Alyson Hogg first female patron at Prince's Trust NI

Successful NI businesswoman and creator of Vita Liberata, Alyson Hogg, has been appointed as the first female Patron and Enterprise Fellow to the Prince's Trust in Northern Ireland.

The appointment will involve Alyson providing both funding and mentor support to the charity’s Enterprise Programme to help young people from care get on the career ladder.

The Ballyclare based entrepreneur began her skincare and tan business in 2003, alongside raising her family. It is now a multimillion pound company with celebrity fans including Nicole Sherzinger, Emma Watson and Sienna Miller.

“Business is tough but very rewarding,” she said.

“You must be flexible, hardworking and determined to succeed and I want to encourage those future entrepreneurs out there to harness their life experiences in a positive and productive way.

“The Prince’s Trust is an incredible organisation that can help with the finance and the knowledge to get your ideas off the ground and I am thrilled to be working alongside them.”

Youth unemployment and educational underachievement continue to be key challenges throughout Northern Ireland. The beauty industry is a key employment area for young people engaging with the Trust, with 1 in 5 attendees wanting to enter the sector.

The programme aims to inspire and encourage innovation amongst the next generation by hosting workshops on how to sell yourself, create business and marketing plans, sales, budgeting and tax.

Rose Mary Stalker, Chair of The Prince’s Trust NI said: “We’re delighted that Alyson has chosen to work in partnership with The Prince’s Trust and we know that with her backing we will be able to reach many more vulnerable young people.

“Alyson is also our first female patron in Northern Ireland, which we hope will inspire future generations of young women to follow in her footsteps and succeed with whatever business plans they want to achieve.