What it takes to build a beauty brand from scratch Ciara O’Shea Makeup artist & founder of Proshine
I needed a solid body oil. I needed it to be portable, I needed it to be natural, I needed it to be high-shine under direct light. No shimmer, no glitter, no colour…I had such a clear idea
For anyone considering making a brave and bold leap into new territory, welcome to the perfect case study! In this episode, we delve into the story behind Proshine — a portable, natural, high-shine body oil that makeup artist Ciara, and, as it turned out, the industry, was missing.
From fear of failure to huge personal financial risks, to the passion, persistence and tenacity needed to reap the rewards, Ciara describes with fierce candour the organic journey she went on to get her product made and onto the shelves. She talks us through how she landed on the idea, perfected the formula, navigated branding and marketing, right through to getting stocked — and all while juggling a demanding career.
Originally from Tipperary, Ireland, Ciara has worked with Madonna, Liv Tyler, Millie Bobby Brown, and Alexa Chung, to name a few! Plus brands from J.W. Anderson and Ralph Lauren to Miu Miu and Agent Provocateur, with her work featured on covers for Perfect, Dazed & Confused, Vogue, POP and LOVE magazines.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the graft behind the glamour, and a rare insight into bringing a product to life!
Follow @ciaradoesmakeup / @proshine_by_cdm for stockists
EPISODE INSIGHTS
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Balancing an established career with a new, all-consuming enterprise
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The importance of of activating your own network
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Navigating the dos and don’ts of social media for business
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How a practical need inspired a practical solution
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Why nothing happens unless you accept the challenge and go on the journey
Thoughts on the episode? Drop us a DM @creativebloodworld
EPISODE CREDITS
Hosted by Laura Conway
Produced by Scenery Studios
Video by Nicola Collins
Ciara Loves
visit: Claridges
"Sometimes, if I'm feeling a bit frustrated, I'll take myself to Claridges for a fancy cup of coffee with cream, just as a gentle reminder that the devil is in the detail and to keep pushing for perfect"
read: Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
"I was profoundly affected by this story and its complexities. I loved the way it was written and how challenging it was to me and my beliefs"
visit: National Portrait Gallery
"It's just such a refuge in the middle of the madness. I love how you can just run in for a few minutes, soak up some world-class art and then go on with your day"
watch: Eyes of Laura Mars
A horror film about a fashion photographer who suddenly gains the ability to see through the eyes of a serial killer as he commits his crimes, starring Faye Dunaway. "Visually I just love the style and the make up and the sets"
