Meet the Maker - Beauty Tofu
It has been my pleasure getting to know Melanie De La Reta over the last few months. So much so, that I thought it was about time to introduce her to all of you lovely people too! Mel is the founder and creator of Beauty Tofu, a line of natural, raw, vegan, cruelty free, ethically sourced, organically driven and small batch beauty products. Mel’s journey to seek-out a more natural way of living and being is beautiful and one I found myself relating to quite a lot. I asked Mel if she would be willing to share a bit about her journey and Beauty Tofu with me, and to my delight, she said yes! So, I hope you all enjoy getting to know this amazing woman as much as I have!
What inspired you to start Beauty Tofu?
My journey started 15 years ago in the beauty industry through my first job as a shampoo girl, which I think if I look back, it sparked something in me. Three of the hairdressers had dermatitis on their hands and were trying to find out which chemical it was that was causing the dermatitis. I started to question chemicals and their effects on us. I then went on to study Beauty Therapy which led me to Paramedical studies, where my questions only got stronger.Those questions, and a new found love for yoga and Ayurvedic Therapies changed everything and I no longer wanted to work with salicylic acid and harsh chemicals in attempts to help my clients with their skin. I wanted to create something that not only was natural but active, nurturing and created a sense of well-being and self love. From my kitchen, to markets, to women’s centres in Cambodia, I then met an Ayurvedic Doctor and ironically a manufacturer who inspired me and supported me in my vision, Beauty Tofu came alive. It was a very organic process and never about money or creating a brand, it very much came from a place of love and teachings, and that’s what I hope all of my customers feel when they use Beauty Tofu.
Why was it so important for you to create a product that was plant-powered and natural?
I believe things have gone quite wrong in the way of health and humanity. Nature has always provided remedies and solutions to internal and external diseases and has everything we need for wellness. I’ve always believed nature has all we need. We’ve been able to create raw plant-based products that actually work! It took us 10 years to really get it right but we’re here, we did it, and we can proudly say we are plant-powered & 100% naturally active.
I also don’t believe there is absolutely any need to use animal products on our skin as well as most importantly knowing that no animals were harmed in the making of our products.
“They called her witch because she knew how to heal herself”
A lot of your products can be used internally and externally. Can you talk a little bit about why you designed them this way?
I really believe healing starts within. I don’t think it makes sense to cleanse externally if you haven’t cleansed internally. I guess with Yoga, Wellness & Healing in mind when creating Beauty Tofu I wanted my customers to really benefit and feel the difference when taking care both internally and externally.
What is your favourite product and why?
Internally - I love to take C1 Detox for 1 week of the month and then daily I have T3 tip to toe to keep my temple alkaline & restored.
Externally - Cannot Live without my Vitamin C Super Serum & Vitamin C Hydration Mist. I’ve been travelling a lot & these have been lifesaving.
Can you walk us through your ideal day?
4.30am - My morning ritual is something I’ve practised for years, I get up, light my incense and take it through the house, water my plants and take some time on my mat either for meditation or a gentle yin practise. This starts my day calm and its something just for me. Cold brew, beach, bike, friends, family, Beauty Tofu and all it brings, I’m so lucky it rarely ever feels like work and I try and incorporate my work and what it requires into my lifestyle which is a pretty relaxed beach life. So as long as I’m feeling happy, grateful and calm, whatever the day brings, that’s ideal for me.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned throughout your journey with Beauty Tofu?
Oh my gosh so many Lessons, Beauty Tofu’s becoming was so organic, I slowly just started making products and now were growing in different countries. I guess the most significant would be that I can’t do it all & anyone with a growing business will understand what I mean. I’ve been so lucky over the last couple of years, my tribe of professional Greengirls have helped not only with the development of Beauty Tofu but also a shared workload which is why I’m able to really enjoy what I do for Beauty Tofu, ‘my baby’.
Do you have any new Beauty Tofu products on the horizon?
I do, I do! 2019 is going to be exciting for our Greengirls.
Do you have any guidance or advice for people who are thinking about switching to a more natural beauty regime?
You can send us an enquiry on our website. We offer a personalised Product Prescription, just tell us a little bit about your skin, digestion, any concerns and one of our professional Greengirls will get back to you with your very own green beauty regime.
What is your favourite part about running your own business?
Definitely the freedom. I’m not wired to be structured at all, I’m a bit of a free spirit. I love that no two days are the same and most of the time my days are pretty flexible. Really, the most beautiful thing that has come out of Beauty Tofu is the community of woman who I get to connect with daily; customers, professionals… I am just so lucky and I’m very grateful for my beautiful business and the beautiful life I’m living.
Beauty Tofu has recently teamed up with Qendo (Endometriosis Australia). $1 from every Beauty Tofu product sold online goes straight to this amazing non-for-profit!
