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We started bellabox.com.au because we wanted to help Australians discover new beauty products in a fun and enjoyable way. Our aim was to make beauty accessible and cost-effective: to revolutionise the way that women consume beauty.
I knew that starting a business was going to be challenging enough even without a family. But I had no idea until my children arrived just how demanding it can be. There’s no silver bullet, no quick fix to bring up kids and juggle all the things you need to do for work.
But it has also made me realise how precious time is, and how little time Australians have to waste when it comes to researching and shopping for products. We’ve found that many women end up sticking with the same brands simply because they don’t know what else is out there and don’t have time to search.
Another issue is that beauty product advertising is mainly driven by celebrities and delivered in an aspirational way. Smaller brands don’t have the budget to hire Alist spokesmodels, or even get their products stocked in every store.
When we founded bellabox both my sister and I had been living and working overseas, in Singapore and New York. We had come across many wonderful but little known brands so we knew there were many more choices out there. We were also aware that there were women just like us who would love to try exciting new products but had no way of accessing them in Australia.
It’s particularly challenging for women in regional and rural areas. You’re limited by the number of stores you can get to, which may only be your local supermarket or chemist. They don’t stock anywhere near the amount of products you’ll find a big city department store. I’m from Geelong myself so I know what it’s like being outside the capital and the "flagship" stores with the biggest ranges.
You can buy products online, but who wants to risk getting something they haven’t tried and tested? People’s skin types and preferences are so individual that you need to be certain that a lipstick or lotion looks and feels right. With babies you want to be even more sure that products are gentle enough for their skin.
Our goal with bellabox.com.au was to make it irrelevant where you live or who you are. Whether you’re in Sydney’s CBD or in a remote rural area, it’s the same cost. We tailor every bellabox to people’s skin, hair type and personal preferences, but we also like to include cool products that we think you should try.
Running a business as a mother has been eye-opening. It has taught me not to judge anyone.
I’ve had to meet with investors while heavily pregnant, sign deals close to the birth, and then have to start work nearly immediately after.
It has made me more humble and it has also been hugely rewarding. As mothers, whether we work inside or outside the home, it’s a round-the-clock job. Sometimes you need to remember to show yourself some love. Whether that’s a day at the spa, a monthly beauty indulgence, or simply taking a moment to relax.
To arrange a bellabox subscription for your mum, or for yourself, join at www.bellabox.com.au
