NEWS
24 Sep 2020
What inspired you to create an Australian Certified Organic accredited range of skincare products?
Initially, I began making my own products because I wanted to know that what I put on my skin could in no way cause me any harm. I lost both my father and sister to cancer, and their stories fortified in me a passion for nurturing health and reducing cancer risk wherever possible. The role that skincare plays in health may seem small and insignificant for some, but when the body absorbs around 80% of what we put on it, I don’t feel we can take it too lightly. I know for me, having full confidence in what I put on my skin (and therefore in my body) makes me feel that I have at least taken control of that aspect of my health. I also wanted my naturopathic clients to have the best products for their skin, that were gentle and made from organic ingredients but still able to deliver powerful results for their specific skin conditions. My clients loved the products I made for them and, because of this, the skincare side of my business grew quite quickly. Pretty soon I had to decide between my naturopathic practice and making organic skincare. My heart was pulling me towards Clémence and so I launched it as a stand-alone skincare brand in 2016.
What were the main challenges you faced in order to get it launched; and are you still facing these challenges today?
Gosh, where do I start?! Launching an organic skin care brand is not for the faint hearted. Not only do you need to be truly passionate about your products, but you need some serious business savvy to get it off the ground. There are a million and one decisions to be made – from ingredients, to packaging – many of which you make on gut instinct. Then when you finally let your baby out into the world, you’re holding your breath in anticipation of what people will think and whether or not it will actually be successful. As time passes and you begin to get feedback from customers, you iron out any hiccups and improve wherever possible. There are always challenges. You just get better at dealing with them.
What were the most memorable, defying moments during this time?
Getting organic certification was a very memorable moment for me. I didn’t start the process before I launched, but rather worked towards it, and finally completed certification in 2019. It was a lot of work (and a crazy amount of paperwork), but it gave me a huge appreciation for the ingredients I choose and the traceability that must be made available to guarantee its purity.
Launching our brand in Japan was also a very big moment. I had always felt my products would do well in the international market, and to see them on shelves in Japan only 3 years after launching felt like a huge achievement.
What helped you to see it through to the end?
First and foremost, the support of my customers. I receive so many amazing reviews, mes-sages and emails, telling me how much they love what I do and to keep it up. It really does inspire and motivate me on a daily basis.
My family are also my biggest supporters. There have been some tough moments along the way (and at least one time when I seriously considered throwing in the towel), but they remind me of how far I’ve come and how far I can still go.
What are your plans for the next 5 years?
Having attended ExpoWest, and met with key buyers and I gain a greater understanding of the market there. It was a huge eye-opener.
Following this trip, I’m going to do a full review of the range, including packaging, to try to make improvements wherever possible. I really want to make the brand as environmental as possible and do whatever we can to leave a lighter footprint.
I’ve also got some new products on the horizon which I’m excited to get on the shelves. The next few years are going to be huge!
