It was a trip to Sydney in August 2012 to visit her two children that cemented Helen Dolan’s resolve to “do something for herself”.

With previous sales experience, including with the QVC shopping channel, Helen decided to become a consultant for French fashion label ‘Captain Tortue’.

Working from home, she now hosts style shows for interested ladies and carries out one-to-one consultations. Helen has also become a consultant for Tropic Natural Skincare (the company created by Susan Ma who received an investment from Lord Sugar, despite losing out on his 2011 show). Using only pure plant extracts, the cosmetics and skin products work on all skin types. “I now work for Lord Sugar!” Helen quips.

Modern chic, wearable, with quirky details and clever designs are the signature style for all the Captain Tortue Collections. “There are designs to flatter all body shapes, with a natural look and soft, comfortable, fluid fabrics,” Helen explains.

Her niece Natasha Griffith agrees to model three outfits for this week’s Lifestyle shoot.

Creative Director Lilian Jacquelinet created Capt’n Tortue (the children’s collection) when she couldn’t find fashionable clothes for her kids. These are colourful, comfortable and high quality collections for kids. She then created Miss captain (the flagship brand of Captain Tortue – stylish, casual layering and easy to wear items). Lady Captain features the high quality and contemporary design pieces.

At the moment, Helen stocks the Miss Captain range, “which suits all ages from late 20s onwards and all sizes,” she explains. “It’s all about layering; it’s casual French fashion”. Next year, she plans to stock the Lady Captain range also.

This Saturday, Helen, from Belleek, will host a Ladies Day event at Wark Hall Belleek from 12 – 6, allowing locals to sample the Captain Tortue fashion. “It’s to let people know we are here and there’s no pressure to buy,” Helen comments. To date, the range has become popular in the Belleek and Bundoran areas through word-of-mouth. Two other local ladies (who also work as consultants) will show their products at Saturday’s Ladies Day event – Finner Fancies (Belleek) and Miglio jewellery (Donegal).

Natasha, who works in The Black Cat Cove in Belleek, loves the Captain Tortue range.

Her first outfit is the product which was released for Captain Tortue’s 20th anniversary; a two-in-one biker-look dress. It is worn with a Captain Tortue gold necklace.

Next, Natasha rocks in metallic stretch trousers, a leather look jacket and embroidered blouse. Finally, Natasha wears a print skirt with sequin detail, which is “perfect for the party season”, teamed with a jersey top with chiffon sleeves.

Helen has found that the two most popular Tropics products are the lash extension kit (which she applies on Natasha) and the brow define kit. “It’s the business,” comments Helen.

Helen can be contacted by email on: helen.dolan@hotmail.co.uk or on facebook.