The Essential Angel range has been developed by a group of parents studying at South West TAFE, with support from the Deakin University mentoring program.

The organic products include moisturisers, soaps, shimmer powder and a fragrance. 

Cosmetic cases and headbands are also being launched by the students, who are studying for their Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL).

The students have been developing the product and learning small business skills over the past few months, keeping track of their progress through an online blog.

The small team has carried out market research in readiness for the product launch at South West TAFE on Wednesday, October 10.

Mother-of-two Karina Spehr, 24, said the course and mentor support was a great help in her return to study.

“I hope to complete my VCAL and then continue studies to become a carer for disabled children,” she said.

Deakin University Warrnambool education co-ordinator, Associate Professor Bernadette Walker Gibbs, said the Widening Horizons Mentoring Program was designed to create new pathways and options for young students who were also parents.

“This is another example of the ways in which the various education sectors can work together to support all students from all walks of life,” she said.

First year Deakin University students studying the Bachelor of Education or Associate Degree of Arts, Business and Science, mentor young parents in the TAFE course.

The Essential Angel launch is open to the public from 11am at the South West TAFE cafeteria. The range will also be available at the Warrnambool Sunday Market on October 14.