Member Spotlight: Meet Angela O’Connor-Harrell
From performing on world stages with Lord of the Dance to running a successful Irish dance academy and spray tanning business, our fabulous The School Mum Edit member, Angela O’Connor-Harrell, is one of those women who somehow balances creativity, confidence and motherhood with incredible warmth. We caught up with Angela to talk about motherhood, confidence, beauty, business and her best glow tips for busy mums.
Tell us a little about yourself
I’m a proud mum to two amazing children, Oisín (12) and Ríona (8), and I run both the Angela O’Connor Academy of Irish Dance and Angela’s Tan Boutique. Dance has been such a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was lucky enough to tour professionally with Lord of the Dance, and over 20 years ago I started my own dance academy here in Oxfordshire.
Your dance school has achieved incredible things. What are you most proud of?
Honestly, the confidence it gives children. Of course, I’m proud of our dancers competing at World Champion level and performing at places like Trafalgar Square and Eventim Apollo, but the most rewarding thing is watching children grow in confidence, make friendships and really thrive.
I’ve always wanted the school to feel welcoming and supportive for every child, whether they’re dancing for fun or competing seriously.
Alongside dance, you also run Angela’s Tan Boutique. How did that begin?
I’ve always loved the confidence a good tan can give. I’m naturally very fair-skinned and growing up in the dance world, fake tan was part of life, especially under stage lights.
For years I dreamed of becoming a professional spray tan artist, and two years ago I finally decided to do it. Now I use Sienna X products to create natural-looking tans tailored to each client individually.
What do you think people misunderstand about spray tanning?
That it’s just about appearance. For me, it’s much more about confidence and self-care.
So many mums spend all their time looking after everyone else, and sometimes having a tan, getting ready or simply taking an hour for yourself can genuinely make you feel better. I really want appointments to feel relaxed, personal and confidence-boosting — never rushed.
What are your best spray tan tips?
Preparation makes such a difference. My biggest tips would be:
Wear dark, loose-fitting clothes to your appointment
Avoid deodorant, moisturiser and perfume beforehand
Shave or wax around 48 hours before
And moisturise daily afterwards to help your tan fade evenly
Any favourite products for maintaining a glow between tans?
I love the Sienna X Organic Rose Water Tanning Spritz for topping up my face and neck, especially because face tan tends to fade quicker when you wear make-up daily.
I also love the St Tropez Bronzing Water Face Mist for a natural glow, and I’m obsessed with the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Bronzer. It’s amazing for adding warmth and definition.
What does confidence mean to you now?
I think confidence changes as you get older. For me now, it’s less about perfection and more about feeling good in yourself, feeling healthy, comfortable and taking time for yourself where you can.
Finally, what’s next for you?
Continuing to grow both businesses while keeping that personal connection at the centre of everything. I genuinely love helping people feel confident, whether that’s through dance or beauty.
And I’m very excited about the upcoming Charlotte Tilbury event with The School Mum Edit ✨
A little treat for School Mum Edit members
Angela is currently offering first-time clients a personalised consultation and spray tan for £18. Get in touch with Angela to book your appointment. Angela’s tanning salon is located at her house in Ickford, Buckinghamshire. You can follow Angela’s tanning business on Instagram @angelas_tan_boutique and find out more about her Irish Dancing Classes on her website.
To book:
📧 angeltan@myyahoo.com
📱 WhatsApp: 07989 836796