In episode seventy seven of the Glow Journal podcast, host Gemma Watts talks to the founder of Cosmetics 27, Michèle Evrard. Michèle grew up with more of a love for the outdoors than a love for beauty- although, in a sense, it was the former that brought her to the latter. Michèle’s love of the outdoors led to a desire to be an adventurer- an archeologist, specifically, as she tells me one of her earliest wishes was “to discover something.” She found herself naturally drawn to science, completing her studies at medicine and pharmacy schools before taking a job within the beauty industry and discovering a passion for product development.What led to the development of Cosmetics 27, however, was something different entirely. That aforementioned love of the outdoors saw Michèle injure herself skiing, and amidst her search to find a product to heal the subsequent scar, she was introduced to a plant with regenerative properties that had, at the time, not been used to even a tenth of its potential. That plant became the base of her first product, the now-cult Baume 27, fulfilling her desire for discovery and fascination with creation, and despite having no initial plans to bring the product to market, it now sits at the core of the Cosmetics 27 brand. I have long used and loved the Cosmetics 27 brand, but what I found to be just as remarkable as the products was Michèle’s willingness to acknowledge and reflect on decisions that she deems to be failures, as well as the way in which she talks about independent brands and multinationals coexisting in the beauty space, with each brand (and, more importantly, each idea) pushing those around them to do better. In this conversation, Michèle shares how social media trends might be affecting our skin’s balance, the ways in which the barrier to entry to the beauty industry has been lowered, and why remaining an independent brand is both freeing and a hurdle. Read more at glowjournal.comFollow Cosmetics 27 on Instagram @cosmetics27Stay up to date with Gemma on Instagram at @gemkwatts and @glow.journal, or get in touch at hello@gemkwatts.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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Michèle Evrard | Founder and CEO of Cosmetics 27

In episode seventy six of the Glow Journal podcast, host Gemma Watts talks to the co-founders of Goldfaden MD, Lisa Goldfaden and Lauren Wolk-Goldfaden. Despite officially launching in 2013, Goldfaden MD technically begun in Dr Gary Goldfaden’s dermatology practice about 40 years ago. Lisa, his daughter, spent the early part of her working life in arts and education, while Lauren, his daughter-in-law, spent hers working on ad campaigns for the likes of Coca Cola, Voltswagen and Burger King. While both had an interest in beauty and understanding of the “clean” movement that was beginning to build momentum, it wasn’t until friends of the family started asking for access to Dr Goldfaden’s clinical formulas that Lisa and Lauren realised they had family ties to a brand worth developing. Goldfaden MD was the very first brand to bridge the gap between “doctor brands” and “clean beauty”. The formulas spoke for themselves, however having been told by multiple parties “I don’t believe in this concept,” the real challenge for Lisa and Lauren was convincing retailers that Goldfaden MD was worthy of shelf space. Worthy it proved to be, and what began as one hero product was swiftly built out into an entire portfolio, with every single product designed to address the most common skin concerns that Dr Goldfaden was finding himself presented with in-clinic. In this conversation, Lisa and Lauren share how a former fraternity brother is largely to thank for Goldfaden MD’s inception, the lessons from their respective careers in education and advertising that have helped them build a successful business, and the importance of finding designers, copywriters and vendors who understand and align with your brand. Read more at glowjournal.comFollow Goldfaden MD on Instagram @goldfadenmdStay up to date with Gemma on Instagram at @gemkwatts and @glow.journal, or get in touch at hello@gemkwatts.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Lisa and Lauren Goldfaden | Co-Founders of Goldfaden MD

How does the cosmetic tattooing process actually work? How much does tattoo removal really hurt? After how many tattoo removal treatments can we expect to see results?In this Ask An Expert episode, host Gemma Watts is joined by Dermal Therapist Ginny Bucchi. Ginny specialises in skin rejuvenation and tattoo removal, and has performed over 2500 PicoWay treatments, on all skin types, since 2017, so we took the opportunity to ask her YOUR questions on cosmetic tattooing and tattoo removal. This Ask An Expert episode is sponsored by Candela Medical, however you won’t hear Ginny recommending specific brands or products. As per the rest of this Ask An Expert Series, we’ve sought qualified experts to give you objective answers to your questions so that you can take that information and make your own educated decisions regarding which treatments are right for you. In this episode, we’ve taken the questions YOU submitted on cosmetic tattoo removal to Ginny- from exactly how much pain to expect and how many treatments are actually necessary, through to how the tattoo removal process really works and, of course, the best way to choose your cosmetic tattoo artist and your tattoo removalist.You can read this interview now at: glowjournal.com/cosmetic-tattoo-and-tatoo-removalFollow Candela Medical on Instagram @candelamedicalanzDiscover more at candelamedia.comStay up to date with Gemma on Instagram at @gemkwatts and @glow.journal, or get in touch at hello@gemkwatts.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

BONUS | Your Cosmetic Tattoo Removal Questions Answered

In episode seventy five of the Glow Journal podcast, host Gemma Watts talks to industry icon and By Terry founder, Terry de Gunzburg.Terry de Gunzburg tells me that the rose is in her DNA.Terry’s earliest memorable connection to beauty is her grandmother’s homemade rosewater. Terry herself spent her childhood applying rose petals to her cheeks to mimic the effect of blush, and today, the rose sits at the heart of one of her most iconic beauty creations- Baume De Rose. In her very early 20s, during a seasonal break between leaving medical school and commencing art school, Terry decided to take a four week course in cosmetics as nothing more than a creative outlet. In week four, in a moment of both desperation and serendipity, Terry was sent to a Vogue Paris photoshoot when no other makeup artist was available. It was on that day that Terry decided her future was in beauty.In 1985, Terry was approached by her a man she describes as her hero, Yves Saint Laurent, and became the brand’s Creative Director of beauty. It was here that Terry created a product that, quite literally, changed the way countless products were designed and used thereafter. A product that none of her colleagues wanted to launch, and a product that she spent three years convincing them was worth their time- Touche Éclat.In 1998, Terry created her own business, a line of couture, made-to-order cosmetics and opened a boutique in Paris. Demand was overwhelming and waiting lists were years long, so she expanded and developed that line into the brand we now know as By Terry. In this conversation, Terry shares the mistake that led to the creation of the now-iconic Baume De Rose, how she developed the first ever skincare in powder form, and the ways in which the beauty industry has changed since her time working with Linda Evangelista, Kate Moss and Guy Bourdin.Read more at glowjournal.comFollow By Terry on Instagram @byterryofficialStay up to date with Gemma on Instagram at @gemkwatts and @glow.journal, or get in touch at hello@gemkwatts.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Terry de Gunzburg | Founder of By Terry

In this special bonus Ask An Expert episode I’m joined by cosmetic chemist, author and founder of Synergie Skin, Terri Vinson. Terri Vinson has decades of experience in skin science and has sat at the helm of Synergie Skin since its launch in 2005. Terri completed her Bachelor of Science, specialising in Immunology and Microbiology, at Monash University, and has obtained additional post graduate qualifications in both Formulating Chemistry and Biology & Secondary School Science. In this conversation, I ask Terri your questions on the stages of skin- the specific changes our skin goes through in each phase of our life, how to meet our skin’s needs during each of those stages, and what a healthy skincare routine looks like at every age.  In the name of transparency this episode is sponsored by Synergie Skin, however this conversation is not, at all, about pushing products onto you. Terri’s background is, of course, in chemistry and biological science and her passion really lies within skin education, so the goal here isn’t product placement- as per all of our bonus episodes, it’s about giving you the objective information you need in order to make informed decisions around your skincare. In this episode, we’ve taken the questions YOU submitted on the stages of skin and passed them on to Terri- from how early is too early to start using retinol and why we associate acne with our teen years, through to why so many of us are still experiencing acne as adults and whether or not there’s a topical solution for wrinkles and a loss of elasticity. You can read this interview now at: glowjournal.com/the-stages-of-skinFollow Synergie Skin on Instagram @synergieskin.Discover more at synergieskin.comStay up to date with Gemma on Instagram at @gemkwatts and @glow.journal, or get in touch at hello@gemkwatts.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

BONUS | Skin at Every Age with Terri Vinson

In episode seventy four of the Glow Journal podcast, host Gemma Watts talks to the founder and CEO of Three Warriors, Corbin Halliday.Three Warriors’ existence really stems from founder Corbin Halliday’s 2014 hospitalisation. Corbin had grown up in Tasmania with dreams of making it as an actor in Hollywood. Upon finishing school he moved to Sydney and began auditioning, and was subsequently signed to an agency in Los Angeles. Within months of landing in Hollywood, Corbin realised he didn’t actually enjoy acting at all- so he moved back to his home town of St Helens and went back to the career drawing board. Corbin started working as a hairdresser and became a very successful one, however he was forced to give it up upon falling ill in 2014. He began experiencing daily migraines, nerve pain, and blood pressure so high he was on the precipice of a stoke. After four years of tests and treatment, Corbin finally received a diagnosis that he shared more on in our conversation. It was during those four years that Corbin decided to change his lifestyle and, in turn, the products he was using daily. Discovering a gap for a legitimately organic, natural, vegan and cruelty-free tanning product, Corbin began working with a biochemist friend to bring the Three Warriors salon tanning solution to life. Within six months of the brand’s 2017 launch, hype and demand led Corbin to develop a range of at-home skin and tanning products and, as he reveals in this episode, there are several new products on the horizon. In this conversation, Corbin shares the deeply moving story behind the Three Warriors name, the trials and tribulations of receiving organic certification, and how a water damaged apartment was really the catalyst that led to this red-headed boy from Tasmania launching a tanning brand. Read more at glowjournal.comFollow Three Warriors on Instagram @threewarriorsStay up to date with Gemma on Instagram at @gemkwatts and @glow.journal, or get in touch at hello@gemkwatts.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Corbin Halliday | Founder and CEO of Three Warriors

In episode seventy three of the Glow Journal podcast, host Gemma Watts talks to the founder of LoveSeen, Jenna Lyons.Jenna Lyons has always been a creative- but a younger Jenna did not imagine she’d end up in beauty.Jenna was 6 feet tall by the time she was 13 and had a genetic disorder that affected her teeth and left her with bald spots, scars and no eyelashes. She shares that she was teased for the way that she looked, however after learning how to sew in a Home Economics class, she discovered she had a flare for design. Upon seeing one of her designs, the most popular girl in school complimented her on her taste and her talent, a moment that Jenna explains “changed everything,” and a future in fashion suddenly felt like a path she could take. Jenna studied at Parsons School of Design before graduating and taking a role at J Crew. She began as an assistant designer in menswear, then womenswear, worked her way up to Vice President of Women’s Design, was appointed Executive Creative Director in 2008 and, in 2010, became President of the brand. In 2017, after 27 years with the brand and having been credited by the New York Times as “the woman who dresses America,” Jenna Lyons left J Crew. Given the link between fashion and beauty, Jenna found herself consulting on a beauty project and began to research the industry itself. She had long been fascinated by false eyelashes, given she has about 10 lashes herself, but had never been able to find false lashes that still made her feel like herself- lashes that were pared back and allowed her to look like herself, only amplified. Recognising a white space, Jenna called makeup artist Troi Ollivierre and the pair began work on LoveSeen.LoveSeen’s collection of lashes were created by gathering 21 men and women, aged 17 to 72, with the team physically building each lash set onto their faces. 973 zoom calls, 2 trains, 6 planes, 10 cars, 22 cases of prosecco, 34 sample rounds, 1 global pandemic and 18 months later, LoveSeen launched with 14 unique sets of lashes- and this month, the brand finally arrives in Australia. In this conversation, Jenna shares what it was like making the move to a startup after over a quarter-century at one of the biggest brands in the world, her advice for anyone growing and building their own team, and why hitting 98% of a goal simply isn’t enough. Read more at glowjournal.comFollow LoveSeen on Instagram @loveseenFollow Jenna on Instagram @jennalyonsnycStay up to date with Gemma on Instagram at @gemkwatts and @glow.journal, or get in touch at hello@gemkwatts.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jenna Lyons | Founder of LoveSeen

In this special bonus Ask An Expert episode I’m joined by Dr Alice Rudd. A General and Cosmetic Dermatologist affiliated with The Alfred Hospital and The Skin Health Institute, Dr Rudd completed her Medical Degree at Monash University and completed her postgraduate dermatology studies through the Australasian College of Dermatologists. Having founded Skindepth Dermatology six years ago, Dr Rudd was our first port of call when it came to answering YOUR questions on skincare during and after pregnancy. Away from our regular brand founder conversations, I am asked so many highly specific questions about the skin. Given that I am an educated consumer and by no means an expert, it would be extremely unethical for me to even attempt to address your skin concerns which is why I insist on taking those questions to a medical doctor. This Ask An Expert series is giving you, the Glow Journal audience, unprecedented access to medical doctors, professors and dermatologists and, while the series is sponsored by Candela Medical, doctors legally and ethically have to remain completely objective in interviews like this. For this reason, this series is giving you, the listeners, completely unbiased expert answers to your most specific skin questions- questions that I cannot answer myself. In this episode, we’ve taken the questions YOU submitted on pregnancy skincare to Dr Rudd - from why so many women experience melasma or “pregnancy mask” during pregnancy and the link between pregnancy and hormonal acne, through to which ingredients and treatments are best avoided during pregnancy and whether or not there’s a legitimate way to fade stretch marks. You can read this interview now at: glowjournal.com/ask-an-expert-pregnancy-skincareFollow Candela Medical on Instagram @candelamedicalanzFollow Dr Alice Rudd at @skindepthdermatologyDiscover more at candelamedia.comStay up to date with Gemma on Instagram at @gemkwatts and @glow.journal, or get in touch at hello@gemkwatts.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

BONUS | Pregnancy Skincare with Dr Alice Rudd

In episode seventy two of the Glow Journal podcast, host Gemma Watts talks to REN Clean Skincare’s Global Brand Ambassador and Head of Education, David Delport.David Delport’s 15 plus year career with REN really began upon contracting malaria following a year of charity work in Kenya. David had moved to London as an 18 year old, waltzing right into Harrods and asking for a job in beauty. From there he was headhunted by Trish McEvoy, and later industry icons Laura Mercier and NARS where his passion for beauty only grew- however, after some years in artistry and education, David felt burnt out and compelled to take a year’s leave from the industry or risk growing disillusioned by it. He spent that year in Kenya working with a charity and conducting field research relating to HIV studies and health care within East Africa, before contracting malaria and being forced to return home to the UK to recover.In 2005, while looking for part time employment, as this was all he could commit to due to ill health, a friend introduced him to the REN brand. David fell in love with the brand, became hooked on the products, and was then invited to work casually with the brand. As his health improved, David’s capacity to work increased, and he worked his way up through sales and education roles before becoming REN’s Global Brand Ambassador. In this conversation, David shares what it was like learning about eyebrows from the woman who tamed Madonna’s brows, why elevating others has long been the key to his success, and why his earliest memory of beauty could have got him into a LOT of trouble.Read more at glowjournal.comFollow REN and David on Instagram at @renskincare and @david_renskincare.Stay up to date with Gemma on Instagram at @gemkwatts and @glow.journal, or get in touch at hello@gemkwatts.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

David Delport | Global Brand Ambassador at REN Clean Skincare

In this special bonus Ask An Expert episode, host Gemma Watts is joined by dermatologist and acne expert Dr Jo-Ann See who is here to answer the questions YOU submitted on acne-who is here to answer the questions you submitted on acne- from whiteheads, blackheads and blind pimples through to hormonal acne, recurring facial acne and acne on the body. Year round, acne is without question the subject I’m most frequently asked about- however, given that acne is a medical condition, these questions are always best reserved for an expert. In the name of full disclosure, this episode is sponsored by La Roche-Posay Australia, however as per all of my expert interviews, the guest doctor is never here to push specific brands and products. For this reason, you’ll only hear Dr Jo-Ann recommend ingredients, as opposed to products, giving you the tools you need to make your own educated purchasing decisions. In this episode, Dr Jo-Ann See answers your questions on acne- from the difference between whiteheads and blackheads and whether topical, “off the shelf” treatments can actually help to clear stubborn breakouts, through to hormones, birth control and their impact on the skin and why acne can still affect us well beyond our teenage years. You can read this interview now at glowjournal.com/your-acne-questions-answeredFollow La Roche-Posay on Instagram @larocheposayaunzDiscover more at laroche-posay.com.auStay up to date with Gemma on Instagram at @gemkwatts and @glow.journal, or get in touch at hello@gemkwatts.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

BONUS | Adult Acne with Dr Jo-Ann See

In episode seventy one of the Glow Journal podcast, host Gemma Watts talks to the co founder of Milk Makeup, Zanna Roberts Rassi.Zanna’s very first job was as a model, after her boyfriend at the time secretly entered her into a modelling competition. While it was never really her passion, Zanna explains that it did open her eyes to the number of roles that existed (and still exist) behind the scenes. She spent most of her time on set asking questions of those around her- so it’s no surprise that the job she eventually moved into was that of a journalist.  It was while having her makeup done on set that Zanna realised she wanted to be part of the story telling of beauty, so she made herself known to the Beauty Editor of the magazine for which she was modelling and secured herself an internship. In time, Zanna became a Beauty Assistant and eventually Beauty Editor at Marie Claire magazine, during which time she met her now husband, Mazdack Rassi, co-founder of Milk Studios. Zanna then moved from London to New York and was soon asked to host a fashion segment on the Today Show. That segment became a launchpad for her television career, with Zanna now serving as E!’s style correspondent, a Today Show contributor and, previously, as a guest judge and mentor on Project Runway All Stars. It was in around 2013 that Zanna, her husband and their soon-to-be Milk co-founders Georgie Greville and Dianna Ruth began to conceptualise what would eventually become Milk Makeup, craving easy, fun, multi-tasking makeup. They launched in 2016 with 85 products, and today Milk Makeup is available to consumers in over 130 countries. In this conversation, Zanna shares why Milk are intent on creating products that have never been seen before, the story of her stint as an undercover makeup artist at Paris Fashion Week, and why her first real encounter with beauty was reminiscent of, in her words, “advanced hypothermia.” Read more at glowjournal.comFollow Milk Makeup on Instagram at @milkmakeup.Follow Zanna Roberts Rassi on Instagram at @zannarassiStay up to date with Gemma on Instagram at @gemkwatts and @glow.journal, or get in touch at hello@gemkwatts.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Zanna Roberts Rassi | Co-Founder of Milk Makeup

In this special bonus Ask An Expert episode, host Gemma Watts is joined by specialist dermatologist Dr Ryan De Cruz who is here to answer the questions YOU submitted on winter skincare, specifically for the body. We’re covering why it is that our skin sensitivities are heightened with a cold snap, why your body wash is just as important as your moisturiser, how to combat persistent, stubborn patches of dry skin, and exactly which ingredients are winter skin non-negotiables (and which ingredients you can go without).I’m so often asked really specific questions about the skin and, given that I’m an educated consumer and by no means an expert, I insist on taking those questions to a legitimate expert- someone truly qualified to answer your questions. In the name of transparency this episode is sponsored by CeraVe, however as per all of my expert interviews, the doctor is NOT here to sell you anything and must remain completely objective when answering your questions. For this reason, you’ll hear Dr De Cruz recommend specific ingredients (rather than products) and offer more general advice, giving you the tools you need to make your own, educated purchasing decisions. In this episode, Dr De Cruz answers your questions on winter skincare for the body- from why dry skin, irritations and conditions like dermatitis and psoriasis tend to flare up in the winter and how to keep your skin protected from both cold air and dry indoor heating, through to the impact your winter shower habits are having on your skin and whether or not you really need to moisturise your body every single day. You can read this interview now at: glowjournal.comFollow CeraVe on Instagram @cerave_aFollow Dr Ryan De Cruz at @drryandecruz and @southerndermatology_melbDiscover more at cerave.com.auStay up to date with Gemma on Instagram at @gemkwatts and @glow.journal, or get in touch at hello@gemkwatts.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

BONUS | Winter Skin: The Body Edition with Dr Ryan De Cruz

In episode seventy of the Glow Journal podcast, host Gemma Watts talks to the founder of Dr Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics, Dr Barbara Sturm.Barbara Sturm knew, from the age of four, that she would grow up to be a doctor. She’d watched her grandmother, a pharmacist, and her mother, a lab doctor, at work, and entered into the field of orthopaedics through what she describes as a love of helping people.Dr Sturm explains, however, that she’d always had an interest in beauty (and in beautiful things), so a move into aesthetics felt natural. It was then that she took her work in orthopaedics, specifically a treatment she helped pioneer in which the blood from a patient is re-injected into the joints to remove inflammation, and translated that science into the field of aesthetics- and so, what we now know as the Vampire Facial was born. Dr Barbara Sturm’s signature clinical treatments and prescription plasma-based creams developed what can only be described as a cult following, so to ensure that her work could reach a global audience (rather than exclusively those who could visit her clinic) she began to work on her own consumer brand. Dr Barbara Sturm’s line of molecular cosmetics was launched in 2014, taking the in-clinic experience and turning it into one of the most innovative, and celebrity-loved, brands of today. In this conversation, Barbara shares how the now-infamous “vampire facial” actually works, why she so strongly believes that inflammation is the root cause of almost every skin ailment, and how Kobe Bryant played a role in establishing Dr Sturm’s now-signature clinical treatment. Read more at glowjournal.comFollow Dr Barbara Sturm on Instagram at @drbarbarasturm.Stay up to date with Gemma on Instagram at @gemkwatts and @glow.journal, or get in touch at hello@gemkwatts.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr Barbara Sturm | Founder of Dr Barbara Sturm

In this special bonus Ask An Expert episode I’m joined by Dr Belinda Welsh. A Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists and winner of the Australasian College of Dermatologists Travelling Fellowship, Dr Welsh opened her solo dermatology practice in 2002. In 2010 she was joined by friend of the podcast Dr Cara McDonald and the two founded Complete Skin Specialists. Having served as the Chair of the Victorian Faculty of Dermatologists and currently holding the position of Vice President of Australasian Society of Cosmetic Dermatologists, Dr Welsh was who I felt was the ideal doctor to answer YOUR questions on all things skin rejuvenation. Away from our regular brand founder conversations, I am asked so many highly specific questions about the skin. Given that I am an educated consumer and by no means an expert, it would be extremely unethical for me to even attempt to address your skin concerns which is why I insist on taking those questions to a medical doctor. This Ask An Expert series is giving you, the Glow Journal audience, unprecedented access to medical doctors, professors and dermatologists and, while the series is sponsored by Candela Medical, doctors legally and ethically have to remain completely objective in interviews like this. For this reason, this series is giving you, the listeners, completely unbiased expert answers to your most specific skin questions- questions that I cannot answer myself. In this episode, we’ve taken the questions YOU submitted on overall skin rejuvenation to Dr Welsh - from whether or not over the counter products can actually help with pigmentation and if gentle skin resurfacing is at all possible from home, through to the link between sensitive skin and redness and if clinical skin treatments really are a permanent solution to our skin woes.You can read this interview now at: glowjournal.com/ask-an-expert-rejuvenation-and-sun-damageFollow Candela Medical on Instagram @candelamedicalanzFollow Dr Belinda Welsh at @drbelindawelshDiscover more at candelamedia.comStay up to date with Gemma on Instagram at @gemkwatts and @glow.journal, or get in touch at hello@gemkwatts.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

BONUS | Skin Rejuvenation and Addressing Sun Damage with Dr Belinda Welsh

In episode sixty nine of the Glow Journal podcast, host Gemma Watts talks to the co founder of Lush, Rowena Bird.There are few brands, and in-store experiences, as universally recognisable as Lush. Having now spoken to Rowena and knowing just what went into Lush’s creation, it’s unsurprising that the brand is the icon that it is today.Rowena is surprised, however, telling me that she and her five Lush co-founders hadn’t expected that the brand would explode in the way that it has- and she certainly didn’t expect that, as of 2020, Lush would boast some 951 stores globally. Rowena has always loved beauty and, after completing her studies as a beauty therapist in the early 1980s, she took a job at a beauty clinic in Dorset. It was here that she would meet all five of her future Lush co-founders, a group she tells me each had completely different skills. She also tells me that she believes this is the secret to Lush’s success- that, and the fact that all six of them really do get along. Lush was launched in 1995, and despite opening stores in London, Croatia, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and Ireland within only a few years, Rowena describes the brand’s growth as “really organic”- another part of the Lush story that she believes was integral to its success, explaining that if they’d launched with the intention of going “zero to sixty” too quickly, they’d likely have failed. She tells me that what they really wanted to create through Lush was fun, theatre, experience and an escape through beauty, and that is precisely what they have done.In this conversation, Rowena shares the catalyst that led to the inception of Lush (and a wild coincidence that took place on the very same date as our interview), how Lush led the sustainability charge by launching packaging-free products over 25 years ago, and why OVER staffing their stores may have been one of the best business decisions they ever made. Read more at glowjournal.comFollow Lush on Instagram at @lush and @lush_ausnz.Stay up to date with Gemma on Instagram at @gemkwatts and @glow.journal, or get in touch at hello@gemkwatts.com  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rowena Bird | Co-Founder of Lush

Join beauty writer Gemma Watts in conversation with the world’s biggest beauty pioneers. We’re picking the brains behind the beauty products that fill your bathroom cupboards- the CEOs, founders and creative minds heading the brands that shape the beauty industry. From cult favourites to the products you reach for every day, from young entrepreneurs to companies steeped in history, these are the stories behind the most successful beauty businesses on the planet.

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