Founder of Mukti Organics.
Founder of Mukti Organics.
After more than two decades at the forefront of natural beauty, Mukti is still redefining what conscious skincare can look like. As the founder and formulator behind Mukti Organics, she has built one of Australia’s most respected certified organic skincare brands from the ground up, long before “clean beauty” became a global movement.
With a background in health science, skin therapy and cosmetic chemistry, Mukti’s approach combines science, wellness and a deep respect for nature, all grounded in authenticity and purpose. From selling handmade products at Eumundi Markets in the early 2000s to leading an internationally recognised brand today, her journey is one of innovation and integrity. We sat down with Mukti to talk about business, beauty, wellness, ageing well and the lifestyle that continues to inspire her brand.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m the founder and formulator of a certified organic skincare brand that I launched back in 2000. I have a background in health science, skin therapy and cosmetic chemistry. I’m passionate about educating people on choosing healthier personal care options and understanding the impact that everyday chemical exposure can have on our health, wellbeing and ultimately the environment. I am also an author of a book on this subject called “Truth in Beauty”.
What inspired you to create a natural skincare brand, and how did the journey begin?
At the time, I was working with my former husband and we owned and operated a couple of hairdressing salons. I had just completed my health science degree and decided to study skin therapy to complement that background. I was already using natural and organic products, and when I became pregnant, using cleaner products became even more important to me.
Back then (pre 2000) there were virtually no certified organic skincare brands available in Australia and certification itself barely existed. I had always loved botanicals, aromatherapy and herbalism from my earlier studies, so I began researching how I could formulate my own products for clients, family and friends.
This was all pre internet, so I spent countless hours at the library researching ingredients and formulation methods. Once I had developed a small range, I would head to the Eumundi Markets a couple of times a week to sell the products and speak directly with customers. I collected customer details and started writing newsletters, which helped build a loyal community around the brand from the very beginning.
What sets Mukti Organics apart from other skincare brands on the market?
The market is more saturated than ever, largely because the barriers to entry are now so much lower and there’s been a huge rise in influencer and celebrity led brands.
What sets Mukti Organics apart is that our products are not mass produced. I own the formulations and we manufacture everything in house in our certified organic and GMP approved facility. It’s a lot more work, expense and red tape but I am a perfectionist and it gives us complete control over every stage — from global ingredient sourcing through to the finished product reaching the customer.
There’s also a genuine level of care, integrity, and attention to detail behind everything we do, and that’s difficult to replicate. I’ve always been committed to proving that natural and organic skincare can perform just as effectively as mainstream products. We now invest in in vitro testing and scientific studies to validate and support the efficacy of our formulations.
What does beauty and wellness mean to you?
For me, beauty and wellness are deeply interconnected. I think a lot about how I’m ageing and how I want to age. Maintaining my health, strength and mobility is incredibly important to me, so I structure my lifestyle around supporting those outcomes.
Some people may see my approach as disciplined or restrictive, but I’ve watched my mother experience dementia and sarcopenia in aged care, and that has profoundly shaped my perspective. I believe the choices we make every day are compounding and ultimately determine how well we age, physically, mentally and emotionally.
What’s been your proudest “pinch me” moment with Mukti Organics so far?
There have been many memorable moments over the past 26 years, but one of my proudest achievements was developing our certified organic SPF 30 Daily Moisturiser, which launched last year. Creating a natural sun protection product that people genuinely want to wear every day took years of dedication, testing and refinement.
Celebrating our 25th anniversary last year was also an incredible milestone. I’m proud of the resilience and persistence it has taken to build the business organically from the ground up. To this day, we’ve never taken on outside investment.
Any business advice you’d give your younger self back when you first launched?
Be realistic about the timeframe and understand that building a successful business takes patience, consistency and resilience. You need discipline, passion and a genuine belief in what you’re creating. There’s really no such thing as an overnight success.
What’s next for Mukti Organics?
I’m always working on new product development. We have an exciting relaunch coming in the next few months, followed by another innovative product later this year that focuses on both skin and gut health.
I enjoy identifying gaps in the market and creating the best possible version of a product, regardless of how complex or costly the development process and end product may be. I’ve always believed that if you’re going to create something, it should be exceptional.
How do you choose to spend your days off?
Meditation is a non negotiable part of my daily routine. I meditate twice a day for 20 minutes, morning and night. I also love spending time in the sauna, relaxing by the pool with the dogs, or catching up with family and friends. I have two daughters and their partners that I love dearly and enjoy spending time with.
Exercise is another important part of my lifestyle and I usually train for around an hour and a half each day. My husband is a personal trainer, which definitely helps.
One of my favourite things to do is walk along the beach alone — no phone, no shoes, just me and the ocean. It’s where I feel the most grounded, peaceful and connected to myself.
Living in the Byron region also means there’s always a market, wellness event or creative gathering happening on the weekends.
Has the local culture and lifestyle influenced the style and ethos of Mukti Organics?
Absolutely. The Byron and Gold Coast regions have a strong connection to health, wellness, nature and a more balanced lifestyle. There’s a relaxed energy here that values wellbeing and authenticity over constant hustle.
At the same time, many successful international brands have emerged from this region, so there’s also a strong sense of creativity and entrepreneurship. I think that combination has definitely shaped the ethos of Mukti Organics.
What are your Gold Coast favourites?
Accommodation: The Mondrian
Cafe: House of Halsa
Restaurant: The Laneway
Bar: Paloma
Beach: Tallebudgera and Currumbin. I tend to stay towards the southern end of the coast.
Founder of Glitter Girl.
At just 18 years old, Sophia Rizzo has already built the kind of business most people only dream about. What started as a love of glitter and creativity at just 10 years old has grown into Glitter Girl, a globally recognised beauty brand built on confidence, self-expression and eco-conscious sparkle. From the Gold Coast to the Shark Tank Australia stage, Sophia’s journey is proof that age is no barrier when passion, determination and big dreams collide. We chatted with the Glitter Girl founder about building a brand from childhood, the challenges of being taken seriously as a young entrepreneur, life on the Gold Coast, and why she believes sparkle is really all about confidence.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I moved to the Gold Coast from Brisbane when I was 9 years old, so it has felt like home for most of my life. I grew up here, went to school here, and started Glitter Girl here when I was just 10 years old. The Gold Coast has been such a big part of my story, not just personally, but professionally too. It’s where my business began, where our warehouse is based, and where so many of our earliest supporters came from.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
I love that the Gold Coast has such a unique mix of creativity, lifestyle and opportunity. You can be at the beach in the morning, at a business meeting during the day, and at an event or dinner that night. It has a really special energy. I also love how supportive the community can be, especially for small businesses. Building Glitter Girl here has shown me how many incredible people, creatives and entrepreneurs are on the Gold Coast.
Tell us a little bit about yourself, both personally and professionally.
I’m Sophia Rizzo, the founder of Glitter Girl, an Australian beauty brand I started when I was 10 years old. I’ve always been creative, determined and a little bit obsessed with turning ideas into something real. Professionally, I’ve grown Glitter Girl from a small idea into a brand stocked by hundreds of retailers and loved by customers across Australia and beyond. I’ve been lucky enough to appear on Shark Tank Australia, share my story at schools and events, and continue building a brand that is about confidence, creativity and self-expression. Personally, I’m still very much a Gold Coast girl. I love fashion, content creation, beauty, business and anything that lets me be creative.
What inspired you to start Glitter Girl?
Glitter Girl started from my love of sparkle and wanting to create something fun that made people feel happy and confident. When I was younger, I loved glitter, but I noticed there weren’t really any eco-friendly glitter options available that felt exciting, high quality and safe to use. That was a big part of why I started Glitter Girl. I wanted to create products that were playful, beautiful and easy to wear, while also being more thoughtful and conscious.
From the beginning, Glitter Girl was never just about putting glitter on your face. It was about helping people feel confident, express themselves and add a little bit of joy to their day. Since starting the brand at 10 years old, Glitter Girl has grown and evolved so much. Now at 18, I feel like the brand has grown up with me, while still keeping that same mission of spreading confidence, creativity and sparkle.
What was the biggest challenge you faced starting a brand so young?
One of the biggest challenges was being taken seriously. Starting a business at 10 years old meant a lot of people saw it as a cute hobby rather than a real brand. I had to prove that I was serious, that I had a vision, and that I was willing to work hard for it. I also had to learn everything as I went, from product development and packaging to social media, wholesale, customer service and marketing. There were definitely moments where it felt overwhelming, but starting young also taught me to be resilient and to back myself even when other people didn’t fully understand the dream yet.
How important has family support been throughout your entrepreneurial journey?
Family support has been a huge part of my journey. I started Glitter Girl so young, so I definitely couldn’t have done it without my family believing in me and helping bring the idea to life. My mum has been there through so many parts of the business, from packing orders and helping with operations to supporting me through big decisions. My family has seen all the behind-the-scenes moments, the exciting wins, the stressful days and everything in between. Having people around me who believed in the vision, even when it was still small, made such a difference.
Glitter Girl is about so much more than glitter. What does “sparkle is about confidence, not age” mean to you personally?
To me, “sparkle is about confidence, not age” means that beauty and self-expression should never have rules around who is allowed to enjoy it. Glitter Girl started when I was young, but over the years I’ve seen our products bring joy to so many different people, from young girls trying makeup for the first time to dancers, performers, festival-goers, mums, and women who just love a bit of glow. Sparkle is not about looking a certain way or fitting into a certain age group. It’s about how it makes you feel. For me, sparkle represents confidence, creativity and giving yourself permission to stand out.
What makes Glitter Girl different from other beauty brands on the market?
Glitter Girl is different because it has a real story behind it. I didn’t start the brand because I saw a trend or wanted to create just another beauty product. I started it as a young girl with a big dream and a love for creating something that made people feel good. Our brand is founder-led, community-focused and built around joy, confidence and self-expression. We also create products that are fun and sparkly, but still feel wearable and easy to use. I think people connect with Glitter Girl because it feels personal. They’re not just buying a product, they’re supporting a story and a message.
Sustainability is a huge part of Glitter Girl. Why was eco-conscious beauty important to you from the beginning?
From the beginning, I wanted Glitter Girl to be fun, but also thoughtful. Glitter is something people associate with joy, parties, dance, festivals and creativity, but traditional glitter can have a negative impact on the environment. That didn’t sit right with me. I wanted to create a brand that allowed people to enjoy sparkle in a more conscious way. Our eco-friendly glitter products were important because they showed that beauty can still be playful and exciting while making better choices. As the brand has grown, sustainability has continued to be part of our values and the way we think about product development.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to trust the timing and not be so worried about having everything figured out straight away. When you start something young, it’s easy to feel like you need to prove yourself quickly or have all the answers, but so much of business is learning as you go. I’d remind myself that every mistake, every challenge and every uncomfortable moment was helping me grow. I’d also tell myself to keep backing my ideas, even when they feel too big or a little bit scary, because those are usually the ideas that end up changing everything.
What’s next for Glitter Girl?
This next chapter of Glitter Girl is about growing the brand in a more elevated and intentional way while still keeping the joy and sparkle that people know us for. We’re continuing to expand our product range with more glow, shimmer and beauty products that feel fun but wearable. We’re also focusing on building a stronger community around the brand, sharing more of the founder story and inspiring young girls and women to feel confident in themselves. I’d love Glitter Girl to keep growing nationally and internationally, while staying true to why I started it in the first place, to spread joy, confidence and a little bit of sparkle.
What are your Gold Coast favourites:
Café: Palm Springs
Restaurant: Justin Lane
Bar: The Malibu Racquet Club
Beach: Tallebudgera
How do you choose to spend your days off?
When I do get a day off, I usually like to keep it pretty relaxed. I love spending time with my friends and family, going out for brunch, heading to the beach or just having a slower day where I can reset. I also love doing Pilates at House of Motion. It’s such a nice way to switch off, move my body and feel refreshed.
Because so much of my life is business, content and creating, I also love days where I can get inspired without pressure, whether that’s shopping, taking photos, going somewhere beautiful on the Gold Coast or planning new ideas for the brand in a more relaxed way.
Weight Loss Naturopath, founder of Inner Alchemy.
Carly Gallagher is a powerhouse Naturopath, Aromatherapist, Yoga Teacher, and go-to wellness coach for middle-aged women navigating hormonal weight gain.
With over two decades of experience in the health space and a personal 8-year journey to overcome her own weight struggles, Carly has honed a unique, science-backed process that resets the metabolic drivers in the microbiome—helping women in their 40s and beyond not only lose weight but keep it off effortlessly. And the best part? Her method is simple and can be done from the comfort of home, without grueling workouts or restrictive diets.
We caught up with Carly to dive deeper into her philosophy, how she’s transformed her own health, and the advice she has for women looking to get back in control of their weight and wellness.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I’m a Gold Coast native, having grown up here and attended John Paul College in Daisy Hill. After graduating from The Australian College of Natural Medicine in 1994, I spent some time travelling overseas before settling in Melbourne for about two decades. The allure of the beach brought me back to the Gold Coast in 2020, so I’ve been a local again for the past few years. I wanted my teenage daughter to have the same life I had growing up on the beach.
What do you love most about Gold Coast?
What I love most about the Gold Coast is, without a doubt, the beach – did I mention the beach? It’s not just a coastline; it’s a way of life here. The year-round awesome weather is a close second compared to Melbourne, making every day feel like I just got off a plane in Bali. It’s impossible not to notice how fit and active Gold Coasters are. We’re practically a city that lives in activewear! Whether it’s surfing, jogging on the beach paths, or doing yoga on the foreshores, there’s always someone out there embracing our outdoor lifestyle. The combination of sun, surf, and an active community creates this vibrant, energetic atmosphere that just fills up my heart with love.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a naturopath and yoga teacher with over 25 years of experience in health. My life changed when I entered my 40s during perimenopause 8 years ago (hello hormones!), and I threw myself into women’s health, finding yoga and adding teaching to my toolkit. During COVID, I created a chakra-balancing range of body oils and herbal teas, which I sold at Palm Beach Currumbin markets for a year before my business for women over 40 took off. When I’m not helping my ladies or crafting wellness products, I’m in Currumbin with my cycling-enthusiast husband, our beach-loving 14-year-old daughter, our 2-year-old moodle, two cats, and four chickens. It’s a busy house-hold, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
How did Inner Alchemy come about?
Inner Alchemy’s birth was quite a mystical experience. While studying yoga in Thailand, I had this surreal moment during a deep, ‘woo-woo’ meditation. One minute I’m being guided through a meditation, the next I’m envisioning a new business logo and brand – talk about a creative download! The tetrahedron shape in the logo has three points, representing me, my husband, and our daughter. Plus, being born in March, three has always been my lucky number. Cosmic coincidence? Maybe! At its core, Inner Alchemy embodies my fascination with transformation and change, much like our health journeys in life. It’s all about that magical process of melding and evolving, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary – just like alchemy itself!
Tell us a bit about your program.
My Metabolic programs are tailored for women over 40, focusing on sustainable weight loss and vibrant health. I’ve designed it to work with the body’s natural rhythms, considering hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause.
My programs include curated meal plans, tailored 15-minute ‘fat-burning’ exercise routines, yoga classes and stress management techniques, all easily accessible through my new App. More information can be found at my website.
What makes my approach different is the focus on rest-based weight loss and hormone balancing. I teach ladies to move away from the old ‘eat less, exercise more’ approach because, frankly, it often doesn’t work for women our age.
Instead, I emphasise strategic rest periods, smart nutrition choices, and efficient workouts that boost your metabolism without stressing your body.
My methodology is rooted in naturopathic principles, addressing the root causes of weight gain in mature women. I look at the whole picture – not just diet and exercise but also sleep quality, stress levels, and hormonal balance. My goal is to help women achieve lasting results and feel great in their bodies, without extreme measures or deprivation.
What has been the biggest opportunity and/or challenge so far?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced, which I share with many women over 40, is learning to slow down. We’ve been conditioned to believe that constant hustle and pushing ourselves to the limit is the key to success, especially when it comes to health and fitness.
Rewiring our mindset around rest and recovery, rather than the ‘go-go-go’ mentality we’re used to, has been a significant hurdle. For those who are fit and active, learning to exercise the smart way – with strategic intensity and adequate rest – is often the hardest part of our journeys.
However, this challenge has also presented the greatest opportunity. Embracing a rest-based approach has been incredibly rewarding. It’s opened up a new way of achieving health goals that’s more sustainable and fun. Who would say ‘No’ to a sauna and spa at the Eco Village instead of a workout, especially when it still helps your metabolism!
What is your number 1 hottest tip for women over 40 to start losing weight?
Rest more!!… Resting isn’t just about plonking yourself on the couch. It’s a mindful approach to well-being that goes beyond ‘doing nothing’. We’re talking about finding the balance – not over-exercising, not under-eating, but doing what’s just right for your body. This approach naturally creates more free time to enjoy life and family which incorporates rest. It’s about working smarter, not harder!
What do you love most about working on the Gold Coast?
The fact I get to enjoy a walk on the beach at Tugun with our dog each morning and say hello to all the locals before starting work.
What are your Gold Coast Favourites?
The Gold Coast has really stepped up its cuisine game over the last 4 years. Having moved back from Melbourne, I can honestly say, ‘Well done, Gold Coast!’ for the amazing new restaurants that have opened. It’s hard to pick just one for each, but I have to keep it local for this is where we eat out the most.
Café: ‘Costa Taco in Palm Beach –family-friendly and super tasty
Favourite restaurant: Rabbath Lebanese Bistro in Burleigh – a gorgeous French-Lebanese twist to their menu that is so fresh.
Bar: Our favourite Friday night date night is at our local Little Vine Room in Currumbin.
Beach: Currumbin – of course!
How do you choose to spend your days off?
Did I mention the Currumbin Eco Village? One of my favourite days off would be to have an infrared sauna and bath and dine on their amazing food all situated in nature. I also love gardening and you guessed it… going to the beach!
Founder and Formulator of Sustainable Skincare Company Sabbia Co.
With a passion for environmentally-friendly beauty and a commitment to promoting sustainable practices, Katie Eales created the skincare brand Sabbia Co., combining the power of natural ingredients with eco-conscious packaging and manufacturing. we chatted to Katie about her inspiration for creating Sabbia Co., and how she has seamlessly integrated sustainability into every aspect of her skincare line. Get ready to be inspired!
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
10 years on and off, I moved to the Gold Coast when I was 18 for uni and then returned back to Palm Beach where I now live with my husband and son after traveling on and off for a few years.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
The lifestyle, I love how beautiful our beaches, creeks and hinterland is. I love that you can choose to have a slow-paced weekend but there’s enough happening to have a fun-filled weekend when you need.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in Port Douglas, in a half Italian / half Australian household. Growing up diving the Great Barrier Reef, camping under the stars and eating 90% homegrown was where I found my deep love and appreciation for the planet. I moved to the Gold Coast to study marketing straight after year 12, I then went on to travel throughout many Asian countries, Europe and the States.
In 2017 I met my now husband Dave, in 2018 we found ourselves on a remote beach in Sri Lanka and devastated over the amount of single-use personal items we were surrounded by. When we arrived home we decided to minimise all single-use items in our home. As we started to research and test reusable products we fell in love with many amazing sustainable swaps. Our mission was no longer to overhaul our home but everyone else’s.
And this is when Sabbia Co was born. An ethical brand with minimal impact on the environment, that creates unique facial kits out of sustainable, biodegradable, reusable and chemical free tools. Along with sustainably sourced and packaged skincare that is formulated by myself.
We launched in September 2019, with 3 products. Our hero ‘face it face kit’, cleanse kit and tone kit. 3 kits that remove makeup/zinc, cleanse and exfoliate with just water. This was essential for us as we love to travel and pack light.
As our community grew the need for sustainable skincare was a daily request, so for our first birthday, we launched sustainably sourced and packaged skincare. Something I had always dreamt of. Over the years I have studied Cosmetic Chemistry, Traditional Chinese Medicine (Gua Sha, Facial Massage, etc), and many other ‘alternative’ (as my Mum might say) practices.
In 2022 we brought our son Louie into the world, which has made our passion to protect our beautiful planet even stronger. We also launched our Refill / Recycle Program where customers can send back old products for recycling or keep their bottles and purchase refill sachets that can also be returned for recycling. I can visually see the difference we are making and the education we are sharing. We are now selling almost 90% refills to returning customers. Our return customer rate is currently sitting at 69% which means we have reduced our carbon emissions by over 75% per product.
Tell us about Sabbia Co.
Sabbia Co offers refillable sustainably sourced and packaged skincare which is made in Australia. Along with sustainable skin tools that include biodegradable sponges and reusable bamboo makeup-removing pads that replace up to 1,000 single-use makeup wipes annually. We are a multi award-winning brand that bridges the gap between scientific chemistry and natural plant medicine to create sustainable skincare that is results driven – with over 1000, 5 star reviews to prove it.
How did Sabbia Co. come about?
In 2018 we found ourselves on a remote beach in Sri Lanka and devastated over the amount of single-use personal items we were surrounded by. When we arrived home we decided to minimise all single-use items in our home. As we started to research and test reusable products we fell in love with many amazing sustainable swaps. Our mission was no longer to overhaul our home but everyone else’s.
Why is sustainability so important to you?
Growing up immersed in nature, whether it was the rainforest, outback, or ocean has definitely made me understand its beauty and purpose. I grew up on Kukuk Yalangi land and our school always had elders sharing bush and plant medicine which fascinated me. My parents and grandparents also always shared home remedies and the importance of eating from the land and seasonally. My childhood was so focused on what we put in we get out. As I started to move and travel I noticed that not everyone had that same understanding and respect for the planet. Both my husband and I want to do whatever we can to protect and preserve our planet for our children to have healthy and fulfilling lives.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
I start my day between 5 and 6am, Louie and I have breakfast, I tried to journal and meditate, and walked down to the beach for a play. He then has a short nap and I go through my emails and prioritise what I need to get done for the day. I love Pilates and am so thankful to have found a space that has crèche and then we head into the warehouse together or sometimes I can get to go solo and Louie hangs out with his grandparents. A lot of my day is based around our community. Helping with skin concerns, making content to educate on our products and working on new formulations. I also host a podcast – Authentic Verdict, which I record fortnightly. We head back down to the beach for an afternoon dip before starting Louie’s bedtime routine. Dave and I have dinner around 6.30pm, wind down with stretching and are usually in bed by 8.30pm.
What is your most popular product?
We have 3, the Matcha Clay Mask (which is currently on preorder for the 100th time! It’s impossible to keep up with the demand), Collagen C Serum and Mineral BB Cream.
What does the future have in store for Sabbia Co. products?
I am currently in the final stages of a cream cleanser and our community has requested a Vitamin A. We are also in the final stages of testing our mum and bub range.
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/coffee spot: Espresso Moto is our local and the team are so beautiful.
Restaurant: Etsu, Glenelg Public House and Jimmy Wah’s
Bar or place for a drink: We love Balter, the vibe is always good or out the front of home, where we’ve met some beautiful families that we spend most weekends at the beach with.
Beach: Palm Beach, we’re lucky to live out the front of the reef break which makes for a very happy husband!
How do you choose to spend your days off?
I love walking to Talle Creek and catching up with friends, treating my body to a Suana at Freedom Float or something crafty, a big goal for this year is to get back into pottery.
