As I sit alongside my two adored dogs, one snoring louder than the strong winds currently being supplied by Cyclone Alfred, and with the soft glow and enveloping scent of my candle gently filling the otherwise morning-dark room, it’s finally starting to sink in.
‘It’ being an announcement that has been sincerely beyond my wildest dreams and quite literally took my breath away just a few short day ago. Indira Organics – my third child – has just been named 8 times in the 2025 Beauty Shortlist Awards.
Deep breath.
And one of those mentions was as a finalist for the Best Natural/Organic skincare brand – Australia.
The tears that slowly trickle down my cheeks are of elation, acknowledgement of dedication and sacrifice, utter pride, and equal parts disbelief and gratitude that my formulas have been chosen as ‘world-best’.
The joy that this announcement has brought me is tremendous. The calmness I feel for having found my reason for being is heart filling. And the drive I have, to make a difference is now even more profound.
What the last short while has reminded me, is that there is power in dreaming but more importantly, unimaginable power in self-trust. My journey from Royal Australian Air Force Civil Engineer to founder & formulator of my skincare brand has been a long, rickety one, filled will unexpected twists and turns, difficult life challenges and more lessons picked up along the way than could fill a hefty book (perhaps I’ll pen that one day when my hair greys!).
This morning as the sun starts to rise before my family has stirred, I’m compelled to capture my raw emotions in writing.
Yes, there is pride, and yes there has been immense excitement shared with my best friend and business partner, my dear cousin, close friends and family.
But above all of these delightful emotions, what’s the most profound feeling I have? Gratitude, and most particularly for the sincere connections I’ve made along the way.
Interactions with the most gorgeous customers such as Roz who’s shared with me her challenges that would derail most mere mortals - but she remains persistently driven to make a difference and help others; Maria, with whom I openly shared a formulating challenge from our supplier of an ingredient that had unexpectedly flared up her menopausal skin condition for (with care and discussion we found her an Indira Organics solution that worked beautifully); or Sharyn, who has been one of my biggest supporters from the very start; Renee who has religiously ordered time after time (she’s up to 26 orders and counting – whoa!), and recent friend business connection Kel who founded the most amazing brand Daily Orders and told me last night that ‘we all just need to be decent humans and help each other’ – I couldn’t agree more!
I’m reminded that beyond the accolades and public acknowledgement, the real reason I exist is to help others. To serve. It started as a schoolgirl leading Gipson House to victory at our sporting carnivals. It continued when I served in the military alongside countless men and women who will never be acknowledged as the heroes they sincerely are. And it remains my driving force as I create the most delightful and effective skincare I possibly can to help people to discover their best skin naturally.
I’m proud to serve. I’m excited for what’s coming. I am dedicated to my craft. And I am eternally grateful to have found my calling.
Thank-you for being part of my story. Every single person who has contributed to my world, I hope I have contributed to yours in some small way too.