When I have the chance to work with someone who’s product is their life long passion, it makes my role to tell their story almost effortless. With such strong belief in what she stands for and confidence in the value of her product, the brand I created for Kelly – founder of Ella Searle, unfolded for me entirely naturally.
With a high quality, all natural and vegan friendly approach to skincare, Kelly’s brand is the realisation of her lifelong dream to create a luxurious skincare product and beauty ritual that nourishes women, inspired by her Grandmother and the way she cared deeply for her complexion right in to mature age. Ella Searle’s flagship product, Youth Infusion Active Facial Oil, combines the best of nature and science in a formulation of fruit seed oils and botanical extracts that is non greasy to apply, and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and satiny smooth.
Last month Kelly celebrated the official launch of Ella Searle and I wanted to share more of her story and what she does to nourish herself everyday too, now that she has realised her entrepreneurial dream! Enjoy.
What do you wake up thinking about each morning, and go to sleep thinking about every night?
The first thing I usually think of when I wake up is coffee! I’m very lucky to have a great coffee machine and a husband who makes me a cappuccino every morning! I usually have a million thoughts swirling through my mind each night and often have trouble sleeping. I find the best way to clear my mind for sleep is to read a good book. So I usually drop off to sleep thinking about the book I’m reading!
If you could sum up the experience you want your customers to have with your product in three words, what would they be?
Elegance, efficacy, curiosity.
What daily rituals do you have that are non-negotiable, to help you live the happiest and healthiest version of your life?
I can’t think of any non-negotiable daily rituals, aside from applying my facial oil! The things I try to do each day to enhance my health and happiness include walking my dogs, playing my saxophone, cooking nourishing meals, spending quality time with my family and stopping every so often, just to appreciate something beautiful in nature.
Can you share your fave place to eat, or a dish you love to make?
I don’t eat out much but I adore cooking and love experimenting with various plant-based dishes. This amazing carrot cake is one of my favourite treats!
What advice would you give other people wanting to start their own business, now that you have successfully launched yours?
It’s important to plan, but don’t expect everything to go according to plan! Try not to dwell on setbacks; think about the best way to move forward and what you’ve learnt from the experience. Don’t try to do everything yourself. Get great people on board to help you and have a solid support network.
What exciting goals do you have for where you want to take your business next?
My focus for Ella Searle is to offer a small range of safe, cruelty-free and luxurious oil-based products. I’m currently working on a formula for a skin-smoothing, detoxifying body oil.
My gratitude also goes out to Sophie of Sister Scout Studio and Kristian of Kristian Gehradte Photography for their beautiful photographic contributions to the project – it is always a pleasure to work with people who value the perfect visual expression just as much as I do. And of course to Emma of Wilde Assembly, who’s capable and caring hands will be taking Ella Searle forward in to expansion.
