Q
You and your sister both left successful careers in business and founded Balance Me, hoping to achieve a better work-life balance. How is it possible to have better work-life balance when you’re running your own company?
A
We are good at multi-tasking and have a first class team of experts in place for the business (plus excellent childcare). This allows us to focus our attention on the strategic direction and new product development as we grow our distribution both in the UK and overseas. We also carve out some family and ‘me’ time in our lives to ensure we keep life in perspective!
Q
How do you find inspiration for new products and do you still sit by the kitchen table, where Balance Me began?
A
Our inspiration comes from within – what products do we want? – and from external sources – what products are our customers requesting? We also look at what is out there in the market place and then research how we can create a natural alternative without compromising on the results or quality. My best research takes place in the bath at night when I have time to read magazines and test either lab samples or competitor products!
Q
What’s the difference between a natural and an organic ingredient?
A
For Balance Me, a natural ingredient is derived from plants but is also free from anything synthetic. We are very honest about what does and doesn’t appear in our products, which we highlight in the Balance Me Promise. In addition, we proudly state the % natural of each individual product on the front of its label. Balance Me uses some organic ingredients (ingredients that are grown and processed without artificial fertilisers or pesticides, synthetic chemicals or GMOs) and again we clearly highlight which of our products are organic within our ingredient list.
Q
Some people believe that natural products aren’t as intense or active as other cosmetics might be. What can you say to those who aren’t totally convinced about the strength of natural products?
A
Try Balance Me! We have had the most incredible feedback from customers about the effectiveness of our products. Many customers write to tell us how they have had particular skin issues or conditions for years and then they try a Balance Me product and it transforms their skin as well as their lives. It is so heartwarming and gives a sense of purpose to what we create each day.
Q
I love oil treatments and I know Balance Me Radiance Face Oil is extremely popular. How would you convince someone who is unsure about using an oil as part of their skin care regime?
A
Balance Me Radiance Face Oil offers your skin an extra layer of protection each day. It plumps, smoothes and addresses uneven skin tone of dull, dehydrated skin or skin experiencing sensitivity or redness. We’ve blended Amazonian buriti nut, rosehip and camellia oils with Roman chamomile, vitamin E and ancient skin conditioners benzoin and yarrow to help minimize the visible signs of ageing and scarring. Simply warm two drops of oil in clean palms and massage across face, neck and décolletage each morning and evening using circular massage movements.
Q
What is the one Balance Me product you couldn’t live without?
A
Balance Me Stellar Beauty Balm as it has body-wide appeal. It hydrates, plumps, protects and perfects my skin around the clock and even calms and soothes mosquito bites! I never leave home without it.
Q
What has been one of the most exciting moments of your career?
A
There have been many exciting moments! From launching our ‘pop up’ shop on Oxford Street in 2005, to launching nationwide the following year with a major department store group. 2011 heralded our skincare range which we have been building ever since and this Christmas is our first foray into colour. We’ve won over 25 awards to date (including CEW UK Beauty Insiders ‘Best British Brand’ 2013 voted for by 1,000 beauty industry peers), we’ve touched the lives of thousands of customers, enjoyed many first class editorial endorsements and our products have appeared on the covers of over two million women’s glossies.
Q
What is your top tip for keeping your skin in perfect condition during the colder months?
A
Constant, consistent hydration. It stops my skin looking dry and dull. From my hands and feet to my neck and face, I will moisturise as often as my skin requires. My skin literally slurps up moisture and it helps minimise the visible signs of ageing.
Q
What’s on the top of your Christmas wish list this year?
A
I’m off to Costa Rica this year with my husband and children so a new bikini for the beach and some binoculars for the cloud forests and national parks!
