Charlene Flanagan: The Inspiring Irish Entrepreneur Behind Ella & Jo Skincare
Charlene Flanagan is a recognised Irish beauty expert, entrepreneur, and social media personality known for co-founding the successful skincare brand Ella & Jo. With more than a decade of experience in the beauty industry, she has built a reputation for empowering women through beauty, confidence, and self-care. Her journey from a professional bridal makeup artist in County Sligo to an award-winning skincare entrepreneur demonstrates determination, creativity, and a deep understanding of what modern consumers want from beauty products.
Today, she is widely admired not only for her entrepreneurial success but also for her authentic connection with her community and followers. Through her brand, educational work, and social media presence, she continues to inspire women to prioritise confidence, wellness, and joyful skincare routines.
Early Life and Education of Charlene Flanagan
Charlene Flanagan was born in Ireland and raised in County Sligo. Her early life was shaped by creativity, ambition, and a passion for business and beauty. Growing up in a supportive environment, she developed a strong interest in entrepreneurship and marketing from a young age.
She pursued higher education at the Institute of Technology, Sligo, where she completed an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Marketing between 2008 and 2012. This academic background gave her a strong foundation in branding, business strategy, and marketing—skills that later played a major role in building her own beauty business.
Before becoming an entrepreneur, she also completed professional training in makeup artistry at the International School of Makeup Artistry and obtained an internationally recognised certification through ITEC. This combination of business education and beauty expertise laid the groundwork for her successful career.
The Early Career of Charlene Flanagan in Makeup Artistry
Before launching her skincare brand, Charlene Flanagan built an impressive career as a freelance makeup artist. In 2013 she founded her own business, Charlene Flanagan Makeup, based in Enniscrone, County Sligo.
Her speciality quickly became bridal and occasion makeup. As a freelance artist, she travelled across Ireland to work with brides on their wedding day. Her professionalism and attention to detail helped her become one of the most sought-after bridal makeup artists in the country.
Within a few years, her reputation grew significantly. She was regularly booked well in advance and often travelled nationwide for weddings and beauty events. Many clients praised her ability to create elegant and timeless bridal looks while ensuring the bride felt confident and relaxed.
During this period she also began hosting makeup masterclasses and educational beauty workshops across Ireland. These sessions allowed her to share professional techniques, skincare advice, and confidence-building tips with women interested in learning about beauty.
Media Work and Beauty Blogging
As her career developed, Charlene Flanagan expanded her presence into media and digital platforms. She became a recognised beauty blogger and social media influencer, sharing makeup tutorials, skincare recommendations, and beauty advice with her growing audience.
Her online content quickly gained popularity, helping her connect with beauty enthusiasts throughout Ireland and beyond. She collaborated with numerous beauty brands, offering honest reviews and product recommendations.
Her influence within the beauty community was recognised when she was shortlisted for the Irish Beauty Blog Awards in 2016. This recognition confirmed her growing authority within the beauty and lifestyle industry.
She also worked on television sets and collaborated with broadcasters such as TV3, Irish TV, and TG4. These experiences allowed her to apply her professional makeup skills in studio environments and work alongside well-known media personalities.
In 2020 she also appeared on the Irish television programme RTÉ Today with Maura and Daithi, further expanding her public profile.
Charlene Flanagan and the Creation of Ella & Jo
One of the most significant milestones in Charlene Flanagan’s career came in 2017 when she co-founded the skincare brand Ella & Jo. The brand was created with the goal of transforming everyday skincare routines into moments of self-care and joy.
Drawing on her experience as a makeup artist, she understood the importance of healthy, nourished skin as the foundation of any beauty routine. Many of her clients struggled with skincare concerns or lacked time for complex routines, which inspired her to create products that were both effective and simple to use.
The mission of Ella & Jo is to produce high-performance skincare that not only improves the skin but also supports emotional wellbeing. Each product is designed to turn daily skincare into a calming ritual rather than just another task.
The brand quickly gained attention within the Irish beauty industry thanks to its focus on quality ingredients, thoughtful product design, and a strong connection with its customer community.
Awards and Recognition
The success of Charlene Flanagan’s entrepreneurial journey has been recognised through several prestigious awards.
In 2023, Ella & Jo received the IMAGE Irish Brand of the Year Award, highlighting the brand’s influence and innovation in the beauty market.
In 2024 the brand also won CEW UK Best New Brand Prestige, an award that celebrates excellence within the global cosmetics and skincare industry.
That same year, Charlene Flanagan was named Businesswoman of the Year at the GOSS Awards, acknowledging her leadership, entrepreneurial vision, and contribution to the Irish beauty sector.
These achievements reflect both the growth of her business and the strong loyalty of the community she has built around her brand.
Social Media Influence and Personal Brand
Charlene Flanagan maintains an active presence on social media, particularly Instagram, where she shares content related to beauty, wellness, business, and lifestyle.
Her social media platforms provide a behind-the-scenes look at her life as a founder, mother, and entrepreneur. She frequently posts skincare advice, product insights, fashion inspiration, and motivational reflections about personal growth and entrepreneurship.
With tens of thousands of followers, her social media platforms have become an extension of her brand. Her authentic and relatable approach has helped her build a loyal audience that values her expertise and positivity.
Her content often focuses on themes such as confidence, self-care, personal development, and finding joy in everyday moments.
Charlene Flanagan Husband and Family
Outside of her professional achievements, Charlene Flanagan is also devoted to her family. She is married and a mother of two children. She frequently shares glimpses of family life, holidays, and everyday moments with her followers.
Living in County Sligo, she enjoys balancing entrepreneurship with family life and values the importance of creating meaningful experiences with loved ones.
Her personal philosophy centres around gratitude, wellbeing, and living a balanced life. She often speaks about the importance of trusting intuition, working hard, and appreciating the journey rather than focusing only on success.
These values are reflected not only in her personal life but also in the mission and culture of the Ella & Jo brand.
The Legacy and Future of Charlene Flanagan
Charlene Flanagan’s journey demonstrates how passion, expertise, and determination can transform a small personal business into an internationally recognised skincare brand.
From working as a freelance makeup artist to building an award-winning beauty company, she has successfully combined creativity with strategic entrepreneurship.
As the beauty and wellness industries continue to grow, her focus on joyful skincare, community connection, and high-quality products positions her brand for continued success.
With a strong vision for the future, Charlene Flanagan remains a leading voice in the Irish beauty industry and an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to turn their passion into a meaningful and successful career.
FAQs
1. Who is Charlene Flanagan?
Charlene Flanagan is an Irish beauty entrepreneur, makeup artist, and social media influencer. She is best known as the co-founder of the award-winning skincare brand Ella & Jo. Before launching the brand in 2017, she built a successful career as a professional bridal makeup artist and beauty educator in Ireland.
2. How old is Charlene Flanagan?
Charlene Flanagan was born on 19 June 1989. As of 2026, she is 36 years old and will turn 37 in June 2026.
3. Is Charlene Flanagan married?
Yes, Charlene Flanagan is married. Her husband is Micheál Jones, who is also involved in the business as the Managing Director of Ella & Jo. The couple live in County Sligo, Ireland, and have children together.
