A Tasmanian skincare brand founded by a former nurse has taken the next step in its growth journey, opening its first storefront.
Rowena Brazzill started experimenting with natural skincare products in 2008 while working as a nurse, driven by concerns about things she found in commercial products.
She began by making soaps for her daughter’s school fair, which led her on a nearly two decade journey of discovery.
“When I started experimenting, making those first soaps all those years ago I was shocked and horrified to learn about all of the chemicals, synthetic colours and fragrances added to skincare products,” she told Pulse.
“So I arrived at the mantra – let’s bring it back to nature.”
Brazzill started selling her new organic products online under the name Milie Organics, before opening a Salamanca Market stall in 2015, offering soaps, skincare, bathroom products, baby products, essential oils and candles.
“Everything is locally formulated [with] ingredients such as Tasmanian olive and hemp seed oils and local indigenous botanicals,” she said.
Milie Organics products are now stocked in more than 10 retailers around Tasmania, including both Hobart and Launceston airports, and select products are available interstate and in New Zealand.
The brand recently won two gold medals at the national 2024 Organic Beauty Awards for its collagen restore cream and hand cream.
Following the national recognition, Brazzill has taken the leap to open a flagship store on Hampden Road in Hobart’s Battery Point.
“I’m excited about investing not just in my business, but in the Tasmanian economy. Hopefully this will lead to a boost in production, which supports other local businesses and the creation of more jobs.”
The first physical store for the Tasmanian success story is now open seven days at 46 Hampden Road, Battery Point, while Brazzill still takes her products to Salamanca Market every Saturday.
