International Entrepreneur Returns to Chester to Inspire Students

A former pupil of Catholic High School in Chester who was named in Forbes 30 under 30 has come back to Chester to speak to current students.

Ahana Banerjee, 23, returned to her home city and her former high school this week - hot off being announced in the world’s most covetable awards by the financial magazine Forbes.

The former-Catholic High School pupil spoke with students about the development of her app Clear - a skincare app that allows users to track and share their skincare routine, as well as connect with other skincare enthusiasts (think Strava, a fitness app valued at ~$1B, for skincare).

Ahana, who now spends her time between Oxford and London, used her Physics degree and software engineering background to develop the app, which was inspired by her own struggles with cystic acne.

The app uses selfie analysis data to offer cosmetic brands insights into their products' efficiency, and the revenue model includes affiliate sales commission and selling market intelligence on consumer skincare habits and product reviews.

Ahana has raised close to $1M in venture capital funding, and the app has built a worldwide network of 10,000 users. Since launching less than two years ago, Clear has won the L’Oréal Beauty Tech for Good Challenge (2022), resulting in L’Oréal’s CMO becoming an advisor and Clear has been featured under the ‘Best New Apps’ section in the US App Store (2023).

“I am honoured to be back at my high school, sharing my journey from student to Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree in technology. It's a testament to the quality education and support I received here, and I hope it inspires current students to pursue their passions in STEM.”

Imperial College London alumni Ahana spent time with headteacher Mrs McKeagney and was joined by friends who, all having also received a Bachelor of Physics and are now either working in finance in London or are still in academia doing PhDs or Post-Doctorates; including four scientists who are working in the trapped-ion quantum computing lab at Oxford University.

The group spoke with Year 10, 11 and 12 pupils in the Science labs and the school hall - imparting their wisdom on how to make a career out of doing a STEM degree and how to approach the Oxbridge interviews.

Cathy McKeagney, headteacher said: “What a fantastic experience for our students to listen to such an inspiring group of people, at such a crucial time in their school life. We can’t thank Ahana and her friends enough - they may not realise that they could have changed lives during their visit. We hope to welcome them back again!”

As part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations at Catholic High School, alumni are invited to a number of events in the coming months.

If you are an ex-pupil and want to get involved or find out more, head to the Facebook group or email: 

welcometo@christofidelis.org.uk

You can find information about Clear here: 

https://getclearapp.com

Catholic High School Chester, Old Wrexham Road, Chester CH4 7HS

www.christofidelis.org.uk