Ciara O'Shea, Makeup artist & Founder of Proshine, on what it takes to build a beauty brand from scratch

Creatively Down and Dirty is our new podcast series where we deep-dive with one creator into one project. Prepare to hear it all, from what sparked the initial idea from the high-highs to the low-lows during the making of it and ultimately, how it got released out into the wide world.

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 Ciara, and, as it turned out, the industry, was missing.

“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”

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

Balancing an established career with a new, all-consuming enterpriseThe importance of of activating your own networkNavigating the dos and don’ts of social media for businessHow a practical need inspired a practical solutionWhy 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