Larne woman Tash launches new mineral sunscreen brand Stil
A Larne woman has launched a new mineral sunscreen after a flare-up of a chronic health condition inspired her to explore natural cosmetics.
Tash Hagan developed her brand Stil after years of frustration and reacting to mainstream chemical sunscreens.
A former pupil of Olderfleet PS and Cambridge House Grammar in Ballymena, Tash’s career began in fashion. “I moved to England for university, studying Fashion at the University of Central Lancashire,” she said.
After spending over 12 years working in e-commerce across the UK, Australia and Europe, she started as a stylist and went on to become an Art Director at fashion brand Boden.
Tash, now 33, developed Crohn’s disease – an condition causing chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract – when she was 12. “I’ve spent my adult life dedicated to my health and wellbeing to manage my disease without medication,” she added. “It started with clean eating and after realising that personal care products also caused me to flare, I became obsessed with natural cosmetics and researching ingredients.
“When I returned home after living in Australia at age 29, I struggled to find an SPF on the UK shelves that I trusted. Mainstream sunscreens contain harsh chemicals that don’t agree with me, and mineral sunscreens can be hard to find and unpleasant to use. Not to mention, nothing looked cool! This is when I originally had the idea for Stil.”
Two and a half years ago, whilst living and working in London, a severe flare-up of her Crohn’s led to a hospital admission. “Shortly after, I decided it was time for a change. I quit my job in fashion and my partner and I left London,” Tash said.
Fifteen months ago, she began building Stil – a process which has been entirely self-funded: “My partner Josh and I started Stil with our savings. Josh has a full-time job and helps me with Stil when he can. We both work remotely and live between Larne and Spain, where my dad lives.”
More information is available at www.stilsuncare.com and www.instagram.com/stil.suncare.
The brand made its debut on March 1 with Daily Face SPF 30, a mineral sunscreen made with non-nano zinc oxide, 97.8percent natural ingredients and a ‘skincare-first texture’, said its founder.
Additional products, including a body SPF and lip SPF are already in development.