DC-WOMEN-OWNED, TOTALLY ITALIAN, INC. FIRST TO SELL ISTITUTO GANASSINI SKIN CARE PRODUCT RANGES IN U.S. DC AREA TO BE FIRST PILOT MARKET.

Targeted Markets include fashion, health and beauty for female and male consumers of all ages, parents and infants/children, dermatology, cosmetic surgery, pediatric, and obstetric/gynecology health spa and aesthetic professionals. Totally Italian, Inc., a DC area, women-owned firm, today announced its exclusive rights to market Rilastil and other internationally known products from the #1 doctor recommended* cosmeceutic product line of Italy. The values-based startup becomes the first U.S. company to offer this scientifically based skin care line which blends therapeutic beauty treatments with healing and medicinal agents for most skin needs.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, DC June 25, 2002

DC-WOMEN-OWNED, TOTALLY ITALIAN, INC. FIRST TO SELL ISTITUTO GANASSINI SKIN CARE PRODUCT RANGES IN U.S. DC AREA TO BE FIRST PILOT MARKET.
Targeted Markets include fashion, health and beauty for female and male consumers of all ages, parents and infants/children, dermatology, cosmetic surgery, pediatric, and obstetric/gynecology health spa and aesthetic professionals.

     Totally Italian, Inc., a DC area, women-owned firm, today announced its exclusive rights to market Rilastil and other internationally known products from the #1 doctor recommended* cosmeceutic product line of Italy. The values-based startup becomes the first U.S. company to offer this scientifically based skin care line which blends therapeutic beauty treatments with healing and medicinal agents for most skin needs.
     Istituto Ganassini, founded in 1938, is a Milan-based pharmaceutical company. The firm is involved in the research, development, production and distribution of pharmaceutical specialties, cosmetics, dietary supplements and products for the care of the face and body, including therapies for numerous skin types/conditions and hygiene solutions for ear, nose, throat, pediatric and ob/gyn needs, etc. The Istituto, invests a great part of its profits into research, and emphasizes health and beauty care in its product development, focusing in the areas of dermatology/plastic surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, and pediatrics. A solid scientific base and rigorous quality control ensure production of safe and effective products. Ganassini lines are on sale in more than 20 European countries, the Middle and Far East, Latin America, Australia – and now in the U.S.
     Susan Fontana, an educator and child development specialist, and Karyne Messina, a psychologist and psychoanalyst, are co-founders and co-presidents of Totally Italian, Inc. In announcing the introduction of Ganassini products into the U.S., the two entrepreneurs said, We are highly enthused about our marketing alliance with a high-growth, high-quality company like Istituto Ganassini. We are confident of our success because of the products scientifically proven results and optimal quality." To further attest to the efficacy of Rilastil, Italys best-selling cosmetic line in face and body care, Padma Lakshmi, model/author/actress, professes her loyalty to this product in the June 2002 issue of Harpers Bazaar. In an article entitled Beauty Secrets," Lakshmi reveals that she has ‘only ever found (Rilastil) in Italy … and asks friends to ‘bring me truckloads, which I store in my fridge.
     The eleven Ganassini lines comprise formulations that range from overall skin care to protection of the delicate skin of newborns (Vitamindermina line), treatment of new stretch marks and post-surgery scarring, repair of burns such as radiation damage in cancer patients, to prevention of premature skin aging in adults (Rilastil lines). The Bioclin, Vitadermina and Otimer/Tonimer ranges offer overall hygiene products and solutions for specific conditions. The comprehensive product lines span all skin types, genders and ages, inspiring the motto For the first 100 years and beyond."
     Fontana and Messina plan to distribute the various Ganassini product lines through a full range of marketing channels, including a newly-launched web site at www.totallyitalian.com. The two women entrepreneurs are committed to building a values-based company that will make a contribution to society. In addition, the team-based organization plans to combine the use of their baby line with their ongoing education project, Right from the Start," an infant stimulation, bonding and brain development program for all socioeconomic levels. The firm plans to donate a portion of its profits to targeted charitable causes.
    For additional information regarding the launch of the various Ganassini product ranges, planned marketing and distribution channels, or for other information, please contact: Susan Fontana OR Karyne Messina at 202-537-5433.
*Italian Survey company, IMS Data, determined in 2001 that the Ganassini market share for Italy was number one at 35.1%. The second ranked comparable firm in Italy claims 8.3% market share.
###