Darcy Laceby: The Young Entrepreneur Redefining Wellness Through Absolute Collagen
Darcy Laceby is a British entrepreneur who has rapidly established herself as one of the most influential young business leaders in the UK wellness industry. Best known as the co-founder of Absolute Collagen, she combines scientific expertise, operational leadership, and modern brand thinking to drive one of the country’s fastest-growing beauty and wellness companies. Recognised on both the Forbes 30 Under 30 and Hurun UK Under 30 lists, Darcy Laceby represents a new generation of founders who blend purpose with performance.
Who Is Darcy Laceby?
Darcy Laceby is the co-founder of Absolute Collagen, a UK-based wellness brand specialising in liquid marine collagen supplements. She is widely respected for her hands-on leadership style and for bringing scientific credibility to a sector often dominated by marketing claims.

From a young age, Darcy showed a strong interest in food science, health, and innovation. These interests later became the foundation of her professional career and helped shape the product philosophy behind Absolute Collagen.
Darcy Laceby Age and Early Life
She was born in June 1997, making her 27 years old as of 2025. Despite her relatively young age, Darcy has already built nearly a decade of experience as a business founder and executive.
She grew up in England alongside her sister Margot, in a household where resilience, creativity, and determination were central values. Her upbringing played a key role in shaping her disciplined and focused approach to business.
Education and Academic Background
Scientific Foundations
Darcy Laceby holds a BSc in Food Development and Innovation, which she completed between 2015 and 2018, graduating with First Class Honours. Her academic training provided in-depth knowledge of food formulation, safety, nutrition, and product development—skills that would later become essential to Absolute Collagen’s success.
Professional Qualifications
Alongside her degree, Darcy completed several recognised certifications in food safety and nutrition, including:
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Food hygiene qualifications
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Food supervision for manufacturing
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Healthier foods and special diets
These qualifications strengthened her technical credibility and ensured that Absolute Collagen’s products met strict industry standards.
Business and Leadership Training
In 2021, Darcy Laceby completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme through Saïd Business School. This experience sharpened her leadership, financial, and scaling expertise, preparing her for the challenges of rapid business growth.
Darcy Laceby Absolute Collagen Journey
Founding the Brand
Darcy Laceby Absolute Collagen is a story rooted in collaboration, science, and lived experience. In 2017, Darcy co-founded Absolute Collagen with her mother, Maxine Laceby, after recognising a gap in the market for a collagen supplement that was both effective and easy to use daily.
While Maxine brought personal motivation and vision, Darcy contributed technical knowledge, product development skills, and operational discipline. This balance became a defining strength of the brand.
Leadership Roles at Absolute Collagen
Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer
From the company’s inception, Darcy Laceby played a central role in managing operations. As Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, she oversaw supply chains, manufacturing processes, and internal systems that allowed the business to scale sustainably.
Chief People and Product Officer
Since September 2022, Darcy has served as Chief People and Product Officer. In this role, she is responsible for:
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Product innovation and formulation
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Maintaining quality and consistency
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Shaping company culture and people strategy
Her leadership has helped Absolute Collagen grow while maintaining strong internal values and operational integrity.
Business Achievements and Awards
Darcy’s work has been widely recognised within the business and retail sectors. Her achievements include:
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Forbes 30 Under 30 (2022) in the retail and e-commerce category
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Hurun UK Under 30 (2022)
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Recognition through the Times 100 via Absolute Collagen
These honours reflect not just rapid growth, but also sustainable leadership and long-term vision.
Maxine and Darcy Laceby: A Mother–Daughter Partnership
A unique aspect of Darcy Laceby’s story is her professional partnership with her mother, Maxine Laceby. Together, they represent two generations of leadership working in alignment rather than conflict.

Maxine’s life experience and advocacy for ageing confidently complement Darcy’s technical knowledge and operational precision. This partnership has allowed Absolute Collagen to connect authentically with customers across age groups, strengthening trust and brand loyalty.
Personal Life and Public Image
She maintains a clear boundary between her professional and personal life. While she is active in sharing business milestones and brand values, she keeps her private relationships out of the public eye. There is no publicly confirmed partner, reflecting her preference for privacy.
Professionally, Darcy is known for her disciplined, data-driven approach and her commitment to ethical business practices. She is often associated with themes of female entrepreneurship, innovation, and responsible leadership.
Vision and Influence
Darcy Laceby represents a modern type of entrepreneur—one who values expertise, integrity, and long-term impact over quick wins. Her influence extends beyond Absolute Collagen, inspiring young founders to take science, education, and operational excellence seriously.
As the wellness industry continues to evolve, Darcy is positioned as a leader who will shape its future rather than simply follow trends.
Quick Info
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Darcy May Laceby |
| Known As | Darcy Laceby |
| Date of Birth | June 1997 |
| Age | 27 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | British |
| Residence | Birmingham, England, United Kingdom |
| Profession | Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Co-founder of Absolute Collagen |
| Company | Absolute Collagen |
| Current Role | Chief People and Product Officer |
| Previous Role | Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer |
| Founded Absolute Collagen | 2017 |
| Education | BSc Food Development & Innovation (First Class Honours) |
| Business Training | Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (Oxford) |
| Awards | Forbes 30 Under 30 (2022), Hurun UK Under 30 (2022) |
| Family | Daughter of Maxine Laceby |
| Partner | Not publicly disclosed |
| Industry | Beauty & Wellness |
| Brand Values | Quality, transparency, ethical growth |
Conclusion
Darcy Laceby’s journey is a powerful example of what focused ambition and expertise can achieve at a young age. From earning a First Class Honours degree to co-founding and scaling Absolute Collagen, she has demonstrated that success is built through knowledge, discipline, and collaboration.
As a co-founder, executive leader, and award-winning entrepreneur, Darcy continues to set new standards for innovation and credibility in the UK wellness industry, proving that age is not a limitation when paired with vision and hard work.
FAQs
1. Who is Darcy Laceby?
Darcy Laceby is a British entrepreneur and the co-founder of Absolute Collagen, a leading UK beauty and wellness brand specialising in liquid marine collagen supplements.
2. How old is Darcy Laceby?
Darcy Laceby was born in June 1997. She is 27 years old as of 2025.
3. What is Darcy Laceby’s role at Absolute Collagen?
She is the Chief People and Product Officer and co-founder, previously serving as Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, overseeing product innovation, operations, and company culture.
4. What is the relationship between Maxine and Darcy Laceby?
Darcy Laceby is the daughter of Maxine Laceby. Together, they co-founded Absolute Collagen, forming a successful mother–daughter leadership partnership.
5. What awards has Darcy Laceby received?
Darcy Laceby has been recognised on Forbes 30 Under 30 (2022) and Hurun UK Under 30 (2022) for her achievements in retail, e-commerce, and entrepreneurship.



