From Garage to Global: How Two Sisters Built a Multi-Million Pound Beauty Brand

The Inspiring Journey of Spectrum Collections

Two sisters, Sophie and Hannah Pycroft, embarked on a remarkable journey ten years ago, starting their beauty business from a garage in Barry, South Wales. Today, their company, Spectrum Collections, boasts sales of millions, having sold over two million make-up brushes and accessories this year alone, with £2.5m in UK sales.

A Lightbulb Moment

The sisters, who previously worked in photography and design, were inspired by conversations with beauty professionals backstage at events like London Fashion Week. They decided to create a line of brightly colored, distinctive make-up brushes that were not only affordable but also made from synthetic fibers.

Quality and Accessibility

Sophie emphasized their goal: "We wanted to create products that had a bit more personality than the ones you would see behind the scenes." By using synthetic bristles, they offered high-quality brushes at a lower price point, appealing to a mass market.

Roots in Wales

Remaining close to home was essential for the sisters. Their all-female, all-Welsh team operates from Barry, and their commitment to vegan and cruelty-free products aligns with current trends in the fashion industry. They regularly audit their factories in China to ensure ethical practices.

Expanding Horizons

Spectrum Collections has collaborated with major brands like Disney, launching themed collections inspired by characters like Ariel from The Little Mermaid. However, the sisters are now shifting focus back to their own ranges, adapting to changing consumer behavior amid rising living costs.

As they look to the future, 60% of their business comes from the UK, with plans for further global expansion. Sophie notes, "Working with each other is the best part of the business," highlighting the strength of their partnership.