Client: Vermilion Cosmetic Clinic
Category: Aesthetics & Skincare
Market: Northern Ireland
Services: PR and Communications Strategy, Media Relations and Press Office, Thought Leadership & Profile Building.
RNN Communications was approached by Belfast-based Vermilion Cosmetic Clinic to develop and deliver a strategic media relations campaign designed to raise awareness of the business, strengthen its reputation within the competitive aesthetics industry and increase the profile of its founder, Donnamarie McGrillen.
Based on Saintfield Road in South Belfast, Vermilion is a medically led aesthetics and skincare clinic founded in 2018 by Donnamarie, a Registered Nurse Prescriber and Clinical Educator. With a strong emphasis on ethical, clinically led care, personalised treatments and evidence-based skincare, Vermilion has established itself as a trusted destination for professional skin health.
Following a period of significant development, including investment in advanced skin diagnostic technology and recognition at the prestigious iiaa Salon of the Year Awards 2026, RNN Communications was tasked with capitalising on these achievements to create positive media opportunities.
The campaign aimed to position Vermilion as a leading skincare clinic in Northern Ireland, while establishing Donnamarie as a credible, approachable expert in an increasingly crowded industry influenced by social media trends and misinformation.
RNN Communications developed a targeted media relations strategy combining business news, thought leadership, lifestyle profiling and podcast opportunities to communicate Vermilion's expertise, achievements and the personality behind the brand.
A four-stage media relations strategy was developed:
Industry recognition and business media relations: RNN Communications developed a dedicated press release announcing Vermilion's success at the iiaa Salon of the Year Awards 2026, where it was named winner of the Salon of Excellence (Ireland) category. The announcement highlighted the significance of the award, while showcasing the clinic's continued investment in advanced diagnostic technology and commitment to evidence-based skincare.
Expert commentary and thought leadership: RNN Communications developed an in-depth interview for Ulster Tatler entitled Your Face Is Not a Trend, positioning Donnamarie as an authoritative voice on skin health. The feature highlighted the risks of skincare misinformation and reinforced the importance of personalised, clinically led advice.
Founder profiling and lifestyle media: RNN Communications secured a profile opportunity with the Belfast Telegraph, offering readers an insight into Donnamarie's nursing background, entrepreneurial journey, family life and approach to leadership. The feature helped communicate the personality and values behind Vermilion while raising Donnamarie's profile beyond the aesthetics industry.
Podcast and entrepreneurial profiling: RNN Communications secured an appearance for Donnamarie on The Founder and Family Collective podcast with Declan Holmes, creating an additional platform to share her entrepreneurial story and connect with audiences interested in business ownership, leadership and personal development.
The campaign created a series of targeted media opportunities across Northern Ireland's business, lifestyle and consumer media, raising awareness of Vermilion Cosmetic Clinic and its award-winning approach to skincare.
Through media relations, thought leadership, founder profiling and podcast opportunities, RNN Communications helped strengthen Vermilion's reputation as a leading medically led aesthetics clinic, while raising Donnamarie's profile.
It's been a pleasure working with Donnamarie to share the story behind Vermilion, showcasing both the expertise and ambition driving the business forward.
