Business owner Aimee Connolly not worried about US tariffs
Beauty business owner Aimee Connolly isn't going to worry about US tariffs until they are made clear, as she's set to launch her makeup brand stateside.
On Wednesday, Central Bank governor Gabriel Makhlouf said US President Donald Trump's tariffs pose a 'major downside risk' to Ireland's economy. It plans to impose a 20 per cent tariff on all EU imports to the states.
This is not good news for the Sculpted by Aimee founder, who has been working tenaciously behind the scenes to launch her successful brand in the US. But as trade negotiations continue, the 31-year-old isn't getting bogged down just yet.
Speaking as an ambassador of the VHI Women's Mini Marathon, she told the Irish Sunday Mirror: 'This is life, I think there's always some level of uncertainty. Not to play down the current climate, but I think you move way forward, regardless.
'We're busy just focusing on what the original plans are, where we're going, and just hoping for the best.' After launching her makeup brand in 2016 at the age of just 22, the Dubliner has seen her business reach massive heights.
Her products are stocked in 700 outlets worldwide, including in the Middle East and Australia. She also has a flagship store on Dublin's Grafton Street.
As many US influencers organically promote her brand, she is determined to break America. On her launch stateside, Aimee said: 'The wheels are still in motion, we are focusing on post market strategies and having various meetings with retailers and suppliers.'
The beauty owner admits it can be a tough market to crack, but hopes the rewards will be worth it. She continued: 'With the US you have to be conscious of the market size and know the pros and cons that come with that.
'It's a very expensive market to crack but on the flip side, it's a huge potential market because it is so vast. I think you just have to have the strategy that's right for you as a brand at that time.
'That's why we're taking the time to build what the right route for us is and where we are in our growth. But ultimately, it is one of the biggest markets in the world, and kind of everyone's dream to be global there.'
This comes as Sculpted by Aimee made the Beauty Matter top 50 list of international brands to watch in 2025. The beauty industry forecaster said the Irish brand is expected to have a full-year revenue of €26.5m to €46.5m this year.
Aimee was speaking as an ambassador for the VHI Women's Mini Marathon, as she will run alongside 28,000 other women in Dublin City Centre on June 1.
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