What started off as a small skincare line born out of Western Australia in the 1990s has blossomed into an internationally-known chemical-free beauty brand found in the very best spas and luxury hotels around the world including award-winning The Siam in Bangkok, Thailand.
What was the first product, and why did you create this?
It was after spending some time in Provence in the South of France studying advanced aromatherapy that I became inspired by the benefits of essential oils in skincare. I had spent many years (and dollars!) trying to find the perfect products for my own sensitive skin that would deliver real results. My inspiration was to create a product that would balance and nurture, but at the same time be anti-ageing for my skin. I returned to Perth and literally started ‘blending’!
And so it all began on my kitchen bench in the late 1990s – my first product was a face moisturiser (Sodashi’s Rejuvenating Face & Neck Moisturiser). At the time I owned a natural health and therapy business and I was getting asked what I used on my skin, and quickly I saw a gap in the market. The demand became overwhelming and my homemade skincare products flew off the shelf. My first batch of 50 moisturisers sold in just three-and-a-half days!
You’re in luxury spas all around the world – how did this come about?
I established Sodashi 1999, and in 2000 I secured our first international spa client in Thailand. We showcased Sodashi at the Sydney International Beauty and Spa Expo in 2000 and were approached by a hotel spa in Thailand seeking natural spa products.
Whilst I didn’t set out initially to create an international brand it soon became evident to me that the demand for effective natural products was a global opportunity.
Sodashi products are now in available in over 70 luxury hotels, resort and stand-alone spas, in 29 countries globally, including the prestigious Four Seasons George V Hotel in Paris, Qualia on Hamilton Island, Hotel Café Royal in London, The Siam and The Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong.
How should one invest in anti-ageing?
I believe that investing in your health and wellness is key for anti-ageing! I make my wellbeing a priority every day, I meditate twice a day, I practice Tibetan Five Rites each morning (a series of exercises for healing, rejuvenation and longevity), I have a healthy diet, I use quality natural skincare, I make quality sleep part of my routine, I drink plenty of water and I exercise regularly. I also make time for laughter and relaxation with family and friends.
Why is it so important to use chemical-free products on your skin?
It has been shown that around 60% of what you put on your skin is absorbed into your bloodstream. There are thousands of untested synthetic chemicals being used in consumer products with little or no understanding of the consequences to our health. Personally I will only use skincare products on my face and body that are going to work in harmony with my overall health and well-being, and I want others to have this option – many others!
What’s your favourite product from your range, and why?
The Samadara Ultimate Age-Defying Crème, it’s my go-to moisturiser and Sodashi’s most powerful anti-ageing formula. It has kept my skin youthful, and it actually reduces lines and wrinkles. It is incredibly nourishing and hydrating for the skin. I never leave home without it!
I’ve read somewhere that your office follows a very holistic way of life. Tell us more about that.
I believe that the health and wellbeing of each individual Sodashi team member is paramount to having an engaged and dynamic team to move the business forward. Over the past 14 years we have financially supported over 40 employees to learn transcendental meditation, giving them a tool to remove stress from their physiology. This has been fundamental to creating a collaborative, caring and cohesive work environment. Each member of the Sodashi team has the opportunity to meditate at work each day, access to a monthly Bowen Therapy treatment during work hours, a generous allowance of quality natural skincare – and no one at Sodashi works on their birthday!
Sodashi means “wholeness, purity and radiance” in Sanskrit. How do you carry this through to the rest of your life?
I live by a 80/20 rule and I certainly like to enjoy my life! As mentioned I take a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, much like the teachings of Ayurveda; I make quality sleep, meditation, exercise, delicious and nourishing foods, drinking at least two litres of water, laughter and using quality natural skincare all part of my daily routine.
What’s next for you and your brand?
Our goal is to grow Sodashi from a product into a lifestyle; to get people asking themselves how can they look after themselves better, not just their skin but their whole being. What we find is that when people start to use the quality of Sodashi products, it sparks their awareness about what they are putting into their systems, or how they are supporting their own health and wellbeing. We are increasingly seeking to inspire a holistic approach to health and wellness.
