What inspired you to start your own natural skincare brand?
Using clean and certified organic products became especially important to me when I was a teenager as my mum was diagnosed with cancerous tumours in her spleen. Our family started to do further research and learned that a lot of the everyday products we were using in our lives, from household cleaning products to packaged food items to skincare products, contain chemicals that can be harmful to our health. We were shocked to see how potentially carcinogenic and unhealthy certain ingredients can be that were readily available on the market and deemed safe... even products that claimed to be natural - really weren’t!
I learned so much from this experience, and definitely a turning point in my life when I was encouraged to embrace the importance of caring for our body from a holistic point of view. This is what sparked my interest in certified organic products and inspired me to launch KORA Organics.
What did your life look like prior to KORA?
Before I launched KORA Organics almost 15 years ago, I was modelling internationally full time. I was travelling to a different country every few days for work. To this day I still pinch myself for what I have experienced but I never took it for granted. I took every job as if it was my last because I knew it could stop at any moment. My Mum always said to me ’make sure you save every penny because when this all stops, you’ll have the funds to start your own company one day" so that's exactly what I did.
What KORA product are you most proud of and why?
I am proud of all of the products we have created at KORA. I put my heart and soul into each of them but if I had to choose one product it would be our Turmeric 2:1 Brightening & Exfoliating Mask. We created 17 samples of this product until it was right! I'm obsessed with exfoliating and face masks, this product is like an at-home facial in a tube as it brightens, deeply cleanses, reduces inflammation and evens skin tone. It’s one of our ’cult" favourites that everyone is obsessed with.
What's been the biggest lesson you've learnt in business, and in life?
The most important lesson I've learnt is that happiness and fulfilment come from within. It's easy to get caught up in external goals and achievements, but true happiness and fulfilment come from living a life that is aligned with our values, passions, and purpose. And in business, my husband taught me that it’s ok to ask for help. I used to be so afraid to impose on people, and he has taught me that it’s okay to ask questions and to reach out to others for support’ People really do love to help others which has helped me a lot on my entrepreneurial journey.
What does a typical day look like for you?
There is no typical day for me, especially at the moment with an 8 week old baby. I’ve pretty much been homebound since February as I am breastfeeding every 3 hours. My parents have been staying with us since just before Pierre was born so we’ve all been spending time together and having lots of cuddles. It’s been great having their help with the boys, it really is such a special time for us all.
What's your top beauty or wellness hack?
Celery Juice! I start every morning by drinking 32 ounces of cold pressed celery juice. Celery Juice is amazing, it’s a powerful anti-inflammatory, is alkalising and also full of electrolytes. Personally, I feel it really helps my digestion, brain-fog and energy levels.
Where to next for KORA Organics?
At KORA we are continuing to provide powerful skincare products without compromise by using the highest quality certified organic ingredients that deliver lasting results you can see and trust. We are focussing on continuing to cement our position as a leader in skincare, developing new innovative products and pushing the boundaries in the certified organic space.
I can't share too much but keep an eye out for two very exciting launches later this year. I know our customers at Nourished Life will love these products and I am so excited to share more with you soon.
Shop KORA Organics, here.
