We chat with Chey, the founder of F&F favourite brand Black Chicken Remedies.
What inspired you to start your own natural skincare brand?
Originally, I was seeking natural alternatives to solve my own health issues. My desires were to use organic and natural ingredients so as not to overload my system with toxins and chemicals found in everyday mass brands professing miracles and cures. I wanted people to have products for their body, face and mind on hand that worked, that weren’t going to cause toxic build up and be the cause of many allergies and health related issues e.g. endocrine disruptors leading to bigger health issues. It all started with a little bowl with a black chicken painted on the bottom – this is how I made my first body oil. We don’t make skincare with the intention to look, smell or feel good; it’s created to make a difference on a physical, mental, and emotional level. After all, that’s what a true remedy does.
What did your life look like prior to Black Chicken Remedies?
I have a very broad background I studied Marketing and Accounting at University many years ago and then worked in those fields for years before discovering Aromatherapy and creating this business. It all helps me run the company now.
Why do you think the Axilla deodorant paste became so popular?
It was the first of its kind in Australia when we launched and now it’s under over 1 million armpits with thousands of 5 Star reviews. Most people search for ever trying to find a natural deodorant that works, and we have created it and are so proud to be able to eliminate toxic chemicals from so many people.
What Black Chicken Remedies product are you most proud of and why?
So many products! But perhaps way back when I was starting the business I made some body oil and gave it to a friend who was wearing it and went into a shop, and they wanted to know what she was wearing and rang me and ordered a dozen bottles, but I didn’t even have a logo at that time! I knew then I was onto a winner! To this day our Love Your Body Oil is still the exact same recipe as when I first made it.
What's been the biggest lesson you've learnt in business?
Not everyone cares as much as you do but when it’s your company it’s your baby, so you are ultimately responsible and need to be all over everything to some degree.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Every day is different depending on what’s happening, but most days involve an ocean swim either before or after work which gives me inspiration and ideas. I like to be involved in all aspects of the business, so my day has so much variety from having meetings with the warehouse team to researching raw materials and new products to reviewing all marketing and discussing plans for promotions etc. There is so much to do so it’s never a dull moment.
What's your top beauty or wellness hack?
Honestly, I just love doing a face mask in the bath at home. I use our Cacao Revelation Mask to draw out impurities and even skin tone and follow with a good layer of Balm of Ages as an overnight hydrating mask – heaven!
Where to next for Black Chicken Remedies?
The intention of Black Chicken Remedies is to continue to innovate and make natural, remedial products specifically designed to complement your body’s own healing intelligence and reduce toxic load on your body. The intention is and will always be, to create products that are 100% natural, contain certified organic ingredients, are free of chemicals, fillers, perfumes, and dyes, putting less pressure on the body, and adding vitality so you can do more, feel more, live more.
Shop Black Chicken Remedies, here!
