What did your life look like prior to ECO.? What inspired you to start your own natural brand?
Prior to founding ECO. Modern Essentials I was working as CFO and finance director in fast growing global technology companies. I loved working with crazy entrepreneurs and taking their innovation and ideas to the world. I learnt so much about being courageous and having the confidence to grow a start-up company, to building a team and listing in London on the AIM stock exchange. But there was something very impersonal and un-rewarding about working in tech that was completely male dominated. I was grateful for all the experience and learnings so that when I left I knew I wanted to grow my own brand, but I wanted it to be something I could touch and feel and more in line with my passion which was health & wellness.
Business was always my passion and founding ECO. enabled me to have the passion I had for growing a global business but to also be able to grow a brand and team that I loved has been a great and challenging journey.
I had a 9-year-old daughter, Chelsea, at the time of founding the ECO. brand, I knew I wanted to do something that would make future Chelsea proud and have an impact on her (and all young females) lives. I couldn't think of anything better to reflect that than where we are today, a team of incredibly talented females adding joy and value to their customers' lives daily through our brand.
What ECO. product are you most proud of and why?
Oh, choosing a favourite ECO. product is like asking a parent to pick their favourite child—they're all special in their own way! But luckily, I only had one child so I'm really good at playing favourites. My top pick at the moment is definitely our Mindset Collection, not only are the scents beautiful but we donate $1 from every product sold to charity. The blends are also little mantras you can use in your everyday life, Empowerment, Courage, Nurture, Optimism, Strength and Rise. It's more than just a product, it's a symbol of our journey and the positive impact we strive to make in the world. We have some new and exciting product launches this year that might end up my new favourites.
What's been the biggest lesson you've learnt in business, and in life?
In business the biggest thing I've learnt and what I'm the most proud of is how much your team and people around you can grow and succeed if you empower them to do so. ECO is not just business to me it is my ECO family and community. I have had many ups and downs along the journey, but I have surrounded myself with loving, caring people who will support you in any turn. We celebrate the wins and learn from the mistakes.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I have two beautiful mini-cavoodle puppies Teddie and Bear that wake me up every day before the sun even rises. I start most mornings with a gym session, followed by a sauna and cold plunge pool (my apartment complex has all the bells and whistles!). A quick check of my emails to see if anything has happened overnight with any of our international partners, then my puppies are dragging me out the door for their daily beach walk. Heading into work days are very dynamic at ECO. no two days are the same! Working with the team on new projects, business strategy or team development. My afternoons are pretty flexible, we work with a lot of people based in France and the UK so there's generally some late-night meetings. Otherwise, it's trying my hand at a new dinner recipe, exploring some of the Gold Coast restaurants, then tucking into bed with my book of the moment.
What's your top beauty or wellness hack?
I will have to plug my own products here and say using my diffuser and sleep oils every night. It creates such a calm atmosphere and there's nothing better for your anti-aging than a good night's sleep! Also be happy, smile more, the most beautiful people despite whatever products they may use smile more and make others around them happy.
Where to next for ECO.?
As ECO. has now grown a large and loyal following, we caught the attention of a family owned, global company based in France, with a long rich history of owning farms that produce essential oils using the most natural and sustainable practices. We are excited to have joined the global companies family group and we are proud to be the first of the group based in Australasia. We now have direct access to the source for essential oils through the global company's farms, ECO. now stands at the forefront of innovation and sustainability in the industry which makes me extremely proud of what we have achieved but now also excited about the opportunities.
Shop ECO Modern Essentials here.
