In Sonya we trust

When, where and why did your love for skin and body care first begin?

From childhood. I was raised by a vegetarian mother and we often spent our time in health food stores. I have vivid memories of her wearing face masks and having a love for all things natural. We were the original hippies from the ’70s — nature focused, with a constant supply of fresh fruit and vegetables. It’s still in my family today. We would never eat processed foods filled with preservatives and chemicals, and I feel the same way about skin.

What does a typical day look like?

I’m not proud of this and I’m trying to improve my morning ritual, but I basically wake up and start putting out fires. It’s hectic and full on at the moment, but everything in life has a season. And I’m
in the season of hustle.

I’m naturally great at solving problems, so I have a lot of people come to me with problems that I’m more than happy to help with. I have a lot of fingers in a lot of pies — my not-for-profit charity, a huge team and day-to-day running of the business. But I generally start with a 30-minute run, which I absolutely hate but my mental health loves.

After a coffee with my dog, husband or friend, I quickly throw myself together and head into the office where I feel like I run around and rant a lot (in a good way, we love to have fun). I don’t think hustle has to be serious; I think the creative process thrives on enjoyment.

After work, I like to go for a walk by the beach to get my 10,000 steps in. I have an early light dinner and then I’m very early to bed. In the mix, there’s about a hundred phone calls and emails.

What beauty advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Love yourself exactly how you are and where you are. Drop any shame and self-doubt — you are magnificent. I adore you. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else.

P.S. Use sunscreen.

What has been one of your most rewarding moments at Eco Tan?

I have lots. Here are a couple: starting The Miracle Made Foundation, where we have a direct impact on those who need it: domestic violence victims, the homeless, and palliative care patients.

Recently, we helped a young teen boy who wouldn’t come out of his bedroom as his skin was so bad. His mum reached out and we spent three months working together to completely transform his skin. They recently flew up and met me — it was an extremely emotional day.

What has been one of your most challenging moments at Eco Tan?

Being a high empath in big business always comes with grieving. So anytime I have to let go of somebody, I grieve for them deeply, even though I know it’s the best thing for them and us.

Why is it important to choose active skincare ingredients and what are some of your favourites?

Active merely means it does something — it’s not just a feel-good product. It has powerful skin benefits and generally if it’s highly active like some of mine, you might feel the tingle. If it’s not active, it’s just fillers that are generally synthetic and cheap. My favourite actives include vitamin C (high percentage like we have), salicylic acid, which transforms the texture of your skin and is great for all ages, and aloe vera, which is fabulous for calming redness and sensitive skin.