A newly-launched beauty company founded by two young Manchester entrepreneurs is now being sold to a US retail giant.
Entering the $390 billion beauty industry is never easy, but for Jenna Meek and Jess Hunt – who founded independent label REFY in Ancoats last year with no external investment – their products spoke for themselves and within only six weeks of launching, they’d grabbed the attention of one of world’s leading beauty retailers, Sephora.
And now, the brand’s first product range – a three-stage brow collection – has launched online and in 320 Sephora stores across the US and Canada this month.
This makes REFY the first Manchester-based business to achieve this feat.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CP_YI_sqnrE/
Entrepreneur Jenna and beauty influencer Jess – who met on a photoshoot – saw a gap in the market for fool-proof makeup products that “enhance rather than hide natural beauty”, with no makeup artistry skills required, and it all started when Jenna noticed Jess’ extensive eyebrow routine.
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“It was something ridiculous, like five different eyebrow gels, multiple brushes, and then a pomade and a pencil to do my brows every single day,” Jess said.
Jess’ loyal Instagram followers constantly asked what products she used on her brows, and so creating a streamlined brow collection made sense for the pair. They decided to bring together their skills in business and marketing to join a new wave of independent beauty brands who owe their success largely to social media thanks to highly-engaged cult followings.
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REFY’s three-stage brow collection puts “simplicity at the forefront” and is designed to leave you feeling “confident and empowered” as it can be used to achieve a natural look or more exaggerated, fuller brows.
REFY is the first Manchester-based brand to be sold in Sephora / Credit: REFY
Within two months of the self-funded business’ launch at what was a turbulent time for many brands in November 2020, REFY was approached by senior buyers at Sephora.
The buyers had bought the products themselves, and were “seriously impressed”.
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Jennifer Cohen – VP Makeup Merchandising at Sephora – said: “Sephora is thrilled to partner with REFY and continue bringing our clients innovative products that meet all their beauty needs.
“REFY delivers bold, powerful formulas that help promote and celebrate confidence [and] we are so excited to introduce this brand to our clients and know that it will be a wonderful addition to our assortment.”
Jenna Meek commented: “Sephora is the biggest beauty destination in the world for premium cosmetics and was the number one retailer Jess and I wanted to partner with in the US when we launched the business [as] its unconventional approach to keeping pace with the latest brands and trends makes them the most loved beauty community in the world.
“We’re super excited to bring REFY to a new audience in the US, encouraging more people to embrace their natural beauty and feel confident enough to celebrate themselves with uncomplicated, versatile products.”
REFY’s three-stage brow collection puts “simplicity at the forefront” / Credit: REFY
When REFY first came onto the scene offering a simple way to achieve the ‘no makeup makeup’ look, consumers responded by buying over 100,000 units in the first six weeks – ensuring an entire stock sell-out on more than one occasion.
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The brand also quickly captured the attention of mega-influencers such as Molly-Mae Hague, and Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson and Leigh-Anne Pinnock – who are now all loyal fans of the brand.
It’s only looking up for this Manchester business success story.
Featured Image – REFY
Business
Bury FC announce partnership with big name local brand after ‘milestone’ season
Danny Jones
Following their landmark North West Counties Football League title, Bury FC are toasting their trophy success with a significant new partnership, as multinational franchise JD Sports will be sponsoring the side moving forward.
The Premier Division champions sealed what they have dubbed a “milestone” first piece of silverware and first promotion for some time with a 4-0 win over Burscough FC last weekend: a moment which feels like a far cry away from the uncertainty of recent years.
A NWCFL Division One North title did come during the Bury AFC era.
It was only back in 2019 that Bury were dismissed from the EFL entirely, splintering into two teams after 125 years; fast forward to 2025 and now the Greater Manchester club are looking to reconsolidate their position in the football pyramid with efforts such as this latest commercial move.
Also founded in Bury back in 1981, JD Sports is the latest and most established local organisation to sponsor The Shakers to date, marking a big step forward for those around Gigg Lane.
While the exact nature of their collaboration (i.e. featuring logo on kits, around the stadium and so on) is yet to be detailed, nor has the initial length of the partnership deal been confirmed, getting the brand on board is still a big coup.
Not only is the retailer a well-known name in sports apparel and high-street fashion, with their own line of more than 90 JD Gyms across the UK too, but as a fellow local turned nationwide business from the same borough, their success story is also one that Bury FC can take plenty of inspiration from.
With a league record-breaking 8,719 fans filing into their historic home ground for the final game of the season, demonstrating an extraordinary level of support and loyalty throughout the community, teaming up with JD is an extension of “reignited pride” and brings football back to the heart of the local area.
As for JD – which also boasts a glowing global presence in over 36 countries – sports partnership manager Abi Haywood went on to add: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Bury FC, a club that sits at the heart of our community. As a company founded in Bury, this partnership means a lot to us.
“It’s about more than football – it’s about giving back to the town that helped shape who we are. We’re proud to support Bury FC and to play a part in the club’s future, both on and off the pitch.”
Over 8,700 fans in attendance at Gigg Lane to see Bury FC win 4-0, confirming their first promotion since being expelled from the EFL in 2019…
The Shakers signed off the announcement by stating: “As Bury FC continues its mission to climb back up the football pyramid, the Club remains deeply committed to regaining its place at the heart of the community.
“With the support of local businesses, lifelong fans, and a town full of pride, Bury FC is building a future worthy of its historic name.”
Here’s hoping this is just the start of an already brilliant comeback and that Bury never need come back from so close to the brink again.
Kevin De Bruyne reveals he wasn’t offered a new contract by Manchester City
Danny Jones
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne has revealed he wasn’t offered a new contract by the club before making the decision to leave at the end of the season.
The 33-year-old is preparing to leave the Etihad after more than a decade, following the conclusion of the current 2024/25 campaign, announcing the decision earlier this month.
It goes without saying that the Belgian playmaker isn’t just a fan favourite and club legend but one of the most revered players in European football, let alone England, having been transformational both for the Blues and the Premier League.
Although his exit hasn’t come as a complete shock, given his age and increasing injury problems, De Bruyne himself has confessed that he was “a bit surprised” not to be offered a new contract by Man City whatsoever over the past year.
Kevin De Bruyne has revealed his shock at not being offered a new contract with Man City and has not ruled out joining another Premier League club 📝 pic.twitter.com/ymUDaI4CvJ
As per multiple outlets, KDB shared the revelation during his post-match media duties after the Everton game on Saturday, revealing: “I didn’t have any offer from them the whole year and City made a decision. Obviously, I was a bit surprised but have to accept it.”
Despite a firm belief that he “can still perform” at this level (one most would wholeheartedly agree with him on), he assured he understood the club’s thinking and even admitted that it was “more of a relief” knowing that he was the first to learn that news and could announce his departure on his own.
Insisting that he’ll still be giving everything to help the team win in their remaining games this season, he went on to detail that the decision has been made “because the whole team has struggled.”
“Maybe if the team didn’t struggle and I came back like I did this year and bedded in like normal, then maybe they would take another decision”, he added, arguing that he’s playing with much more rhythm and confidence post-injury.
After all, he was the difference once again in the remarkable comeback against Crystal Palace.
De Bruyne has made it clear he’d be more than happy to stay in the Premier League.
Although he wouldn’t go into too much detail on the conversations, he reiterated, “I can’t really say what they think on the inside […] I have to accept the situation even though I feel like I can still do a good job, but that’s it.”
Despite many fans coming to terms with the difficult choice made by the club, many supporters still believe it is an oversight on CFG’s (City Football Group) part.
One social media user has nearly 5,000 likes and almost 400 comments on a post entitled: ‘A petition to make Manchester City apologise and offer Kevin De Bruyne a new contract’.
While not everyone is in agreement on the matter, there is clearly plenty of doubt, with the same account going on to add, “There’s no shame in admitting a mistake and offer[ing] Kevin De Bruyne a new 1-year contract. His influence in the dressing room, let alone on the pitch, remains of critical importance.”
It’s hard to gauge exactly what manager Pep Guardiola makes of all of it, either; apart from his farewell message included as part of the club statement confirming his contract expiry, this is pretty much all the Catalan coach has had to say on the matter thus far:
Emily Sergeant -
17th June 2021 
