Colleen Harte was inspired to create Lucy Annabella Organics
when she realised that 'being organic' is as much about what we put on our
bodies as what we put into them. She has been an organic health enthusiast for
a long time and her aim is to provide a completely healthy indulgent
experience that invigorates the mind, soothes the body and nourishes the soul
by blending only the most beautifully organic, aromatic essential oils
presented in beautiful high-end glass. Here we catch up with founder, Colleen.
So, tell us a little about the story behind Lucy Annabella,
and how you chose the name?
The story behind Lucy Annabella is very simple! I decided to create the brand when I realised
that ‘being organic’ is as much about what we put on our body as what we put
into it. I am a Complementary Therapist and a Clinical Aromatherapist and I
have been an organic health enthusiast for years. Through my work I lived by the ethos that
‘Our health is paramount to our happiness’.
So in 2011 after travelling all over the world in search of
knowledge and the finest ingredients from organically dedicated farmers I felt
the time had come to actively combine all aspects of my life’s loves and pursue
my passion to formulate and blend beautifully organic ingredients and share
them with the world.
The beautiful name Lucy Annabella was my sweet grandfather’s
fond pet name for me. ‘Lucy Annabella’
has great sentimental attachment for me and it sits close to my heart therefore
I knew it was the perfect name for my cosmetics.
What do you think sparked your passion for natural and
organic ingredients?
I think my organic beginning sparked my passion for organic
and natural ingredients. Between my
childhood in the country and growing up with a grandmother and mother who made
all our food from scratch with no preservatives or harmful chemicals I was
surrounded by a pure way of living and eating and this simply followed through
into my career and clinic. Working with
clients for years reinforced to me the need for ‘chemically clean’ cosmetics
and I knew I could achieve this by using the best organic ingredients sourced
from authentic organic farmers.
Where do you see the brand 5 years from now?
In five years I hope to be shipping Lucy boxes to passionate
organic girls all over the world. I want our ‘Lucy lovers’ to have a vast array
of choice ranging from treatment oils to lip balms, bath treats, aromatic
candles to organic sleep aids.
Are there any plans to expand the existing range?
Yes, I am currently working on two new treatment oils and
two antioxidant body moisturisers as well as body scrubs to complement our
organic bath milks and 100% organic lip balms which we will start launching
this summer. We have lots of ideas for
our ‘Mum and Baby’ and ‘Home’ range which we hope to launch in 2014. I am happiest when formulating so the ideas
are endless.
What do you wish you’d known when you started?
Everything!!! I have learned many lessons to date and I view
every day as a learning day. Over the last two years I have built professional
relationships with other women in the cosmetics industry. I am fortunate to
have access to great mentors who openly part with their pearls of wisdom for
the good of Lucy Annabella Organics and myself.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
The boring stuff is the most challenging. Raising finance
and managing cash flow is the most challenging but even the boring stuff is
important and needs attention.
What are your every day beauty essentials?
I use our Argan and Bergamot Organic Treatment oil every
morning to awaken my skin and senses and I use Papaw ointment throughout the
day for. Once per week I use OGARIO London hair mask for conditioning and shine
and lastly Trilogy Rosehip Oil for my facial oil, this really is an amazing
product, so pure and unadulterated.
If you could treat yourself to one thing this month it would
be...
A body scrub and full body massage with beautiful organic
essential oils.