Niki Ford on living naturally

Jess & Stef Dadon on environmentally conscious fashion

Our guests today are Jess and Stef Dadon, founders of ‘How Two Live’ and ‘TWOOBS.’   The Melbourne-based sister duo started a fashion blog ‘How Two Live’ in July 2012 that took off, leading them to their next venture of launching their own footwear brand, TWOOBS. Twoobs are vegan and PETA approved, aligning with their passion for animal welfare.   They have created a first-of-its-kind recycle program where they take back old shoes & turn them into playground mats as well as reduce & offset their carbon emissions.   In this conversation with Maureen, Stef and Jess Dadon spoke about their passion for cruelty-free fashion and discuss why a sustainable approach is at the forefront of their minds. They explain that the planet should be a key stakeholder in a company at all times, as they've made with TWOOBS, because without the planet there is no business.

Niki Ford on living naturally

Niki Ford is the CEO of Australian Organic Ltd.   Australian Organic is the leading peak industry body lobbying Government and industry to promote the commercial and social interests of those who are certified organic.   Niki is the founder of Naturalis Advisory and is an ACCC AgCC Committee Member. In 2020 Niki was selected from more than 80 applicants for the National Farmers Federation’s Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program and this year returned to the program as a mentor. Part of the NFF’s 2030 roadmap is to double the number of women in leadership positions. Niki has been awarded a scholarship and forms part of the Australian Rural Leadership Program, Cohort 28.

In this conversation with Maureen, Niki discusses her passion for agriculture and living an organic lifestyle and the positive impact that it’s had on her health.

Barb de Corti on passion & purpose

Our guest today is Barb De Corti, CEO and founder of ENJO Australia and Santé by ENJO.

A community-minded spirit was ingrained in Barb from a young age after growing up in a small village in Austria of just 1000 households. Once a self-confessed bleach queen, Barb realised her young son was suffering debilitating asthma attacks caused by cleaning chemicals and wanted to make a change. Her company, ENJO, is built on solving a problem for her family and thousands of families across Australia.

Enjo has grown from being sold in Barb’s home in Perth in 1994, to a multi-million dollar company, recognised Australia-wide.

In 2007, Barb was one of only 250 Australians chosen to become part of the ACF’s Climate Project and trained by Al Gore to deliver his slideshow about the impacts and need for action on climate change.

In this conversation with Maureen, Barb talks about the journey of bringing ENJO to Australia as well as her passion for reducing waste and protecting the environment.

Vanessa Gray Lyndon on natural skincare

Our guest today is Vanessa Gray Lyndon, CEO and founder of Vanessa Megan Naturaceuticals™ In 2001, Vanessa was inspired to create her skincare company from a comment by her best friend that ‘you should never put anything on your skin you wouldn’t eat.’ This simple concept motivated extensive research into biochemistry and led Vanessa to the discovery of the multitude of synthetic materials found in the products we use on our bodies every day. Studying the power of natural extracts and oils, she began creating skincare and perfume from natural, wild harvested and bio-available ingredients.

20 years on, Vanessa Megan™ Skincare, body and perfumes are trading in premium department stores internationally, and boasting the same efficacy results as iconic skincare brands.

Additionally, Vanessa launched her Home Compostable brand with business partner Nicole Kidd on Earth Day 2020 and have been awarded Global awards and finalists in Eco Warrior awards for this brand.

In this chat with Maureen, Vanessa discusses the idea and passion behind her business and how she has succeeded over the years.

Chelsea Bonner on body diversity and positivity

Our guest today is Chelsea Bonner, CEO and Founder of BELLA Management.   Founded in 2002, Chelsea was determined to redefine beauty and the boundaries placed on fashion models. With a passion for body positivity and mental health in the modelling industry, internationally respected agency BELLA now boasts ‘World First’ covers and main fashion editorials for curve models in Sports Illustrated, Women’s Health, Seafolly, Vogue, ELLE, Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire to name a few.

Chelsea was a finalist in the NSW Premiers Woman of The Year Awards and in 2012 was nominated as Australian Of the Year. Her company, Bella Management, were the winners of the Positive Body Image Award - Fashion Industry.

In this conversation with Maureen, Chelsea discusses the early days of BELLA Management, her passion for body positivity in the modelling industry and her leadership style.