Founder of Gold Coast skincare brand Eco Tan.
Founder of Gold Coast skincare brand Eco Tan.
She’s the founder of one of the Gold Coast’s (and Australia’s) most-loved skincare brands and Sonya Driver is a longtime local to boot.
We sat down for a chat with Sonya about the lessons she’s learned throughout her time in business and how Eco Tan gives back.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
18 years.
What do you love most about living here?
I love the people and the relaxed, beachy lifestyle of the the Gold Coast. I’m also not complaining about the beautiful beaches either!
Tell us why you started your business Eco Tan?
My gentle-spirited sister was diagnosed with a melanoma that left a horrible scar after being cut from her arm. In an attempt to lift her faith and be a strong, positive influence over my fragile sister, I crawled into a new life. My sister and I loved getting regular spray tans together but we were concerned about the ingredients we were constantly covering ourselves with. That’s when I began to research the ingredients used by many different brands, regardless of their claims. It only took me a few minutes to decide not to use their products anymore. After all, our skin is our largest organ and much of what we put on it is absorbed into our bloodstream. So, I started buying samples of cacao, flower essence, chamomile and all things natural and organic and started mixing batches out of my tiny kitchen in Currumbin.
Talk us through your product range…
All of the products are certified organic, vegan and cruelty free, 100% natural, non-toxic and Australian made… a mouth-full I know. I wanted to create products with real ingredients that really worked and wouldn’t harm the Earth or our skin! Because there’s honestly nothing beautiful about ugly ingredients. We’ve got products ranging from organic tanning mousses, creams and waters, to all natural sunscreen, nourishing body care products and beautiful skincare products – everything you’d need for an at-home pamper night. I wanted to create products that worked for everyone, from my 71 year old Mum to acne prone teenagers and even babies!
Why are eco-friendly products so important to you?
First and foremost, Eco Tan is about always doing good, whether that be for your skin, the community or the environment. I’m always asking myself; how can we do better? I’m a strong believer that we can’t compromise the Earth or Mother Nature in any way, shape or form, so it is super important that my brand reflects this. We’re super proud to be recognised as an Australian organic brand and a leader of organics in almost every country. When it comes to Green Packaging and environmental care and diligence, my team and I are ticking Mother Nature’s box in more ways than one.
On our way to being completely paperless, my team and I have unplugged the printers and are committed to finding ways that we can make positive sustainable changes. To do this, our team has partnered with Greenfleet! Greenfleet is an Australian not-for-profit environmental organisation whose mission is to plant native biodiverse forests on our behalf and help fight the impacts of climate change. Our company office and warehouse operate solely on renewable energy and we refuse to accept plastic into our warehouse, in an effort to be a plastic free warehouse. Where we can’t eliminate plastic completely, we do the next best thing… like using sugar cane or post recycled materials for our product packaging.
What have been some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt in the last 10 years?
There’s been so many! Trust your gut is number one. When you feel peace about a certain situation, you know you’re making the right decision. I know that any time I’ve gone against my gut, I’ve regretted it. I’ve also learnt a lot about human nature. I would have to say that I’ve always had a sixth sense for reading people and their energy, and bringing out the best of them. This is why having the right people around me and having the right team is absolutely key. Be careful of your Judas. It’s also important to know that no one is smarter, wiser or knows better than you for your own journey.
Anything you’d do differently?
Many, many things… I’ve never understood people that say they have no regrets, I have many.
Talk to us about how Eco Tan gives back…
Nothing compares to love, and this is really the beating heart of Eco Tan. Giving back has always been part of my nature. Even the registry for my wedding presents was selected so that guests would be buying presents that the people at Friends with Dignity could use. We are always on the look out to help others in our local community and wider abroad. Without trying to sound like a Saint, the list is most certainly longer than your arm. Whether it’s our brand new foundation, helping The Sanctuary provide protection to women and children, buying computers or school needs for the less fortunate, supporting local charities such as Friends with Dignity, initiating projects overseas to create jobs and opportunities, allowing homeless people to use our shower facilities, or sponsoring the operations of a local animal shelter, giving back is the heart and soul of not only me, but also my brand.
In November 2018, we launched our first not for profit product; Eco By Sonya Hand & Nail Cream for Rafiki Mwema. In a never seen before move, 100% of our profits from the sale of every one of this product go directly to Rafiki Mwema. We are also extremely honoured to have been awarded a plaque at The Sanctuary for our contributions.
What advice do you have for anyone wanting to switch to Eco friendly products, who might not know where to start?
It’s really simple… look past the fancy packaging and marketing machine and research ingredients!
What’s the plan for the rest of 2020 for you and the business?
My team and I will definitely be focusing heavily on our foundation with the intention of being poverty busters! There’s also lots of innovative and exciting new formulas and products that you’ll have to keep an eye out for.
Tell us your favourites on the Coast:
Cafe for breakfast: Salt Water at Currumbin – the avocado and corn fritters are HUGE and to die for. Plus they do the best raw, fresh juices.
Coffee spot: Good Day Tugun
Restaurant for dinner: The Collective in Palm Beach or Sticky Rice in Tugun.
How does your weekend usually look: In netball season, Saturday mornings are usually spent running around cutting up oranges, which of course then leads to sunset drinks at Salt Water in Currumbin to reward myself. Sunday is my prep day – this means groceries and doing some cooking in preparation for the madness of the week ahead. My husband is a vegan, I’ve got a vegetarian daughter, the other is dairy and gluten free and even the dogs are fussy, so basically it’s a nightmare! Sunday night calls for binging Netflix cuddled up on the couch with my husband and the three dogs.
Happy days are here southern friends and they come in the form of Tugun’s new tropical Thai eatery, Sticky Rice.
Not just any old Thai eatery though, this one is offering up authentic southern Thai eats with a modern twist and an emphasis on share plates. As it turns out, sharing meals is the way things generally go in Thailand. Who knew.
The space is upstairs on Golden Four Drive, above Café Caribou, and overlooking delightful little Tugun. It’s an actual tropical paradise with a jungle-style mural painted on the back wall, straw thatched paneling and dark wood accents.
Woven furniture and authentic Thai lightshades are offset by gold cutlery and custom-made white tiled tables and, our favourite part, a neon sign shining from the back corner stating “let’s get together and eat more rice”. A nod to your main man Bob Marley whose cruisy tunes are soothing your tired soul in the background.
Now, the food. The small plates are all of your favourite Thai dishes but likely more fresh and delicious than you’ve ever experienced. There’s Thai Fried Chicken with a rice flour crust, sticky rice and sweet pickle, Salt and Pepper Tempura Calamari and Soft Shell Crab with chilli jam, fried garlic and fresh lime and a couple of Thai soups that will knock your socks off.
The big plates are also the goods, again with all your favourites, but not as you know them. Dishes like Crying Tiger with Wagyu sirloin, BBQ Street Chicken and Green Curry with eggplant are some of the best tasting (and smelling) eats ever.
Oh and there’s Massaman Beef Cheek. Yes sir.
Thai cocktails are a fun time too. The menu is filled with the classics and all with a Thai twist. For example, the Tom Kargarita is (the love of your life) a margarita but with the tastes of the Tom Kha Gai soup thrown for an extra flavour sensation. The Tom Yum Collins is a gin-based tipple with kaffir lime, galangal, lemongrass and chilli. Oh my.
Owners Sarah and Monty opened Sticky Rice after quite the around the world jaunt. Upon their return, they decided to bring their beloved Tugun a taste of Sarah’s southern Thai heritage and that they have pals.
The food is epic and the vibes are reminiscent of the tropical Thai holiday we would all love to be on right now (beat it rain). Get in there and give your tastebuds some love.
LOCATION: Shop 7, 443 Golden Four Drive, Tugun (above Café Caribou)
HOURS: From 5pm until late Tuesday to Sunday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
In happy news for everyone with skin, a beauty emporium has opened in Nobbys Beach (land of the good vibes and beautiful people).
Not any old skincare store though, the glowy-skinned team at Clean Beauty Market are experts in non-toxic, natural and organic products that are free from animal testing. How fun.
The store, found next to Sparrow Eating House, is as pretty as you’d expect, decked out in white with blush accents and a glowing pink sign declaring “you are magic”. And magic is exactly what you’ll find once you’ve stepped inside the delightfully scented space that’s packed with countless natural makeup and skincare brands.
It’s pure heaven to be honest and it’s entirely possible you’ll spend your life savings in one visit. YOLO.
While buying all of the good-for-you skincare is always a smart idea, you can also book yourself in for some pampering. There’s makeup lessons, skin regime consultations and makeup applications for special occasions (or, you know, work on Monday).
PLUS, you and your gals can indulge in a makeover party should you so desire.
Owner Erin Norden is a Coast local and former freelance makeup artist who (sensibly, let’s be real) saw an opportunity, found the perfect space in Nobbys and made the magic happen.
Clean Beauty Market is the first (and hopefully not the last) store of its kind on the Gold Coast and it’s a solid step in the right direction for the many ladies who are choosing natural products to slather all over their skin (and the rest who should jump on that bandwagon ASAP).
Great news for the Gold Coast, the Earth and your face.
LOCATION: 1/32 Lavarack Rd, Nobbys Beach
HOURS: 9am to 5pm daily.
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
All right be honest, when was the last time you made it south of the legendary Talle Creek? We Gold Coasters are creatures of habit and we’re kindaaaa guilty of not venturing too far from the familiarity of our own suburbs so you know that means two things… 1. There’s a whole city of gems waiting for you to explore and 2. The locals know what’s up which is why we’ve done some snooping around Tugun to find out their favourite hang outs so you can just go and lap up the good times.
Nestled at the southern end of the Gold Coast, Tugun (or Tuges, as the locals say) as a beachside village is sleepy no more, meshing laid-back vibes with a vibrant community spirit and we are here for it. It’s a slice of paradise that locals love for its stunning shoreline, thriving foodie scene, and unique mix of boutique shopping and wellness hotspots. Here’s why Tugun holds a special place in the hearts of Gold Coasters.
Something to sip and snack
The foodie culture down here is something else, to get the day going Niche & Co has long reigned the Southern GC as THE place to your caffeine and brekky fix to nourish the bod before you start your day – if a quick bite is more your speed then The Fox’s Pantry has pastries aplenty as well as other bits and bobs like gifts and groceries to keep you going. Okay so this one might not be your usual kind of coffee haunt but Made Barber & Barista have brought us the combo we didn’t even know we needed – pop down to grab your morning brew and leave with a sharp new cut, two birds one coffee!
When seaside it’s mandatory to treat yourself to a spot of lunch and beach walk – well in our book, anyway. Sticky Rice is the home of some of the GC’s best Thai dishes – if you haven’t tried their Street BBQ Chicken, do it immediately. If little bites are what you’re looking for Lucia Tapas’ coastal cool and Spanish style tapas are a must-try, bonus points if you can get there for tapas and drinks happy hour Wednesday through Sunday because cozzie lives guys, we’re here for value for money honey.
Who said daytime has to have all the fun? When the suns away the margs will play or something like that and as luck would have it, Backbone Bar have them well covered. Crack open a tinnie or watch your fresh draught pour from the tap and kick back with their signature Asian-fusion eats. Perfect for catching up with mates or kickstarting your night out.
Shop (local) ‘til you drop
Tugun might be small but their retail offering is absolutely mighty, Tugun Fruit & Flowers is a family owned gem that is known not just for the freshest produce in town, but for their killer acai bowls – a summer staple if you ask us – grab your groceries, a smoothie (go on, you’ve earned it) and treat yourself to their selection of seasonal blooms for the ultimate act of *self care*.
For those bigger shops, Tugun Market Co has a bit of everything so you can stock up the pantry with all of your favourite things – they’ve even got a dedicated fromagerie and since cheese is the way to our hearts you know we’re all about it – if you’re lacking in the cooking inspo department then worry not because these local legends have an epic selection of recipes from Lemon Asparagus Risotto to Veggie Soups to get the creative juices flowing.
So Cornerstone Stores is more than just a shopping destination, they’re basically a hub of all things boutique shopping, artisan cafes and wellness with curated must-haves and even its own Pilates studio! Its ultra-aesthetic vibe is what first caught our attention but the collection of goodies you won’t find at any old store kept us coming back – think of it as a modern-day village within a village.
Keep it clean
The locals down here have a rep for embracing sustainable living so you best believe we trusted them when we heard Consciously Clean is THE place to grab all the eco-friendly staples and low-tox products so we can all live cleaner lives, grab your bottles and fill up with refillable household items and bespoke gifts to treat yourself or someone you love.
Community and culture
Chances are you’ve already been to something mega fun at the faithful Tom Atkin Hall, the cultural heartbeat of Tugun, it’s been around since the 1960’s and locals are a big fan. They host everything from crafty workshops to theatre and line dancing, so hosting everything from art workshops to yoga classes. It’s the go-to spot for locals who love connecting, creating and sharing in the Arts. There’s always a load of fun things on the schedule so check it out and try something different for the first time in a long time!
Tugun Bowls Club is where community spirit meets laid-back fun. Tucked away in the backstreets, this clubhouse offers more than just bowls, but Barefoot Sundays are a local fave. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon on the greens with friends and family, soaking up the coastal vibes.
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
