A Yorkshire beauty business is aiming to revolutionise the DIY lash industry with its new environmentally-friendly product.
Rachael Hanley originally launched Cherlaan Ltd 12 years ago as a wedding accessories business, but the arrival of the pandemic delayed nuptials for thousands of couples across the UK and impacted the business.
Ms Hanley, based in Huddersfield, looked to diversify in lockdown and successfully applied for a bounce back loan, leading to the creation of new brands Lashes Out, followed by Lash Ribbons, which was launched this June.
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The businesses filled a gap created in the market when the national lockdowns forced the close of UK salons - but sales have continued to grow following the easing of restrictions.
The founder explained how Lash Ribbons is aiming to shake up the bourgeoning lash industry by offering customers a cheap alternative to often costly, professionally applied lashes.
Ms Hanley says it allows customers to create their own set of salon quality lashes in 10 minutes, in the comfort of their own home, to wear continuously for 10 to 14 days with no damage to their own eyelashes.
Lash Ribbons is a 15-16cm strip of lightweight lash segments on an ultra thin band. The band has been developed so that the customer can place it underneath their own lashes and can be double or triple stacked.
Ms Hanley said the business was developed during lockdown after recognising a niche in the lash extension market.
Customers were unable to attend their local beauty salon and lash technician were starting to look online, and at the time the only similar alternatives were home salon systems available in the US, carrying a premium price tag.
She said: “I wanted to bring to the market a lash extension system that was the most customisable whilst remaining the most affordable. I am pleased to say I have now achieved this.
“Not only are the lash ribbons vegan friendly but are completely reusable. The lash ribbons, when used in conjunction with our latex free Ultimate Lash Bond, will create a set of salon quality lashes that will last up to 14 days without any damage to your own lashes.
“As there are only four companies worldwide that offer these Lash Ribbons we are seeing a rapid growth on a global basis.
“Gone are the days when the customer had to endure a two-hourly appointment to achieve a set of salon quality lash extensions. These are now easily achieved, in the comfort of your own home within 10 minutes and are an affordable luxury, readily accessible to all.”
