Montreal makeup artist Charlotte Marie Flannery’s daughter Ariana has inspired another project in support of autism. Ariana’s Sparkle is the new autism awareness lip colour collection launched by Ray of Light Canada. The makeup will be available for purchase through the Ariana’s Sparkle Etsy shop as of World Autism Awareness Day: April 2nd, 2019.
At this time last year, Flannery co-created and launched a Swarovski crystal jewelry collection with local jewelry designer Tracy Gartner. They named this collection Ray Of Light Mtl, inspired by the idea of families finding the light ‘signifying hope’ in what can be a dark place or time in their lives.
Now called Ray of Light Canada, its co-founder Flannery is a mother of two children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With this new collection, she put her experience in the beauty industry to use. Inspired by her daughter Ariana’s continuing love of glittery things, the Ariana’s Sparkle collection can be worn on its own or over lipstick.
Like most moms, I have many roles as a mother, makeup artist and autism advocate are just a few of mine, explains Flannery. Ariana’s Sparkle is a project inspired by my daughter that encompasses these roles perfectly.
Available in five shades, Ariana’s Sparkle is a lip product with the shine of a gloss and the wear of a lipstick. The collection is made in Canada, hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and is not tested on animals.
50% of proceeds will go to Autism Speaks Canada, supporting evidence-based research and Family Services Community Grants to address the needs of individuals with ASD and their families. More than 250 organizations across Canada have received $4 million in grants since 2010.
As a side project, Flannery started an Instagram account for Ray Of Light Mtl last October. Since it’s inception, it has become an outlet for her as an autism parent to post stories of her family’s experiences ‘the good and the bad’ and is well received by other parents and members of the autism community.
With parents reaching out to Flannery through the account from across the country, the Ray Of Light Mtl team decided that it had become more than a Montreal-based initiative, and changed the name to Ray Of Light Canada as of this month. As newest member and Communications Manager Vanessa Muri explains, The name change reflects our growth and our vision for the autism community nationwide.
However local support for the company remains strong. Photographers Bianca Morello and Teresa Ste-Marie, and videographer Veronica Dalonzo are just some of the professionals donating their time and services to assist with the new launch.
Supporting causes in service of children is something near and dear to my heart, and autism has touched my own extended family, says Bianca Morello. I’m proud of Charlotte’s initiative in helping children and the autism community.
Ray of Light Canada surpassed $5000 in jewelry sales between April and December 2018. 20% percent of each sale is donated to ‘Trails of Summer’, a local non-profit day camp for children with special needs. The jewelry collection is available year round through the Ray Of Light Canada Etsy shop.
About the Ray Of Light Team
Charlotte Marie Flannery is an internationally trained hair and makeup artist working in the Montreal fashion and wedding industries for over 11 years. After navigating her own experiences as a mom of two children on the spectrum, she wanted to do something for the autism community. Charlotte is grateful for the support she has found through the company Facebook page and Instagram account, where she shares her experiences with autism.
The jewelry pieces are designed and handmade in Montreal by designer Tracy Gartner. Known for over a decade as one of the leading jewelry designers in the wedding industry, she custom creates jewelry and headpieces for the bride and the entire wedding party. Tracy also designs a collection of yoga-inspired jewelry called Reflect. Currently her main focus is on projects close to her heart.
Vanessa Muri officially joined the Ray Of Light Canada team last autumn, but has been assisting the company since the beginning. Vanessa is a lifestyle journalist, editor and writer with a particular interest in health and wellness.
To browse the jewelry and to view the lip collection, shop
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