Naturally Safe Cosmetics Talks to Mukti - Meet the Woman Behind the Brand

One of our favourite brands here at Naturally Safe Cosmetics – and one of our customers’ most loved brands – is Mukti Organics.

This week, we talk to Mukti herself - founder of this luxurious Australian organic skin care brand – to gain some insight into the woman behind the brand and what drives her in today’s highly competitive organic beauty market. We hope you’ll find Mukti’s candid responses to our questions as interesting and refreshing as we did:

When did you start your business & why?

I began the business in 2000. I recognised a niche industry and was a pioneer in Australia for green and organic chemistry.

How does your business reflect you as a person?

Crazy – ha ha!! Any sort of small business has its ups and downs but at the end of the day it’s paramount to be passionate about what you do. I am at the stage now where I can choose to do the juicy, creative things and delegate the mundane. My favourite part of the business is to formulate, so research and development as well as writing, education and marketing. They turn me on and keep me inspired to continue to evolve and improve.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your business and what lessons have you learnt during your Mukti journey?

There’s been a few…I think the worst one was a potential amalgamation that went dreadfully pear shaped. I learnt to be more discerning and less trusting. Not everyone has your best interests at heart and wholeness of character.

Were there times you wanted to give up and, if so, how did you overcome them?

On numerous occasions. When you’re just about at breaking point, it’s usually when you are about to have a break through. On the other side is a better understanding. You have to have a lot of tenacity and self-belief. There were 3 occasions where I nearly lost the business for various reasons. I turned the situation around each time and literally started again.

If you could, would you do anything differently?

Trusting my intuition more and I would have prioritised my daughters more as they were growing up. I was very business focused and the sole bread winner and most of the time also a single mother. There’s always a price to pay. My eldest daughter gets it now and works alongside me but I know they both still harbour some resentment about my lack of availability.

I think there’s a tendency to overcompensate with the millennial generation and pander to their needs out of guilt…We have a responsibility that we may be raising princes and princesses with a great sense of entitlement.

What’s the best advice you ever received?

Whenever I have followed my intuition and gut instinct, it has paid off…when I haven’t, I have paid the subsequent price. It’s about knowing when to tune in and to listen and that takes practice, self-knowledge and emotional intelligence. It’s easy to get swayed by what someone else thinks may be best for you and your business.

What is your definition of success: do you have ‘successful’ work habits?

I am a big fan of Tim Ferris and maximising time in the shortest amount of time possible. I do my best to avoid the word busy. I get up early meditate, train, work for a couple of hours with breaks, do something loving for me and then do a few more hours in the afternoon.

I believe success is about designing your life and not over working or being overly focused on money or materialism. I believe in giving back and doing good if there are some extra coins in the coffers then share the love around.

What’s your best moment so far as a business owner?

Reading the product reviews every day and knowing that the products are making a significant difference in people’s lives.

How do you ensure a healthy work-life balance?

I make a choice. Exercise and meditation are a daily priority. I work “virtually” most of the time so we all work off a platform. It’s easier to keep projects and tasks on track that way. I’m not motivated by money; I’m motivated by happiness. In any given situation, I ask “what would a person who loved themselves do?”

How is Mukti different to other organic skincare brands and how do you stand out in a growing marketplace?

• We are one of Australia’s first brands to be certified and have a loyal following.
• We still formulate in house.
• We don’t mass produce.
• We use very high concentrations of actives rather than label claims so that the products are results driven.
• We are very hands on and customer care is our absolute priority.
• We are totally vegan – no animal by products.
• Our customer reviews and success stories speak for themselves.

Where do you see the organic skincare/organic beauty industry going in the future?

I see it continuing to grow as more people realise the detrimental effects of chemicals on their health and the environment.