry. She has only one ear functioning at 20%, and she says “I almost don’t hear anything“.
I met Ioana in a funny circumstance when we were both in the Romanian Women Group in Ireland, where we share information, and promotions, sell stuff, or advise one another. As I am such a big salesperson (not 😂) she told me she wanted to buy a few of my goodies. I did not know at that time that she had this hearing problem so I kept sending her voice messages. I know, I am a voice message person (hate it until you love it). She was like “I cannot hear” but I couldn’t understand why until she sent me an article of herself. I felt so bad.
Honestly Ioana, I had this feeling of looking up to you with appreciation, I was impressed by your strength, power, and drive. So we started to chat more and more and more until we got to know each other.
I decided to take this step and write about her because it is truly inspiring and she deserves to be heard.
A journey inspired by passion
“When I moved to Ireland 6 years ago, I had the opportunity to follow this dream,” she explains. Ioana shared her experience of training in holistic massage with Golden Egg in Portlaoise. Unfortunately, the overall experience wasn’t great, particularly when it came to accommodating her needs as a deaf person, despite their initial reassurances. Still, she didn’t let those challenges hold her back and stayed committed to her passion, proving her determination every step of the way.
“I always loved human anatomy and I was curious from a young age about it. I was even participating at the national Romanian Olympics placing in 5th place at 9 years old. Growing up, life had other challenges for me but when I was here in Ireland I had the opportunity to follow this dream. In Romania, I managed to do 2 years of Nurse post-school but unfortunately financially was very hard on my grandparents (RIP).“
Facing unique challenges as a deaf professional in the Irish Beauty Industry
Being deaf in a hearing world presents undeniable challenges. “I had to hide my hearing aid with my hair to avoid judgment,” Ioana recalls. Miscommunications at work—both in Ireland and Romania—sometimes placed her unfairly in trouble. Today, tinnitus has added to the challenge, but she continues to adapt. “A normal 9-to-5 job may be harder, but I found my path as a sole trader.“
Empowered by networks and support systems
Ioana credits her success to influential mentors and supporters she met through Irish business networks like Laois Chamber Alliance and Kilkenny Network Ireland.
“People such as Sheila Cahil from Laois Council, Brian Phelan (independent contractor and my mentor), Anne Biddy (Good Luck Horse Shoes), Hannah Cahil (Leinster Express), Jackie Carroll (Laois Chamber Alliance) and of course my husband Alin Somesan, influenced the path of my career in the last year.
I don’t think I would’ve been here without their continuous support and wise words.”
“I started my business thinking if I have clients, great; if not, that’s fine too. But now, my life has become significantly exciting thanks to the people I’ve met.“
To be honest, being a deaf business owner comes with its challenges, and I truly admire how she has overcome them! I’m so grateful to have met her and to call her both a friend and collaborator.
And don’t worry—our collaboration is only going to grow stronger! What do you think about me taking care of the Irish Midlands’ skincare needs? Hey Rathdowney people, are you ready for some glow on your face? 😍
Spark Joy Enterprise: Supporting People with Disabilities
Ioana’s latest venture, Spark Joy Enterprise, is a social enterprise dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through:
Inclusive employment opportunities
Workplace accommodations
Free skills training for people with disabilities, funded by paid courses for others.
“We focus on recognizing all abilities, hidden or visible,” Ioana says. Spark Joy Enterprise aims to create truly inclusive workplaces, closing gaps between employees, employers, and the healthcare system.
Advice for aspiring beauty professionals with disabilities
Ioana’s advice is clear: “Don’t give up. Find an academy that understands your needs.” She credits OBUS Academy and Elisse Beauty Academy for their supportive training environments. “At OBUS one of their trainers walked around with my phone so I could understand what the trainer behind me was saying. That is another level of commitment. Which I loved.”
She added: “Keep dreaming but work hard to sustain that dream, is easy to start the dream. Is very hard to maintain or go higher, hence to work hard for it. “
Ensuring inclusivity in her practice
Inclusivity is at the heart of Ioana’s holistic therapy clinic, Holistic Leighis Spa, a place where she offers therapeutical treatments and a selection of beauty perks. So, if you are in the area, you should book a treatment with her. She is truly a holistic therapist.
“I talk openly with clients about my hard of hearing,” she says, often using tools like the Transcribe app for communication. Whether working with older clients, individuals who are blind, or others with hearing loss, Ioana ensures everyone feels understood and cared for.
I asked Ioana if she could share a memorable experience where her unique perspective as a deaf therapist brought something special to your clients or community.
“Without breaking the privacy policies put in place at my clinic, I can say that I had a wonderful lady (vulnerable person) who was stunned to find out about the app I use. After our holistic session, she came back a few days saying that her life improved a lot and she is using the app every single day.”
Technology’s role in enhancing accessibility
Technology plays a huge role in Ioana’s practice. As a deaf business owner, “we have so much access to tech, but so little acknowledgment of its use for inclusion.” Apps like Zoom, WhatsApp, CapCut, Canva, Inshot, and the Samsung transcribe app and built-in phone accessibility settings can revolutionize communication in the beauty industry. Ioana encourages professionals to explore these tools and embrace their potential.
She added, “ If people don’t change the mentality that a person with a disability can’t enjoy life or can’t work, it will be hard on everyone. But if trainers are doing a special course that involves ” walking a mile in other people’s shoes“ – this can change and impact the life and industry with almost 90%.
Creating a lasting impact as a deaf holistic therapist
Ioana believes that training in sensitivity and compassion is critical. “People with disabilities can read your body language very fast” she warns.
Her mission through Spark Joy Enterprise, a non-profit organization is to create a world where inclusion is second nature—where people of all abilities can thrive, not just survive.
Final Words from Ioana
In conclusion, “We all have a voice,” says Ioana. “Stay close — Spark Joy Enterprise has a lot of surprises coming. Thank You Skin Education and Wellness for the opportunity to speak up. We all have a voice.” Her inspiring story proves that challenges can become strengths, and inclusivity can reshape industries for the better.
If you have a hearing disability or any other challenges and dream of pursuing a beauty career, reach out to Ioana and her organization. They’ll provide expert advice and support to guide you on this rewarding journey. The Irish beauty industry must have a place for all of us!
Thank you Ioana Somesan for sharing her inspiring journey. Follow more stories of inclusivity and empowerment on Skin Education and Wellness.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal experience of the individual featured. For more, see my full disclaimer.