On March 8th, we celebrate International Women’s Day – a time to recognize the contributions female founders are making both in Ireland and around the world. This day is all about honoring women who are making waves, especially those leading the way in business and innovation. It’s the perfect opportunity to shine a light on female entrepreneurs, inspiring the next generation to step up, take risks and push for greater representation in the entrepreneurial space.
One woman doing exactly that is Michelle McDonald, the powerhouse behind Sásta Skin Health based in Carlow, Ireland. Michelle co-founded the brand in 2021 alongside Dr. Brian O’Rourke, a Cosmetic Chemist, with one goal in mind: to shake up the skincare industry with microbiome-supportive solutions.
Michelle has dedicated over 25 years to beauty, education, training, and sales, always driven by her passion for skin health. 17 years ago, a visit to a health store sparked a deeper curiosity when she discovered the gut microbiome’s role in overall wellness. This insight sparked a journey of discovery, leading her to explore how internal health directly influences skin vitality – a concept that would later shape Sásta Skin Health.
When Michelle introduced Sásta Skin Health, the idea of microbiome-friendly skincare was still emerging. Traditional skincare mostly focused on surface-level treatments. Michelle saw the potential and took a bold step, building her entire brand around microbiome-friendly skincare, long before it became a mainstream trend. Breaking industry norms wasn’t easy, but Michelle put in the work to educate consumers and help people understand how nourishing the skin’s natural ecosystem could transform persistent issues such as acne, eczema and sensitivity.
As a female founder in a competitive industry, Michelle’s journey is one of resilience, innovation and determination. She’s not only built a thriving brand but has also paved the way for other women in business, proving that taking the road less traveled can lead to something truly groundbreaking.
“As a female-founded Irish brand, we are deeply proud of the journey we’ve taken and the community we continue to build. Every step of our story reflects our passion for empowering women and celebrating Ireland’s unique culture and traditions. This is more than just a brand to us—it’s a dream brought to life, with love and authenticity in every detail.”
—Michelle McDonald, Co-Founder of Sásta Skin Health
Sásta Skin Health is leading the way with its groundbreaking Microbiome Booster Serum RRP (€45). This extraordinary serum combines a powerful blend of prebiotic and postbiotic ingredients to optimize skin health. By protecting the skin’s defensive barrier, restoring its natural pH, and defending against external aggressors, Sásta’s Microbiome Booster Serum ensures your skin reaches its full potential. Sásta’s formula nourishes the skin barrier, instantly leaving it glowing while improving its overall appearance and texture.
Sásta Microbiome Booster Serum (RRP €45.00) is available from www.sastaskinhealth.com and leading beauty salons, dermatology clinics, pharmacies & health stores nationwide.
Instagram @sastaskinhealth