As you may know we’re currently running a giveaway with the stunning Byron-based organic cotton lingerie brand Eco Intimates (pictured). It got me thinking about the benefits of supporting small brands who work on a small scale and create their products ethically and consciously (a bit like ourselves).
In case you don’t know Eco Intimates is owned by a very talented woman called Madonna Bain who is based in Byron Bay. Each piece is hand crafted using GOTS certified organic cotton and remnant fabrics. And boy are they beautiful! Madonna says “My designs are carefully considered to deliver style, fit and comfort for every woman and create a garment with the quality to last and be worn many times.” Styles that Madonna is unable to produce in Australia she has made in Bali by seamstresses in their own homes, in their own time. Madonna says “This is not the cheapest way to produce, nor a way to produce large quantities. There are bigger factories there that can make clothing for much cheaper but that is not how I want to produce my emphasis is sustainability and quality.”
Another brand that we’re working with (watch this space) is Gemma Vendetta Cosmetics. This South Australian based vegan and cruelty free make up range was created in 2016 by its name-sake following a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, and a desire to interrupt the widely accepted manufacturing ethos’ of the ‘big brands’. Gemma believes that a natural approach to makeup doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality or your health. In fact since switching to natural make up Gemma has gone 10 years without a multiple sclerosis relapse, and 2 years without any disease progression.
The common thread that weaves through these boutique brands is that they truly care about the quality of their goods and there is no compromising. Your health and the environment also benefits, making each purchase an investment in the future.
Clémence Organics is growing and if I have my way it will soon be an international brand (watch out world, here I come!). This makes me so happy because the bigger my business gets, the more opportunities I have to disrupt the beauty world, and make natural and organic skincare the new norm. It also means I get to give back.
But I had to start somewhere and I’m proud of my market-stall roots. I’m grateful for the loyal customers who stuck with me and supported my growth.
So next time you’re browsing at your local market, or online marketplaces like Etsy, support small brands. You never know, the next purchase you make could be from the next million dollar business, and may shape a more ethical and conscious future.
The humble toner has come a long way from the skin-stripping products we once knew them to be. These days, toners are full of active ingredients that nourish and soothe your skin.
Add to this the fact that they also prime skin to receive the full benefit of your skincare and it becomes clear just how indispensable toners are.
