We pride ourselves on our adaptability and commitment to excellence in every aspect of our service. Explore what we have to offer and how we can contribute to your success. 

Nicola Dames, originally from Dublin, embarked on her journey toward nursing by leaving Ireland in 1998 to pursue a nursing course at Kingston University and St. George's Hospital in Tooting, London. Before venturing into nursing, Nicola gained experience working in pharmacies across Dublin, where she served notable figures such as Fr. Ted and Lisa Stansfield. Her career path took her to Brown Thomas, a prestigious department store, where she further honed her skills in customer service and retail. After qualifying as a nurse, Nicola discovered her passion for neurology, particularly within the realm of neuro-intensive care units (ITU). However, her journey took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Despite this challenge, she found unwavering support in her now-husband, who accepted her illness without hesitation and proposed to her.

Following their marriage, Nicola and her husband, a secondary school teacher and fellow ITU nurse, made the bold decision to leave their jobs and embark on a new adventure in Spain. "After our time in Spain, my illness started to resurface, and despite medication, it became increasingly difficult to manage. Following two hospitalisations, the realisation dawned that I needed to be closer to home for better medical support. With my husband being Scottish, we made the decision to settle in Glasgow.

''In 2006, just one year into our marriage, I received the joyous news that I was pregnant. However, this happiness was short-lived as I was soon admitted to the hospital due to complications. Within a few weeks, I experienced the heart breaking loss of both the baby and my large bowel. It was during this tumultuous time that I underwent surgery, resulting in the creation of a stoma (Ileostomy).". Vanilla Blush was born out of this Journey.

Vanilla Blush, unfolds a compelling narrative rooted in CEO Nicola Dames' transformative journey from nursing to fashion, coupled with her personal battle with Ulcerative Colitis. This distinctive fusion of healthcare and design expertise propels the creation of intimate health apparel and medical devices for individuals with Stoma/Ostomy or hernias post-surgery. Noteworthy milestones, such as winning awards, launching medical devices, and delving into university-led research, underscore the company's commitment to innovation and enhancing the lives of those who've undergone major surgeries. The global reach, team expansion, and recent initiatives, like the launch of a new website, signify continued growth and impact. Furthermore, the emphasis on working collaboratively with all partners in the industry, making Vanilla Blush data-rich, adds a layer of sophistication to its narrative—highlighting a commitment to comprehensive industry engagement and knowledge-Overall, it's a compelling story of resilience, purpose, and ongoing dedication to advancing healthcare solutions.

 

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

In Ireland Jamie is our fitting consultant and point of contact for all sales and queries in Ireland.

Jamie brings over two decades of experience in child, youth, and family services, coupled with personal experience that gives him unparalleled
insight into his current role at Vanilla Blush Ltd in the Republic of Ireland. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2008 and having undergone ileostomy surgery in 2009, Jamie understands firsthand the challenges faced by stoma patients. His journey through multiple surgeries, including a proctectomy in 2014, --all whilst completing his Masters—has given him a deep empathy and commitment to improving the lives of others who face similar challenges.

Jamie combines his extensive professional background with his personal
experience, making him exceptionally qualified to support stoma patients. As an experienced garment fitter, he not only ensures that patients receive the
best possible care but also provides valuable guidance on issues such as post-surgery hernias, body image concerns, and overall quality of life.

In addition to his role in garment fitting, Jamie is a certified Mental Health First Aider and a passionate mental health advocate. He brings his expert skills and training to individuals on a personal level, offering critical support and understanding to those dealing with the mental health challenges that can accompany life with a stoma. His dedication to mental health ensures that patients receive holistic care, addressing both their physical and emotional well-being.

Jamie’s role at Vanilla Blush Ltd involves offering personalised, face-to-face fittings in hospitals, patients’ homes, or virtually—ensuring that each the patient receives the care and attention they deserve. His unique blend of professional expertise, lived experience, and mental health advocacy makes him a compassionate and knowledgeable advocate from those navigating life after stoma surgery.