Bring yourself to life, explain what you do and why you do it!
Hi, I’m Edyta Stelmach, the Founder and Cosmetic Chemist behind the skincare brand Eight Brook. I create skincare products focused on preserving your skin’s youthfulness and maintaining its skin health by combining potent, organic Australian botanicals with skin-repairing vitamins. Being a minimalist, I also strive to create multifunctional products that simplify your skincare routine.
What motivates and drives you to follow through with business goals and personal development.
I love creating skincare products, it’s so rewarding to see our customers enjoy our products and see noticeable improvements in their skin. Being passionate about my work keeps me motivated and focused on the end goal. It also inspires me to continuously seek self-improvement so I can be the best version of myself.
Everyone starts somewhere and that means with challenges and speed humps: Tell us about your pathway/journey up until now, what lead to you to where you are today, mentally, professionally, and personally?
I’ve been very fortunate in my 15 year career that I’ve been provided with many wonderful opportunities. I started off working for an American owned, but Australian based pharmaceutical company specialising in dermatology. It was truly the best introduction to the industry that I could have hoped for. Mentored by some of the most innovative chemists that I have encountered, I was able to develop my skills as a formulation chemist focusing on medical-strength skincare products. From there, I naturally transitioned to the cosmetic industry, providing my skills and knowledge to develop skincare for leading Australian cosmeceutical companies. While working as a consultant, I got to a point where I wanted to create my own brand, one that embodies my passion for skincare. With the help of my husband, Eight Brook skincare was born. We now create beautifully designed products that combine science and nature to help our customers achieve healthy, youthful skin.
What does success mean to you and how much do you think success is built on luck.
Success to me is about being able to wake up each day and do what sparks joy and happiness in my life, which for me is innovating and creating skincare products. Too often we hear stories in the media of overnight success stories, but what they fail to mention is all the years of hard work and perseverance that lead to that success. However, there is no denying that being at the right place and at the right time can greatly assist a business to reach their potential sooner.
Beauty and health are more than the surface – what does beauty and healthy mean to you?
It’s about being comfortable in your own skin and finding inner happiness. A happy soul radiates positive energy! It’s about taking a holistic approach to achieving a balanced mind, body, and soul.
What does your skincare and wellness morning and night routine look like?
In the morning I’ll cleanse with our Aspen Bark Exfoliating Cleanser and follow with our Snowflower Fortifying Serum – it protects from hyper-pigmentation while leaving my skin plump and hydrated. Lastly, I finish off with a daily mineral SPF sunscreen – my favourite is O Cosmedics Mineral Pro SPF 30+ Tinted as it doubles up as my foundation too. I then start my day with a healthy smoothie containing bananas, berries, ginger and almond milk. It’s my natural dose of antioxidants, and it provides me with a ton of energy to get through my morning.
At night, I use our Tasman Pepper Soothing Cleanser as it’s very effective at removing daily makeup and impurities, yet gentle enough to use around the eyes. Next, I apply our Cloudberry Revitalising Serum, which contains a non-irritating vitamin A, that doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. Twice a week, I’ll use our Charcoal Detoxifying Mask as a 2-in-1 mask and cleanser, especially during those evenings when I need some me time!
Favourite beauty and wellness product?
Organic turmeric and ginger lattes – my daily stable to reduce inflammation and boost my body’s immunity.
Have you always been into skincare and wellness?
Yes! From a young age I’ve always had a strong desire to innovate and create – developing skincare turned out to be my calling. Like many, I had terrible acne as a teenager, and I struggled to find accessible treatment. It definitely inspired me to learn more about skin health, and how to develop skin care products to help others.
How do you manage mental health and self-care?
Running your own business can be challenging at the best of times, and that’s why it’s important to maintain work/life balance. It’s about listening to your body and knowing what works for you. For me, it’s essential to get at least 8 hours of sleep in order to maintain good mental and physical health. I also schedule 15 minutes of daily meditation to help me unwind, calm my mind and regain focus.
Favourite book, restaurant and travel destination?
My favourite book for personal self-development would have to be The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey.
The Little Beach Boathouse, Port Stephens is my local favourite place to enjoy great food with a glass of vino.
My favourite travel destination is Amalfi, Italy – the beach is stunning, the people are so friendly, and the authentic Italian food is amazing!
