There is no denying that we’re spoilt for options when it comes to global beauty brands that have taken the world by storm. But we’ve also made it our mission to support and advocate for homegrown Aussie brands. And in this International Women’s Month, we would like to shed the spotlight on top female entrepreneurs from Australia. Discover (and show some love) to these Aussie beauty brands that have paved the way for young, aspiring entrepreneurs to follow.
Top Aussie Beauty Brands Founded by Women
Some of the top Aussie beauty brands on this list need no introduction. For a few others, we deserve to shine a brighter spotlight to help honour the women who have not only shown just how badass women can be, but also given Aussie women access to some of the best beauty and lifestyle products to enjoy.
Stefi Kerby, Celia Loves
Stefi Kerby is the head in the Celia Loves HQ. This fragrance muse and big boss lady” (as she is described in their website’s About Us page) has committed to using vegan-friendly ingredients so that you can burn your candles ethically at home. A former corporate dweller, Stefi decided to build her own company pursuing what she loves most – candles. She first started out gifting these candles to her family and friends until she decided it was time to run her own business. And as they always say, the rest is history…
I am very proud that Celia Loves has grown from strength to strength. If I’m honest, I believe it’s because I haven’t been afraid to push the boundaries and create my own path in an over-saturated market, all the while staying true to my vision and myself. –Stefi Kerby
Stefi envisions her candles and products to be the go-to option for women (and men, too) if they want to relax and restore balance in their lives. She also acknowledges that ‘balance’ could mean different things to everyone, which is why she created a variety of candle scents to match your idea of what relaxation is.
When asked about her third child, Celia Loves, Stefi has this to say: “I am very proud that Celia Loves has grown from strength to strength. If I’m honest, I believe it’s because I haven’t been afraid to push the boundaries and create my own path in an over-saturated market, all the while staying true to my vision and myself.“
Sonya Driver, EcoTan
EcoTan is one of the newest brands to arrive at the My Hair Care & Beauty HQ and we couldn’t be more excited to have them on board. The inspiration behind Sonia’s idea to start her own business goes beyond beauty and skincare – cancer.
When Sonia’s “gentle-spirited sister” was diagnosed with melanoma, it opened her eyes to the need to make significant changes in her own life. A fan of spray tanning, she became more conscious about what products she is using on her skin. She did a little research on the ingredients used by the existing brands in the market and Sonia decided she was better off making her own products.
Married to a pilot with two beautiful babies, Sonia refused to be classified just as a stay-at-home mum. She is a natural-born entrepreneur and philanthropist, so she wanted to do something significant with her life. That is when the idea for EcoTan started and now she has a team consisting of all women – from her chemists, contractors, and lawyers!
Stating with full confidence about her team: “Women just get the job done. My whole Eco Tan team knows what they’re doing.”
Simone Taylor, Louvelle Wear
Louvelle is one of the most beloved brands by our customers at My Hair Care & Beauty, so we are thrilled to let you in on the woman behind this amazing brand. Simone Taylor holds the distinction has had her brand named as one of Oprah’s Favourite Things. in 2017. Since then, the brand has been making waves all over the world, not just in Australia.
Simone Taylor built her empire on a simple yet game-changing style solution: a shower turban. Not only is this a glamorous solution but she has simultaneously convinced women from all over the world to get rid of and stop using plastic caps.
I was inspired by the timeless style of turbans as an alternative to the puffy bonnet style plastic cap. –Simone Taylor
Her inspiration behind creating her products was simple: to have something chic for women to add to their wardrobe. Her products became a global phenomenon because they delivered both in style and functionality.
Jose Bryce Smith, O&M
Jose Bryce Smith is the powerhouse woman behind O&M, another homegrown Aussie beauty brand. The idea for this brand was born out of need. Owning a salon in Paddington, Sydney, Smith had issues with her hairdressers suffering from eczema and dermatitis resulting from the exposure to harsh chemicals in the salon. This prompted her to look for a cleaner and safer way to run her salon.
O&M was the solution she sought – and created. This brand challenged the norms of hair care product manufacturing. In 2000, O&M introduced the first ammonia-free hair colour product on the market. Smith spent 20 years searching for ways to reduce harsh chemicals in hair colour products without compromising results.
For Smith, she aspires that more people realise the value of using chemical-free products. For a woman with kids, it’s amazing how she has built a hair care empire while managing to be present for her kids at the same time.
Shea Morrison and Danielle Knight, The Goodnight Co
Sleep well, be well. This was the heart and soul of The Goodnight Co brand. Two powerful females put their minds together to build one of the top Aussie beauty brands with a lifestyle component to it. As mothers and entrepreneurs, they both understand the pressures women face on a daily basis – from splitting their time between looking after their kids and pursuing their careers. Sleep is hard to come by for most of these women.
Hence, they built The Goodnight Co under the mission to help create better days through better sleep. The thing is that four in ten Australians don’t get enough sleep. Prolonging this trend, it could put a serious risk to one’s health.
“Sleep and wellness is where I want to be, because I know we can make a genuine difference to people’s lives.”
– Shea Morrison
Shea and Danielle – besties and working mums – are on a mission to let you know that the solution to lack of sleep (or better sleep) is within you. They developed products that are designed to aid in your sleep – from luxurious pillowcases to eye masks and essential oil diffusers. They believe that quality, uninterrupted sleep is a luxury that should be more accessible to everyone.
Adeline Yeak, Zove Beauty
We were lucky enough to interview Adeline Yeak before (you can read the full Q&A here) and gain some insights into how the Zove Beauty brand started. What’s so inspiring about Yeak’s journey to starting Zove is that she used to work for a different company and used the income she had to fund the startup for Zove Beauty. It was only a matter of time until her side hustle turned into a full-time commitment.
“I love that I still have so much to learn and I’m super excited to continue growing as both a founder and as a business.” –Adeline Yeak
The journey to building one of the (now) top Aussie beauty brands is a source of inspiration for many aspiring female entrepreneurs out there. According to Yeak, she was also fortunate to see the rise in the “self-care” trend in the past couple of years, which enabled her beauty brand to get the leverage it needs to build traction in the market. From stress-relieving facial products, her product lineup has evolved since and is now one of the go-to choices for Aussie women.
Which of these Aussie beauty brands are your go-to? Be sure to check them out and show your love and support, especially in this Internaitonal Women’s Month where we celebrate the women who are paving the path for the younger generations to follow.
Abby
Abigail is a travel enthusiast who enjoys trying new foodie destinations. She graduated with a degree in Creative Writing and has worked as a web content writer since 2010. She enjoys writing about travel, lifestyle, beauty, hair care, and wellness.
