What began as a commonality between two forces helping the North Carolina community following Hurricane Helene, blossomed into Sunshine Botanicals partnering with the Ashley DeRamus Foundation to foster representation in aesthetics. This partnership empowers individuals with Down Syndrome by positioning DeRamus as an entrepreneur and advocate, as she takes part in the clinical process and produces skin care to show individuals with special needs that they can too.
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What began as a commonality between two forces helping the North Carolina community following Hurricane Helene, blossomed into Sunshine Botanicals partnering with the Ashley DeRamus Foundation to foster representation in aesthetics. This partnership empowers individuals with Down Syndrome by positioning DeRamus as an entrepreneur and advocate, as she takes part in the clinical process and produces skin care to show individuals with special needs that they can too.
“At Sunshine Botanicals, we believe that true corrective skincare is an inside job—one that goes beyond topical treatments to address nutrition, gut health and overall well-being,” says Emily Fritchey, founder and CEO of Sunshine Botanicals. “This philosophy aligns perfectly with the Ashley DeRamus Foundation’s mission to empower individuals with Down Syndrome by supporting their unique needs, including those related to skin health.”
The Ashley Deramus Foundation works to empower and support individuals with Down Syndrome by promoting inclusion, raising awareness and providing resources for education, employment and independent living. Sunshine Botanicals is a skincare brand that focuses on creating natural, plant-based products designed to nourish and rejuvenate the skin.
The partnership launched its global mission at the United Nations on March 21, World Down Syndrome Day. This collaboration creates skincare for individuals who deserve solutions designed for the unique gut and skin concerns, but also focuses on showing people with special needs that they are capable of being independent and creating breakthroughs in their distinct passions.
Empowering Individuals with Special Needs: Why Representation Matters in Holistic Skincare and Aesthetics
Representation matters in every industry, Fritchey says, but it is especially important in skincare and aesthetics, as self-care and confidence are at the root of these solutions.
The Ashley DeRamus Collection was created with a clear mission: to provide clean, effective skincare solutions tailored to the unique needs of individuals with Down Syndrome and special needs while empowering them with knowledge and confidence to care for themselves.Courtesy of Sunshine Botanicals March 21 Press Release
“I want this partnership to show people, especially with Down Syndrome and special needs, that they don’t have to be limited in their dreams,” DeRamus says. “Whenever we succeed, it makes others see that they can do something they didn’t think was possible and gives them confidence to try.”
While DeRamus will have the opportunity to empower individuals with special needs, DeRamus will also educate individuals with Down syndrome and special needs on how to care for their skin and embrace aesthetic health as an essential part of self-care by creating her own line in Sunshine Botanicals: The Ashley DeRamus Collection.
“By including individuals with Down Syndrome in the skincare industry, we break stereotypes and show the world that beauty is diverse, inclusive and for everyone,” Fritchey says. “This representation helps foster self-esteem, encourages personal empowerment and opens doors to career opportunities that may not have been traditionally considered.”
The Ashley DeRamus Collection: Addressing Unique Skincare Needs for Individuals with Down Syndrome
Individuals with down syndrome experience specific skin concerns due to a combination of genetic, immune and physiological factors that impact their gut and reflect on their skin. These individuals tend to display rosacea, extreme dryness, sensitivity and compromised barrier function.
An NLM study found that dermatologic conditions are also found to be increased in patients with Down Syndrome, including folliculitis, alopecia areata and psoriasis [1].
The Ashley DeRamus Collection was created with a clear mission: to provide clean, effective skincare solutions tailored to the unique needs of individuals with Down Syndrome and special needs while empowering them with knowledge and confidence to care for themselves.
The collection includes six products, addressing redness, detoxification and hydration.
This collection, however, serves a greater purpose to raise awareness and inspire individuals with Down syndrome to embrace self-care and independence, Fritchey says. DeRamus’ leadership in this initiative is meant to uplift her global community, showing that beauty and wellness are for everyone, and that their professionalism in the industry is possible.
“I hope people will see how vibrant and healthy their skin can be using truly natural products.” DeRamus says. “I want them to see how good they feel when their skin is taken care of with holistic herbs and botanicals, and how great the results really are when you use the healing power of nature to feel beautiful and shine.”
Sunshine Botanical’s goal, Fritchey says, is to create a ripple effect—encouraging beauty brands to move beyond superficial fixes and embrace solutions for long-term skin health.
“I live my motto every day: ‘Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do–show them what you can do,’” DeRamus says. “I hope I inspire others to live my motto every day, too.”
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