Skin care and beauty dream launches with Ritual Skin C

The old adage of “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” could easily apply to Elsie Tranmer.

“There’s a special passion you feel for a project that’s just yours. Every day I come to work loving my space and wanting to do the best I can while I can,” says the creator and owner of HAIL Cosmetics/Ritual Skin Co.

After experimenting at home with natural cosmetic ingredients and colourants, HAIL Cosmetics was launched in late 2016.

Ritual Skin started with a tip that a particular retail space was becoming available in the waterfront district.

“I had always wanted to open a storefront,” Elsie says. “Once I heard the news, the plans were sped up by several years.”

After months of remodelling and designing, the doors to the boutique opened last October.

Hail Cosmetics is naturally-based, cruelty-free and handcrafted locally. Ritual Skin carries HAIL Cosmetics and other similar products, many Canadian-made, as well as vegan options. All scents are essential oil-based and non-synthetic. They carry skincare, bath, baby, beard/men’s, and makeup.

“I’m looking to carry more products and many other brands,” Elsie says. “As well there’s the possibility of expanding further online or maybe to another city, maybe even offering services in the future.”

Her family is her inspiration. Elsie’s father worked two jobs before he started his own business. Her mother, a Filipino immigrant, is a nurse.

“They worked hard to give me the life I have, and I will forever be grateful,” she says.

Despite her success, there remains the doubt that comes with such a daunting task, knowing that everything depends on her.

“Honestly, there is the fear of failing, the stress and fear most entrepreneurs experience thinking about providing for themselves and their family,” Elsie admits.

However, with her parents as examples of how far hard work and perseverance can take you, Elsie continues to push ahead, not being satisfied with where she is right now.

“I guess that’s a part of the charm of having an entrepreneurial personality,” she says. “Nothing is good enough and there’s always more to do.”