Teen launches glittering career from bedroom
A 19-year-old student who started a make up business from her bedroom is now among the top sellers on a global fashion app used by 13 million people. Ellen Bundey started her glitter and accessories brand, Rose and Sparkle, two years ago and now gets up to 75 orders a day, shipping to more than 38 countries.
The Barming teenager has now been verified as the fifth highest seller on Depop, an online marketplace where people buy and sell vintage clothing, accessories and more. Ellen’s entrepreneurial spirit was roused when she spotted a gap in the market when searching for affordable festival make up while studying for her A levels at Maplesden Noakes School. Having always loved all things glamorous, she decided to start selling some sparkly products herself.
She began by buying glitter and sequins in bulk and creating her own colourful cocktails, with names such as ‘cherry blossom’ and ‘disco ball’.
Starting with just 15 glitter blends, interest for Rose and Sparkle soon grew and Ellen began extending her range, which now has 130 products. She said: “Reaching fifth on the Depop worldwide ranking is a huge accomplishment for me. “I would have never dreamed of my small online shop growing this big. I absolutely love Depop. “It’s so popular because it meshes social media with online shopping.
“You really can start and run a business from your bedroom.” With the festival industry booming, the demand for funky accessories has boosted business for Rose and Sparkle, with sales almost tripling in a year.
Ellen does all the photography, packaging and posting herself, alongside a geography degree at Coventry University.
Next year, she plans to expand her range, and she is also beginning to sell her own handmade jewellery and festival clothing from her online shop.
She added: “My dream career lies within cosmetic marketing or content creating but if Rose and Sparkle gets really big I would consider working on it full-time.”