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Pitch '25 - The Winner

We are delighted to announce Hildun Beauty as the standout winner of Pitch ’25 competition.

Founded by beauty writer and entrepreneur Suzy Griffin Dunne, Hildun Beauty stood out for its exceptional product performance, strong commercial traction and clear founder vision. Built on the belief that luxury makeup should deliver professional-level results at a fair and accessible price point, Hildun represents a new era of results-driven, product-first beauty.

As the Pitch ’25 winner, Hildun Beauty will receive a €10,000 business development grant and secure a coveted retail presence both online and in-store at Arnotts marking a significant milestone in the brand’s continued growth.

Commenting on her Pitch ’25 win, Suzy Griffin Dunne said:

“Winning Pitch ’25 is an incredible honour and a defining moment for Hildun Beauty. Arnotts is an iconic Irish retailer, and to receive this level of support and belief from Brown Thomas Arnotts is deeply meaningful. From day one, Hildun has been about letting product excellence lead the conversation. Pitch ’25 has strengthened every aspect of the business, from strategy to scale, and I’m so excited to bring Hildun to customers in Arnotts as we enter our biggest year yet.”

Owner of Pitch 25 winner, Hildun Beauty, standing in arnotts at the brand's booth, with products displayed

Hildun Beauty

Hildun Beauty was founded when Suzy Griffin Dunne identified a clear gap in the market for top-tier, high-performance luxury makeup that delivers immediate impact without inflated pricing. While on maternity leave, Suzy embarked on an ambitious mission to collaborate with some of the world’s leading R&D teams, developing formulas designed to impress both makeup lovers and professional artists alike. From the outset, Hildun took an unconventional approach - launching without a spokesperson or ‘face’ of the brand, allowing the product to speak for itself. That confidence was rewarded when the brand’s debut Silk to Set Kajal Eyeliners went viral, rapidly gaining a loyal following and winning three national UK beauty awards, including the prestigious Bazaar Best of the Best Eyeliner Award. To date, over 100,000 Silk to Set Kajal Eyeliners have been sold, providing the commercial momentum to invest in an expanded product portfolio built on the same uncompromising standards.

Shop The Winner

Meet The Finalists

A person with curly hair holds a product in front of an Arnotts backdrop, wearing a plaid blazer and white pants.

CurlyCo by Denise Walsh

Founded in 2023, CurlyCo is more than just a haircare brand - it is a celebration of curls, crafted by experts and passionate about empowering individuals to unleash their best curls at home. Each product is infused with luxurious essential oils, designed to energise and refresh both you and your curls. Rooted in Irish heritage, CurlyCo is committed to making salon-quality, professional-grade haircare both accessible and affordable for customers across Ireland.

A woman in a white dress holds a product labeled 'GAIA' in front of an Arnotts-branded backdrop.

Gaia Filters

Gaia Filters is a female-founded Irish wellness brand created by April McGrath to tackle the hidden issue of harsh shower water. With an advanced five-layer filtration system and a sustainable refill model, Gaia Filters remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities - protecting skin, hair, and overall wellbeing. The Gaia Filter transforms the everyday shower into a ritual of care, comfort, and protection.

A woman in a black top and white pants holds a product box in front of an 'Arnotts' backdrop.

Snugabugz

Snugabugz is an Irish baby brand designing organic cotton socks and booties that actually stay on little feet. Founded by Dervla Arthurs, a mother of three, the brand was inspired by the daily parenting frustration of lost baby socks. With innovative designs and GOTS-certified organic cotton, Snugabugz combines style with functionality - featuring seamless toes and non-slip soles to support early walkers. Practical for parents and adorable on babies, Snugabugz is also perfect for gifting.

A woman in a red outfit holds a booklet, smiling in front of an 'ARNOTTS' backdrop.

Your Skin Stuff

Your Skin Stuff is the first Irish skincare brand dedicated to pre-teens. Founded by award-winning beauty entrepreneur and aesthetician Ellen Kavanagh Jones alongside entrepreneur Conrad Jones, the brand was created to fill a gap in the market for safe, effective, and age-appropriate skincare for young people. Developed with dermatologists and guided by pre-teen advisors, the formulas feature proven ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, Vitamin C, and zinc oxide – all carefully balanced for young, developing skin.

What is Pitch ’25?

Pitch is a business accelerator initiative from Arnotts, created to empower innovative start-ups and entrepreneurs based in Ireland or Northern Ireland, regardless of nationality.

Following the success of Pitch ’24, we’re proud to return for a fifth year. Finalists will receive hands-on mentorship from industry leaders in brand development, retail strategy, and customer engagement. Each will earn a place at the 2025 Arnotts Christmas Market, with the overall winner awarded a prize package worth €70,000. Consisting of a €10,000 business development fund from Arnotts, financial advice from Pitch sponsor BKK Financial advisors, PLUS a media campaign fund courtesy of The Business Post, Newstalk, and PML Group.

Whether you're a founder with years of experience or just beginning your journey, Pitch ’25 offers the tools and exposure to elevate your business.