A Manchester skin well being coach and author impressed judges on BBC’s Dragons’ Den that all five dragons offered investment in Hanna Sillitoe’s natural, vegan skincare range.
The 40-year-old best-selling author and skin healing expert created the range, formulated specifically for people with skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, having struggled with the conditions herself for more than twenty years.
Having tried different creams and treatments, Hanna, from Manchester, began researching about anti-inflammatory foods and devised her own diet cutting out caffeine, alcohol, sugar, dairy and wheat.
Not only did Hanna 'cure' her skin conditions , she went on to start a blog, and then publish a book, Radiant, launched Radiant Retreats and developed a range of Radiant natural skin care roducts.
More so than the financial investment, it’s the Dragons business acumen Hanna admits she really wanted: “I’ve worked hard over the past five years to share my understanding of naturally treating skin disease with a worldwide community.
"I applied to Dragons’ Den in the hope of finding an investor who can help me to successfully take my vision to the next level.”
Stepping into the Den was not as straightforward she said.
“There’s a whole process to go through before you’re even considered worthy of coming face to face with the Dragons.” Hanna explains.
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“Aside from the online screening and telephone interview, I had to present a live pitch in front of programme researchers and complete a very rigorous due diligence procedure.
“There’s no pulling the wool over anyone's eyes. Figures are scrutinised, claims you make are checked and double checked, there are endless declarations to sign, but after verifying every intricate detail of my business,
“I finally got the news that I’d been successful. I was so excited to receive that call, and then reality dawned!
“Not only did I need to prepare a pitch for the Dragons, but in my case I still had to conceive a brand, design product artwork and complete the formulation of my new skin care range, all in under six weeks!”
“That month leading up to the audition was super stressful. My skincare scientists worked tirelessly to manufacture the products. With just two days to go until the show, I chased the postman halfway around my village to collect them!
“We were pushing everything right up until deadline day. I even spent the night before trying to stick labels smoothly onto bottles. I had a recurring fear of Peter Jones pulling me up on squiffy branding!”
The hard work paid off when all the Dragons wanted a piece of the business in last night's episode.
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First up was Deborah Meaden who made the offer for the full amount of £60,000 in exchange for 20 per cent of her company.
The rest of the team followed each making the same offer, but Hanna eventually accepted a combined offer from Tej Lalvani and Peter Jones.
“Tej was always at the top of my list,” Hanna says.
“His brand is centred on wellbeing and he proved in the Den that he completely understood my vision.
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“His connections with some of the 海角视频’s biggest health store retailers is obviously massive for me.
“Peter focused on my desire to reach out globally and conquer America, so much of my work is online, I don’t doubt that his tech experience will prove absolutely invaluable to take that side of the business forward.
"My day in the den was just the beginning. Together we’re going to prove a powerful trio and I’m excited for the weeks and months ahead!”