While inclusivity has become a growing focus across the beauty and personal care sector, individuals with disabilities remain significantly underrepresented in skin care education, product development, and professional aesthetics. According to the CDC, approximately 61 million adults in the United States live with a disability, yet beauty brands have been slow to adapt their offerings or training to accommodate this population.
Sunshine Botanicals, a clean skin care company with a clinical focus, is working to change that. In partnership with the Ashley DeRamus Foundation—a nonprofit that advocates for individuals with Down syndrome—Sunshine Botanicals is mentoring founder Ashley DeRamus in holistic skin care and aesthetics.
This collaboration highlights both the need and opportunity to make the industry more accessible while addressing overlooked skin care challenges experienced by people with Down syndrome, such as extreme dryness, sensitivity, and inflammation.
In this CosmeticsDesign Q&A, we spoke to Emily Fritchey, CEO and Founder of Sunshine Botanicals, regarding the mission behind the partnership, the hands-on training Ashley is receiving, and what this initiative could mean for the future of inclusivity in professional skin care.
CDU: What inspired you to partner with the Ashley DeRamus Foundation and mentor Ashley in holistic skin care and aesthetics?
Emily Fritchey (EF): Sunshine Botanicals’ mission is deeply rooted in the belief that true skin care is not just about beauty alone —it’s about beauty, health, wellness, self-confidence and empowerment, and holistic well-being. Partnering with the Ashley DeRamus Foundation was a natural fit because their work aligns with our core values of authenticity, education, inclusion, building self-esteem, and encouraging knowledge and growth.
Providing opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and other special needs to understand how to care for their skin and address frustrating skin issues is a first for this community and is totally overlooked in the beauty and wellness space.
Mentoring Ashley in holistic skin care and aesthetics is an opportunity to showcase how botanical skin care formulations can transform the skin while also fostering self-care and independence.
Our formulations are designed to effectively target aging and problem skin conditions and help heal inflamed skin conditions, which perfectly complements the foundation’s mission of enriching lives through education, empowerment, and advocacy.
By working together, we’re breaking barriers in the beauty industry and demonstrating that skin care is for everyone—regardless of ability—while providing Ashley with hands-on experience and knowledge that can inspire others to pursue their passions in aesthetics and wellness.
CDU: Can you share more about the hands-on training Ashley will receive and how it has been tailored to meet the unique skin care needs of individuals with Down syndrome?
EF: The hands-on training Ashley will receive has been carefully designed to address both the unique skin care needs of individuals with Down syndrome and to empower her with the skills to share this knowledge with others.
People with Down syndrome often experience specific skin challenges, such as extreme dryness, sensitivity, eczema, and a compromised skin barrier. To address these concerns, our training focuses on gentle, botanical-based skin care solutions that emphasize cleansing and detoxification, hydration, skin barrier repair, and reducing inflammation.
Ashley will learn about the importance of clean, clinical-grade botanical ingredients and how to customize skin care routines to meet individual needs.
Her training will include practical experience in product application, understanding skin types, and using non-invasive techniques to enhance skin health. Additionally, we will provide education on lifestyle and environmental factors that affect the skin, ensuring a holistic approach to skincare.
Ashley is eager to share powerful information with her friends in the Downs community so she can provide the vital information they know nothing about.
This mentorship is not just about skin care—it’s about building confidence, independence, and the ability to educate and inspire others through beauty and self-care.
CDU: What do you hope this collaboration will achieve in terms of inclusivity and accessibility within the professional skin care and aesthetics industry?
EF: This collaboration is about redefining inclusivity in the skin care and aesthetics industry by creating opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and other special needs to engage in the beauty industry and have access to aesthetic and wellness education and even career paths in beauty.
Our goal is to break down barriers and challenge the industry to recognize that skin care and aesthetics are for everyone. By mentoring Ashley and tailoring training programs to diverse needs, we hope to inspire other brands and professionals to embrace accessibility—not just in product development but also in education and employment opportunities.
True beauty goes beyond appearance; it’s about empowerment, confidence, and holistic well-being. This partnership with the Ashley DeRamus Foundation demonstrates that the aesthetics industry can be a place of inclusivity, where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
CDU: What message do you want to send to other beauty and personal care brands about creating more opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the industry?
EF: The beauty and personal care industry has a powerful platform to drive change, and inclusivity should be more than just a marketing message—it should be an active commitment. Creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities isn’t just about meeting diversity goals; it’s about recognizing the value, talent, and unique perspectives they bring to the industry.
My message to other brands is simple: Representation matters. The beauty industry has the opportunity to lead by example, fostering an environment where individuals of all abilities can participate, learn, and thrive.
This means designing accessible education programs, offering employment opportunities, and developing products that cater to a wider range of needs.
By embracing inclusivity in a meaningful way, brands can make a lasting impact—not only on the individuals they support but on the entire industry. True beauty is about empowerment, confidence, and authenticity.
It’s about embracing diversity, fostering self-care, and creating spaces where everyone—regardless of ability, background, or circumstance—feels seen, valued, and included. True beauty goes beyond appearance; it is the reflection of inner well-being, self-love, and the ability to uplift and inspire others.