Imagine turning a $100,000 gamble into a thriving, seven-figure business—all while solving a problem every parent knows too well. That’s exactly what Vanessa Neyman did when she took a leap of faith and rescued a beloved children’s makeup brand from liquidation. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is it worth risking your entire savings on a passion project? Let’s dive into the story of Oh Flossy, a brand that’s not just about makeup but about childhood magic, creativity, and one family’s bold journey.
It all began when Vanessa discovered Oh Flossy, an Australian-based, family-run company that created natural, non-toxic play makeup for kids. Her then five-year-old daughter, Amelia, adored playing with makeup, and like any parent, Vanessa wanted to nurture that creativity—but safely. When she learned in 2021 that the brand had gone into liquidation, she felt a mix of heartbreak and opportunity. And this is the part most people miss: Sometimes, the biggest risks come from the smallest, most personal moments.
Vanessa quit her corporate marketing job, and alongside her husband Jeremy, poured their entire $100,000 savings into buying the brand. “I stumbled across Oh Flossy on Instagram and instantly connected with its heart,” she told news.com.au. “When I saw it was in liquidation, it felt like a loss—but also a sign. Something inside me said, ‘This is your chance. Take the leap.’”
Rebuilding Oh Flossy was no small feat. Vanessa started from scratch, hand-making products in tiny batches, focusing on natural, vegan, kid-safe formulas. She rebranded the packaging to feel magical, capturing the excitement kids feel when they play. Meanwhile, Jeremy stayed in his corporate job to support the family financially, though he spent nights and weekends helping wherever he could. But here’s the question: How many of us would walk away from a stable job to chase a dream?
The brand’s mission was clear: to give kids a safe, fun alternative to adult makeup. As any parent knows, walking in on your child smeared in your expensive lipstick or shimmery eyeshadow is a rite of passage. Oh Flossy’s water-washable makeup eliminates the worry of harsh chemicals or stained skin, letting kids freely express themselves. “It’s about creativity, not ‘beauty’ in the grown-up sense,” Vanessa explained. “For Amelia, it’s always been about fun—dressing up, putting on concerts, pretending to be fairies. That’s what makes childhood magical.”
By 2023, the business had grown enough for Jeremy to join full-time—a huge milestone. But with growth came complexity. Expanding internationally meant navigating a maze of cosmetic regulations, labeling requirements, and logistics challenges in Europe, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the U.S. And this is where it gets even more controversial: Can a small team truly compete on a global scale?
Today, Oh Flossy is available in major retailers like Kidstuff, Kaisercraft, and David Jones, as well as 400 specialty boutiques across Australia and online. From that initial $100,000 investment, the brand now turns over low seven figures annually, with 40% growth from 2024 to 2025. But for Vanessa and Jeremy, the real reward is seeing kids’ faces light up when they use their products. Here’s the final thought: Is success measured in dollars, or in the joy you bring to others?
What do you think? Would you risk it all for a passion project? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
