In the beauty industry, there is often a lack of representation and accessibility for people with disabilities. This is a problem that Millie Flemington Clare, a 26-year-old from Bristol with cystinosis, a rare metabolic condition, decided to tackle head-on. Inspired by her love of makeup and the need for inclusive products, Millie created Human Beauty, a cosmetics brand designed with disabled individuals in mind. The brand has since won awards and received funding from Innovate UK, a national innovation agency.
Cystinosis has greatly impacted Millie’s life, requiring her to undergo multiple kidney transplants and orthopaedic operations. Despite facing obstacles and bullying throughout her life, Millie’s determination and resilience have driven her to succeed. She sees makeup not just as an art form, but as a form of therapy that has allowed her to express herself during difficult times. This passion led her to launch Human Beauty, which aims to provide accessible makeup options for all individuals, including those with disabilities.
Human Beauty’s products, such as the Make Up Therapy palette and Liquid Confidence mascara, are designed to be inclusive and user-friendly. The brand’s packaging is anti-roll to assist those with mobility issues, and features QR codes for visually impaired individuals. Moreover, Human Beauty prioritizes inclusivity by hiring disabled, neurodivergent, and chronically ill individuals to work for the brand and participate in photoshoots. This commitment to diversity sets Human Beauty apart from other beauty brands and emphasizes the importance of true representation.
Looking ahead, Millie hopes to expand the reach of Human Beauty by bringing its accessible makeup products to retailers. Her goal is to create a truly inclusive brand where individuals of all abilities can experience the transformative power of makeup. By giving disabled individuals a seat at the table and prioritizing their needs, Human Beauty is paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse beauty industry.
The story of Millie Flemington Clare and Human Beauty serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and accessibility in all industries, including beauty. By sharing her journey and creating a brand that caters to the needs of disabled individuals, Millie is challenging the status quo and inspiring others to embrace diversity and inclusivity. Through her resilience, determination, and passion for makeup, Millie is not only changing the beauty industry but also changing lives.
