Sonia Bainbridge - Raw Beauty Lab Founder
We chat to gorgeous founder of Raw Beauty Lab about all things collagen supplements, beauty tips and much more! We just looooove Sonia and her amazing journey!
We looooove Raw Beauty Lab!! Such an amazing supplement. Can you tell us how it began?
I was previously the Runner-up for Miss World Australia which gave me a unique, but uncomfortable perspective on the beauty world: from products that didn’t work to products laced with unpronounceable chemical names and questionable health effects. I also have a major in pharmacology and wanted to help consumers make informed choices about the type of products they expose themselves too and help consumers interpret ingredient labels. I had always been interested in wholesome foods and the power of natural ingredients and was shocked at how difficult it was to find a product that was 100% natural and had ingredients that were proven to work. My husband and I sought to create a skin supplement that is 100% natural and completely free of toxins, sweeteners, artificial ingredients and shelf-life extenders of any kind. Two years later and Vegan Collagen was born.
What has been one of your best career highlights so far?
About 6 months after launching our business, a major women’s magazine selected us as the UK’s best vegan collagen supplement which was a very exciting moment from us and something we were not expecting so soon.
"I actually have an allergy to synthetic colours so I absolutely love the fact that Dr.Lipp harnesses natural plant-based pigments for its vibrant colours! Its better for people and better for the planet"
What has been your biggest challenge in your career so far?
My biggest challenge was probably when my husband and I packed our bags and moved from Sydney to the UK 5 years ago. It takes a lot to change countries and careers at the same time but we managed it as a team!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Just do it. There is nothing more powerful than idea except for the power of just getting started. Whether it’s a plan to get in shape or a plan to build a business firstly know that you CAN do it and the first step is to start no matter how small the action. You’ll be surprised how much you achieve once you get going!
What is an average day like for you?
I tend to start the day with a collagen boosting smoothie or breakfast bowl and then get stuck into new product research or looking into the latest nutricosmetic science. I break up the middle of the day with a run (sweating daily is brilliant for your skin in helping boost circulation and bring nutrients to your skin). In the afternoon I tend to work with our marketing teams, planning new educational content to bring to our customers.
What do you do in your down time?
My husband and I recently got a cocker spaniel puppy, so most of our time is caught up rescuing shoes from him or rescuing him from mischief! I also love reading up on the latest research in nutricosmetics so enjoy spending time trawling through medical journals.
Which beauty products can you not live without?
I love Purology for keeping my hair frizz free and glossy- the best thing about this brand is that they don’t use any animal derived ingredients.
Can you tell us your best beauty tips?
My best beauty tip for a flawless complexion for a big event is 48 hours prior, cutting all sugar and drinking at least 2L of water. I then apply foundation with a damp beauty blender for flawless, glowing skin
How do you feel about transparency in the beauty industry?
I think consumers are becoming more and more aware of the health impacts of the different products they use. Its so important for brands to use proven, clean ingredients and provide transparent labelling for consumers.
If you could encourage others to make one lifestyle change today, what would it be?
I would encourage everyone to cut processed sugar from their diet – sugar is one of the biggest culprits for accelerating ageing and also causes inflammation across the body which can lead to health problems down the track. Reducing your sugar intake can help not only support more youthful skin but also boost wellness and elevate your mood.
What is next for you professionally and personally?
We’re about to launch a new anti-ageing beauty nutrition program which I’m hugely excited about! Our program provides DIY nutricosmetic insights and proven beauty-boosting recipes which you can make from the comfort of your own home. Each recipe uses wholesome plant-based ingredients which not only help boost skin but also support wellness too.
