To understand the heart behind the Regifting Beauty campaign, we spoke with Vanessa Brown, founder of VL Aesthetics, and Ben Ofoedu, who helped expand the initiative to include male survivors and grow its national reach.

Their insights show how a simple idea has evolved into a movement supporting hundreds of survivors across Cumbria.

How It All Began

The campaign began in 2020, when Vanessa realised how many people had unused beauty gifts at home — and how life-changing these items could be for someone fleeing abuse with nothing.

Since then, the campaign has supported survivors across Carlisle, West Cumbria, Barrow, London and beyond.

Despite the cost-of-living crisis, the response has remained overwhelming:

• Dozens of overflowing boxes collected yearly
• £10,000+ worth of donated products
• New donation sites added
• Businesses contributing cash for counselling support
• Cumbria Police joining to help distribute items

Regifting Beauty x Safety Net: An Interview with VL Aesthetics

Klaudia (Safety Net): What inspired you to start the Regifting Beauty campaign? 

Vanessa (VL Aesthetics): We launched the Regifting Beauty campaign about 5 years ago. The idea was simple: so many of us have unopened toiletries, skincare, or bath items tucked away in our cupboards that we’ll never use. Instead of letting them gather dust, we asked people to donate them. We then redistributed these items to survivors of domestic abuse through local charities. 

Originally, the campaign mainly reached women. But over the years, people began asking why men weren’t included. Domestic abuse affects men too, but it isn’t spoken about enough. Last year, when Ben joined the campaign, his involvement helped amplify men’s voices and encouraged more men to both donate and access support. 

Ben: Yes, I think when men see other men getting involved, it changes things. It’s no longer dismissed as a “women’s campaign.” I’ve personally experienced domestic abuse, and I know how difficult it can be for men to speak out. There’s shame and embarrassment, which stops many from seeking help. By standing alongside Vanessa, I hoped to show men that they are not alone – and it worked. This year, we saw men donating too, which was incredible. 

Klaudia: Why was it important for you that donations went specifically to survivors of domestic and sexual abuse? 

Vanessa: Because small acts of kindness can make a huge difference. Survivors are often at rock bottom — their dignity and self-worth stripped away. Receiving something as simple as skincare, bath items, or a favourite perfume can help restore confidence and remind them they are valued. 

At VL Aesthetics, our mission is to help people feel better about themselves. We see firsthand how self-care affects mental health. For survivors, these donated items can be the first step in regaining confidence. And just as important, the campaign raises awareness of domestic abuse, which is still too often ignored or minimised. 

Ben: Exactly. Dignity is so important. When someone loses it, they can feel less than human. Giving someone back a sense of dignity — even in a small way — is a foundation for recovery. It shows them that they are cared for and that they matter. 

Klaudia: Was there a particular moment from the campaign that has stayed with you? 

Vanessa: One story really touched me. A survivor once told us she had been forbidden from wearing her favourite perfume by her abuser. When she left that relationship, she received that exact perfume through the campaign. Being able to wear it again was incredibly powerful for her. 

Ben: For me, it was the response from two young girls, Holly and Evie, who were only nine years old. They donated items after learning about the campaign online. The fact that children so young understood and wanted to help gives me so much hope for the future. 

Klaudia: What kind of response did you receive from people donating? 

Vanessa: The generosity has been overwhelming. Some people brought in multiple bags of items, while others went out and bought essentials like toothbrushes, body wash, or sponges just to contribute. We’ve received over 30 large boxes of donations — many high-quality, branded items. 

What makes the campaign so successful is that we’re not asking people for money. We’re simply asking them to regift items they don’t need. That feels accessible, and people are really eager to get involved. 

Klaudia: Were there any surprises this year? 

Vanessa: Definitely the volume and quality of donations. And the fact that men engaged so strongly — both donating and benefiting. This was also the first year we managed to run the campaign nationally, which was fantastic. We were able to support survivors not only in Cumbria, but also in London and beyond. 

Ben: Yes, and this feels just like the beginning. There’s potential for the campaign to grow nationally, and maybe even host events or fundraisers around it. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but the foundation is there. 

Klaudia: Were there any challenges in running the campaign? 

Vanessa: The main challenge was getting the word out. Interestingly, local press didn’t pick it up this year, which was unusual. Luckily, social media, our client network, and coverage on GB News helped spread awareness. In this day and age, online promotion is key — and our community was brilliant in sharing. 

Klaudia: Finally, what would you like to say to the people who donated? 

Vanessa: Just a huge thank you. Every item makes a difference. Even if someone donated just one or two things, those small gifts can help restore dignity, rebuild confidence, and remind survivors that they are not alone. The campaign grows bigger every year, and that’s thanks to everyone’s kindness and generosity. 

👉 The Regifting Beauty campaign runs every year from January to March. To find out more, visit VL Aesthetics Regifting Beauty page