Today we are very excited to be featuring our latest beauty in our Meet the Maker series – Saya McDermott.
You may recall we were first introduced to Saya and her skincare range (of the same name) back in July this year when we reviewed her travel essentials pack here.
The gorgeous Saya, hails from one of our favourite parts of Australia – the Sunshine Coast and from humble beginnings in her parent’s kitchen, her products are now stocked across Australia and New Zealand. That was almost 10 years ago, and the former beauty therapist has expanded to a warehouse come retail space in the heart of Noosa where the products are still poured by hand.
Saya’s commitment to creating a truly authentic Australian brand, shows through in everything that she does. From the sourcing of her ingredients (without all the nasties), to her photographs on social media, you can see this entrepreneur is one classy woman and still a beach babe at heart. Something we connect with at A Conscious Beauty.
And now, from the maker herself:
Tell us about your brand’s vision:
My products just really evolved with no real pursuit of turning it into a business. From mum and dads kitchen to my own factory I have found I am frequently asked this same question and the answer is that I don’t honestly have a concrete plan. The business has gained momentum of its own and evolved into what it is today and at this stage I’m extremely happy.
What I do know is that I will continue to guarantee that everything in the range is sourced from Australian suppliers, from the raw ingredients to the labelling, and with the exception of the goat’s milk soap, the products are vegan-friendly, too. I will continue to focus on creating a purely plant-based natural skincare line, free of toxins, sulphates, parabens and synthetic colours. Each product is exclusively formulated to be rich in natural energy from plant-based ingredients, designed to hydrate, soften, balance and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
Your skin is the largest organ of the body and taking care of it helps to keep the rest of the body healthy too. I also love to educate people on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and to be conscious of what we consume. I think if everyone takes the time to avoid unethical and/or unsustainable products (including food) it will make a huge difference.
What makes your brand unique and what are ‘must-haves’ for your brand?
I formulate with the highest quality plant based ingredients and by doing this each and every product is unique. We have over 40 products in our range catering for I think pretty much everyone. The must haves in the range for me are Face: Marshmallow and Chamomile Foam Cleanser, Active moisturiser, Detox face scrub, and Argan oil. Body: Body Polish or Coffee Scrub if I need a pick me up!
We have a very close relationship with our ingredient and manufacturing supplier. They are literally down the road from us. I never knew they existed until I moved into my factory. I originally got all of my ingredients from Sydney and Melbourne, so having a local supplier is truly such a miracle. I have worked with them for almost 10 years and see them on almost a daily basis which allows me to be very involved with everything that goes into my products.
How do you give back / support others?
We frequently receive feedback, sometimes emails, letters and even thank you cards, from our customers telling us how much they love using our products. I think it has to be one of the most rewarding things for me when people take the time to thank you and give such positive feedback. It makes all the hard work of formulating these products just so sweet, knowing that these people truly appreciate the effort and love that it takes in making these products.
What has been your greatest ah-ha moment in your life to date?
Making the decision to quit my job and work full time in my business. I didn’t know at the time if I had made the worst or best decision but I haven’t looked back.
What is your favourite way to nourish your soul?
The ocean. I’m definitely the happiest if I’m near the ocean.
What are you most grateful for in your life?
My family they are the greatest support of all and they are all just awesome people to be around. Also where I live. For all the countries I have travelled and spent time throughout the years, the Sunshine Coast is hands down the best.
How do you live consciously?
I’ve been taught by my parents the importance of balance with everything in life, work and play. I have the tendency in taking things too seriously and get myself overstressed. Dad loves to say to me “don’t sweat the small stuff kid”
It is a working progress for me, I have taught myself to breathe and consciously put things in perspective and my confidence in myself has grown over the years. Running your own business, no matter the support around you is a huge and sometime overwhelming experience but the more my business has grown the more your confident I have become with decisions and dealing with things on a day to day basis.
What does it mean to be authentically you?
Loving, honest and respectful to myself and others.
Product photos care of Phill Jackson
