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Depop's 5th best seller Ellen Bundey from Barming, Maidstone who runs Rose and Sparkle

A 19-year-old student has been named fifth best seller on global fashion app, Depop out of 13 million users.

Ellen Bundey started her glitter and accessories business, Rose and Sparkle, two years ago and now gets up to 75 orders a day.

The Barming teenager spotted a gap in the market when searching for affordable festival makeup while studying for her A levels at Maplesden Noakes School.

Ellen began the Rose and Sparkle two years ago while studying for her A levels
Ellen began the Rose and Sparkle two years ago while studying for her A levels

Having always loved all things girly and glamorous - especially glitter - she decided to start selling some sparkly products herself.

She began by buying glitter and sequins in bulk and creating her own colourful cocktails in her bedroom, including 'cherry blossom' and 'disco ball'.

Friends with graphic design skills drew up her logos, with others modelling the vibrant mixes.

Ellen is also a geography student at Coventry University
Ellen is also a geography student at Coventry University

Starting with just 15 glitter blends, interest for Rose and Sparkle soon grew and Ellen began extending her range.

She said: "Reaching fifth on the Depop worldwide ranking is a huge accomplishment for me.

"I would have never dreamed of my small online shop growing this big.

Rose and Sparkle stocks more than 130 glitter mixes
Rose and Sparkle stocks more than 130 glitter mixes

"Using social media as a form of marketing has been great as my target audience - younger people - often turn to apps such as Instagram and Depop to gain inspiration for styling.

"I absolutely love Depop. It's so popular because it meshes social media with online shopping.

"You really can start and run a business from your bedroom."

With the festival industry booming, the demand for funky accessories has helped business for Rose and Sparkle, with sales almost tripling in a year.

Rose and Sparkle offers glitters, handmade jewellery and festival clothing
Rose and Sparkle offers glitters, handmade jewellery and festival clothing

Ellen has shipped to more than 38 countries and does all photography, packaging and posting herself, alongside a geography degree at Coventry University.

She has now been verified as a 'top seller' on Depop.

Established in 2011, the Instagram-style app is worth millions, with youngsters using it to buy and sell vintage clothing, accessories and more.

Next year, Ellen plans to bring an even bigger range to Rose and Sparkle, including seasonal sets while also investing in marketing and better photography equipment.

Jewellery, handmade by the student, and festival clothing is also available from the online shop.

She added: "My dream career lies within cosmetic marketing or content creating but if Rose and Sparkle gets really big, I would consider working on it full-time.

"I will always try to reinforce the roots of having products that are affordable, on-trend and easy to find."

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