Ella & Jo, a skincare brand based in Ballina, Co. Mayo, is making its debut in the UK retail market with ambitious plans to expand internationally over the next year.
Founded in 2017 by Niamh Ryan and Charlene Flanagan, Ella & Jo currently employs 15 staff and has raised €300,000 in funding. The brand offers a unique collection designed to simplify skincare routines, with products aimed at morning, evening, and daytime care.
“We’ve created a functional range that adds joy back into skincare,” Ryan told the Business Post. “Our vibrant, colorful products aim to make skincare feel like a spa experience, not just a task on the to-do list.”
The idea for Ella & Jo emerged after Ryan and Flanagan met during skincare roadshows across Ireland. Ryan, who was involved in these events, saw an opportunity to make cleaning makeup brushes easier, which led to the brand’s creation.
The name “Ella & Jo” is a blend of Ryan’s Ella Beauty skincare clinic and Flanagan’s married surname, Jones. “We wanted something that represented both of us,” Ryan explained.
Having grown rapidly since its launch, Ella & Jo has doubled its turnover year on year, now shipping to over 50 countries worldwide. The brand has also benefited from support by Enterprise Ireland, which helped the company scale and offered strategic advice and grants for its UK expansion.
Ryan highlights the timing of the UK launch, which coincided with Cat Deeley becoming the brand’s ambassador just before she joined This Morning on ITV.
Looking ahead, Ryan is confident that Ella & Jo will continue to grow. “By the end of next year, we aim to have around 25 staff, including international hires. We’re also exploring other markets beyond the UK and seeking the right partnerships to help us scale further,” she said.
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