Derry teenagers launch Ellie and Anna Collection
Teenage skincare range hits the shelves for Christmas
Two enterprising young Derry women have launched their own range of paraben-free, vegan skincare products.
The Ellie and Anna collection is the brainchild of best friends Ellie McLauhlin (12) and Anna O’Connor (12) and is designed especially for teenagers.
The range, which includes, reed diffusers, tan, cleanser, toner, moisturiser, face cream, eye gel, facial scrub and face masks, is also eco certified.
Available exclusively from Natural Touch Treatment Spa in Pump Street in the city, the collection was a lockdown project which eventually came to fruition this week.
Speaking to Derry Now, Ellie and Anna said they got the idea from chatting to Ellie’s mum, Leigh Fitzpatrick, who owns Natural Touch.
Ellie said: “In the salon, Mammy uses Alumier MD products but this is a medical grade skincare range and would be too advanced for the skin of teenagers.
“During covid, Anna and I got the idea for our own skincare range for teenagers because Mammy was telling us that your skin changes when you are about 12 or 13 years old and you need to start looking after it.”
“We decided on aromatherapy ingredients. There are no parabens or chemicals in any of our products. According to Leigh, us teenagers should be careful about our hydrolipid barriers, which is your skin’s protective barrier.
"The products are relaxing and soothing. Leigh also gave us a wee loan to get started and we are going to pay her back when we start selling products. This is our first week and already things are going very well.”
Ellie and Anna drew up their business plan, priced the products, and designed their labels and bags, under Leigh’s watchful eye.
Ellie said: “We are so happy we got our first batch of products on the shelf this week, before Christmas. We are now planning a Christmas competition on our social media page, so everyone should keep an eye on that for a brilliant giveaway.”
For more details on the Ellie and Anna Collection, follow the Thornhill College students on Tic Toc at ‘ellieannacollection’.