A Westmeath couple whose skincare and wellness firm launch was derailed by Covid-19, has bounced back and is now under the national spotlight at Ireland’s top craft and design fair.
Located in Daneswell Business Park, Monksland, Athlone, deDANÚ fits perfectly into the climate change movement – using zero water in the manufacture of its products.
Leah and James Fletcher are making their debut appearance at contemporary craft and design fair, Gifted, at Dublin’s RDS from December 1-5.
More than 500 designers, makers and artisan food producers will feature at Ireland’s largest Christmas gift shopping event, which will provide a crucial boost to unique brands and makers after the pandemic forced its cancellation last year.
The seeds of Athlone-based deDANÚ were sown when former primary school teacher Leah emigrated to Canada - but a planned six-month trip turned into a decade.
She met her husband-to-be, Vancouver native, James Demello in 2013, and their son Jack was born three years later.
Leah began working for a Canadian company anxious to understand European policies for product launches in Europe and it was at this point, she noticed a gap in the market to establish Ireland’s first carbon neutral health and wellness brand.
Both are now partners in the business, exporting to the US and employing seven people at the 10,000sq ft pharmaceutical facility in Monksland.
“We are an Irish founded, skincare and wellness company and the whole premise behind it is that we scientifically formulate our products - they are made in a scientific environment.
“We have a range of botanical products, oils, creams and serums and were the first in Ireland to put cannabigerol (CBG ) into skincare products.
“Part of our whole approach was to set up a circular manufacturing process, with the goal to be water free - usually, the cosmetic industry is very heavy on water usage.
“There is no need for water in most cosmetics. If you buy a cream and it is 80 percent water, it is carbon heavy,” Leah remarked.
Clinical studies in its products saw impressive results for clients suffering from acne, psoriasis, rosacea, sun spots, eczema and dermatitis.
Launching deDANÚ did not come without its challenges – Leah and James were both on course to launch a week before Ireland went into its first lockdown in March 2020.
“All our stock, our website, our distribution network was ready to go. We had to press pause but went online and people loved our stuff, especially during that time. People who couldn’t take clients out to dinner sent them packages instead,” Leah commented.
Gifted, The Contemporary Craft and Design Fair, takes place at the RDS Main Hall in Dublin’s Ballsbridge from December 1-5.
Full details and booking at www.giftedfair.ie with a special 10 percent discount on all purchases on December 1.
