When Megan Larsen launched a skincare company, she took the product to the top of the market, using her distinctive philosophy and style. A keen businesswoman and successful entrepreneur, she is passionate about health and wellness. Her focus on wellbeing has underpinned her personal and business philosophy and the global success of her skincare business Sodashi.

Megan Larsen never learned the word ‘compromise’.  Everything she has done throughout her career defines her belief that only 100 percent will do.  It is no surprise therefore, that when she trained in beauty therapy in Sydney at the age of 18, and many years later aromatherapy in Provence, she excelled, and when she went on to create her own skincare products, they were 100 percent chemical-free.

Born in New Zealand, Megan moved to Sydney at the age of 18 to study Beauty Therapy, and then travelled to Western Australia in her early 30’s where she eventually opened a natural healthcare centre.  In between advising customers on nutrition, she found herself besieged by requests for her homemade skincare, and that is how it all started.

Of course, Megan has never lost sight of the fact that wholeness, purity and radiance – the Sanskrit meaning of Sodashi – cannot be attained via products alone, but requires a genuine balance between mind, body and spirit.  Megan practices what she preaches, providing a platform for this balance to be achieved in the workplace. With a people first approach, she ensures her staff has the opportunity to meditate every day and Sodashi hires people for their passion and values as well as their experience, giving the company an unusually focused and ethical approach to doing business.

Whilst Megan now lives in Sydney, she maintains an extremely close connection with Sodashi.  Aside from a strong presence in the company as Founder, Megan continues to formulate all Sodashi products and oversee all the quality and purity of all Sodashi ingredients, as well as visiting Spas both in Australia and globally.

With a unique knowledge of aromatherapy, biochemistry and Ayurveda, Megan encapsulates what Sodashi stands for.  Long before the rest of the world began to realise that synthetic chemicals in skincare products were harmful, she was creating products that were not merely 100 percent chemical-free, but also produced remarkable results.

There are no hidden ingredients in Sodashi skincare.  Everything is listed on the label, with not a chemical in sight.  Nature’s extraordinary ability to heal and transform through plant essences is allowed full rein and nothing contaminates the process.  Even the Sodashi factory is cleaned without recourse to chemicals, because, as Megan will tell you, only 100 percent will do.

Today, Sodashi trains every therapist that employs its skincare and supplies the world’s most exclusive spas in 25 countries with an exceptional range of 100 professional and retail products, but nobody at Sodashi is standing still.

Megan continues, personally, to create more sophisticated products and modalities.  It is not surprising, therefore, that Sodashi is now seen as the benchmark for excellence within the spa industry, and Megan Larsen as its most uncompromising voice.
Tell us about your motivation behind founding Sodashi?

My strong desire to create totally pure, natural skincare that would be safe for therapists and customers but at the same time effective.  As we age I love to see the story in peoples faces, but it’s essential to maintain the skin’s balance, especially it’s elasticity, to stop our skin from sagging and ensure our skin looks healthy and glows naturally.

What do you consider to be the traits of a good leader?

Leading by example helps inspire your team.   Staying calm under pressure and leading with integrity, kindness, honesty, confidence, passion and commitment has always been important to me.  I didn’t always get the communication right, but I’ve learnt just how important it is to communicate your message effectively to your team.

You’ve recently released a fantastic business book – what made you want to write your story?

I had a deep desire to write my story, I think I realised on an intuitive level how good it was going to be for my heart, mind and soul to share my story and learn so much about myself throughout the process.
I’m beyond honoured by all the amazing feedback I’ve received from readers of my book Startups and Self-care and the wonderful reviews on Amazon!

Looking back, what has been your biggest business hurdle?

Founding Sodashi in 1999 I was a very early adopter of natural skincare and I found myself a pioneer in the cosmetics industry.  Whilst being a pioneer was personally rewarding, as a business it was tough.
At the time there was very little awareness of natural skincare, so we spent a lot of time educating our market in the benefits and importance of natural for our skin and our wellbeing.  Thankfully there was no absence of passion, commitment or determination.

What’s the best part of your job?

There’s so much!

Creating pure, natural, safe skincare that really works, and the opportunity to share it with the world.
I especially value the connections I’ve made and continue to make, both in Australia and around the world.  I travel to some beautiful parts of the world to visit Spas, and it’s given me the opportunity to experience many cultures.

Each time Sodashi supports one of its employees to learn the Transcendental Meditation technique my heart is enriched.

Sharing my love of natural skincare, my passion for Aromatherapy and the opportunity to demystify essential oils in skincare.

And what’s next for Megan Larsen?

My diverse role as Founder of Sodashi, which includes continuing to create products that transform skins and make people feel happy and uplifted.

I’m also keen to share my experiences and learnings with those who are starting out or on their business journey through mentoring and speaking.

Favourite country that you have visited?

France, especially Provence where the Lavender grows – there is no doubt this is my happy place!

Best piece of advice you’ve received?

Whatever you put your attention on is what you get more of, so manage your thoughts and attention carefully.

What’s one thing you do every day for yourself?

Even as a busy person I meditate twice a day and I have a skincare routine I really love to do each morning and evening.

To find out more about Megan & Sodashi head to:

http://meganlarsen.com.au/
https://www.sodashi.com.au/

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