Group Image of Human Beauty company

6 December 2022

4 min read

Digital Marketing graduate, Amelia Flemington-Clare (Millie) is a one woman powerhouse leading the way for inclusivity in the beauty industry.

Growing up with a rare condition, Millie lacked confidence and discovered the power of make up and its effects on her confidence and sense of self.

However she never felt she could find a brand that truly represented who she is and the people around her. She got frustrated being bombarded by the idealisation of perfection through brands and social media and set about creating her own beauty brand, Human Beauty.

Human Beauty was founded in January 2020. Fast forward to today and Millie was selected as one of the finalists for the Santander X UK Awards.

The Student StartUp Team has supported Millie to get her business off the ground. In 2022 Millie applied for startup funding from the team. She went on to receive £2,363 towards product development. Following one to one support, Millie was selected to showcase her early stage business at the inaugural Pitch to the Experts event.

The Santander X UK Awards offers innovative businesses the chance to win a range of exclusive prizes, including a share of £150,000 in equity-free funding. 

With over 500+ applications from across the UK, Santander Universities had a difficult task of shortlisting such a strong field. 

Millie was successfully selected to join a unique 6 week intensive business accelerator programme with expert-led masterclasses, one-to-one support, networking opportunities and more before having the opportunity to pitch her idea at the quarter and semi finals in London.

On Monday 28 November 2022, Millie headed to London to pitch in the semi-finals of the Santander X UK Awards, with the aim of being selected as one of 12 finalists who would pitch the following day in the National Final. 

Millie received excellent feedback from the judges and although she didn’t make it to the final 12, during the National Finals she was awarded the ‘Judges Choice Award’ and a cash prize of £2,000. She also received a grant of £1,000 for completing the accelerator programme.

As Millie gets ready to officially launch Human Beauty this month, her next steps are to hire an intern and secure some more funding to take her business to the next level.
Congratulations Millie on all you have achieved so far, your hard work and determination is inspiring. We know you are going to do great things and the Student StartUp Team is behind you all the way!

 


Applications for this year’s Student Startup funding close on Sunday 11 December 11:59pm. Visit our website for more information.

Whether you are looking to freelance, launch a new business or develop an existing one, the Student StartUp Team can support you with free expert advice, workshops and more. Why not come and speak to the team and see how we can help. Visit our website for more information or email studentstartup@port.ac.uk