CEO & Founder of Black Chicken Remedies
About 19 years ago while working in banking I discovered aromatherapy and was amazed by the potency of essential oils for healing. My new passion occupied my every thought. I read everything I could about oils and their properties and experimented day and night with the support of enthusiastic friends and family.
My knowledge and experience grew day by day. I remember the day in Aromatherapy class when I learned if we put essential oils on our body, within 20 minutes they can be detected in the liver. This started me thinking what ingredients were in the beauty products we use every day? When I learned just how toxic many of these products were, I knew I in my heart I could create truly authentic products that heal rather than harm.
The ‘Answers to Thriving' is an interview series that takes a look at the women who have created a life of self-success. We uncover key moments, lessons and habits that have influenced the life they lead today.
You can’t start the day without:
A morning swim at Bondi Beach or Red Leaf Pool, I swim 1 to 2km daily, and a cup of warm water with lemon, ginger and honey to kick start the system. It’s an Ayurvedic method and it completely sets me up for the day ahead.
A favourite quote is:
“Realise deeply that the present moment is all you have." Eckhart Tolle
One wellness ritual you do regularly:
Copper tongue cleaning first thing in the morning! I am addicted to it and it's so good for you, removing the built up toxins first thing before your body absorbs them — it's soooo addictive!
The last inspiring podcast you listened to and what makes it worth a listen:
I’m currently listening to The Dr Joe Dispenza podcast. It’s about changing your mind and changing your life. Who doesn’t want that!
A recommended read for personal growth:
Running my own business I often don’t get time to read for pleasure. However I really enjoyed reading Mark Manson’s ‘The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck’. It reminded me not to take life too seriously and it is hilarious!
How do you go about self-development?
Usually I have my nose in aromatherapy books and learning about ancient cultural healing methods, as I love the continual learning. Feeding my passion and mind is my personal form of self-development.
Which business or person inspires you right now?
I admire anyone who steps out on their own and follows their dream, the unsung heroes, especially those that do not seek recognition.
And of course I have to always pay my respects to the ancient medicine men and women who developed so many invaluable remedies, on which I base my products today.
What has been the most defining moment in your career to date?
Leaving the corporate world and setting up Black Chicken Remedies, my own skincare and wellness company.
Doing something daily that I am passionate about is my driving force. I am also proud that I’m the sole owner of Black Chicken Remedies which is unheard of in the beauty world and have grown the business to where it is today.
Who has helped you progress in your career the most and what did they do to support you?
My family has always been really supportive, especially my brother as he is in the Black Chicken Remedies warehouse and being a general handy man around the office, which is supportive to me in more ways in one.
My family also never tried to stop me or reason with me when I decided to leave a well-paid career to start up my own business. They have always recognised I am very passion driven. My mum was there every step of the way too, sticking labels on jars in the early days and always interested in helping in any way possible.
I also have to acknowledge my many friends who have been willing testers when I formulate new products. They all keep encouraging me to develop the best 100% natural products possible that deliver real results. I love that they always give me open and honest feedback.
What fear have you had to overcome to pursue your ambitions?
There’s always a voice that creeps in questioning whether you are doing the right thing or not. If you allow yourself to listen to it, it can obviously have a negative impact. So a big game changer for me was to not listen to negative thoughts and keep pursuing my dreams, always viewing my mistakes as invaluable lessons.
So a big game changer for me was to not listen to negative thoughts and keep pursuing my dreams
Life/career advice you wish you’d been given in your early 20s?
Don’t be afraid to seek out a mentor. Also, go out there a try a few things, work for a few different companies, learn as much as you can, until you really know what you want to pursue. Sometimes we don’t know where our calling lies until later in life.
What advice would you give women who want to make a positive change in their lives?
The first step is to always follow your passion and listen to your gut. A woman’s instinct is so strong! Then surround yourself with like-minded people and always stay ahead of the game through self-education.
If you are running a company, surround yourself with a team who are experts in their field, i.e. marketing, warehouse management, logistics etc. That way you can work ‘on’ the business, rather than always working ‘in’ the business.
What does thriving mean to you?
Doing what you love and being in a position to give back.
Anything else you would like to share with the Thrivhers community?
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month we are asking everyone to purchase a jar of our award winning Pink Edition Axilla Deodorant Paste to help @blackchickenremedies raise $40,000, to donate to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for game-changing breast cancer research!
Get behind our campaign and do your #MightyActsOfPinkness through purchase a jar for yourself, then pay it forward and gift one to your mum, sister, bestie, wife or partner. With every jar sold, we are donating $2 so together we can help NBCF reach their goal of zero deaths by 2030 from Breast Cancer.
Want to know more reasons to switch to our hero natural deodorant? Find out more by visiting our website www.blackchickenremedies.com
@blackchickenremdies #MightyActsofPinkness @nbcfaus #ZeroBy2030
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