Ever had that feeling when you are smoothing on a moisturiser or lip balm that it smells so delicious that you would like to eat it? Well Anna Mitsios has created Edible Beauty Australia to provide a range of edible skin care products and wild-crafted teas which contain therapeutic botanicals designed to have you glowing both inside and out. They are so toxin-free and natural that you can literally eat your moisturiser if you so choose.
Anna is a female leader and entrepreneur whose story resonates with us. She ditched her corporate finance career to pursue her dreams. Now Anna’s range is sold online through Edible Beauty and also available though Sephora. Anna has created a luxurious range of completely natural products that come packaged in exquisite recyclable dark violet glass made in Switzerland. We admire and wanted to share Anna’s Golden Beauty Principles, her values based approach and her journey to retail success.
You left Finance to study nutrition in 2011. What was the catalyst to make that change?
I had been studying natural therapies for several years whilst still working in the finance industry before I made a clean break to study full time in 2011. My interest in nutrition had been sparked by my own health journey. Diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic at age 18, I began to research various herbs and diet as a way to manage my blood sugar levels. Diabetes ended up being a great catalyst to ultimately changing my career path.
After working as a nutritionist and naturopath, you founded Edible Beauty. How did your background in finance and your passion for nutrition help you acquire market share?
My great love for natural therapies and herbal medicine has made it effortless for me to be able to communicate the importance of herbs, nutrition and lifestyle in improving our skin and beauty from the “Inside Out”. My finance background has been instrumental in providing me with skills to be able to analyse opportunities, work on margins and keep my finances in order. This has been invaluable in building the business from a commercial perspective.
What is your leadership style and how has your varied background influenced it?
I have always loved working in non-hierarchical and non-bureaucratic teams. I have been fortunate to have worked in such environments throughout my career. As a result, my leadership style is focused on collaborating with likeminded and passionate individuals who are equally inspiring and driven .
If you were stranded on a desert island with one superfood and one drink, what would they be?
My superfood of choice would have to be turmeric. It is such a magical herb when it comes to gut healing, improving liver health, detoxifying and acting as an anti-inflammatory. I take turmeric religiously. Both in the form of a proper supplement and also as a food supplement in drinks, smoothies and food. My one drink would have to be an iced green tea, infused with lemon slices, fresh ginger and lime and topped with a ginger kombucha for a bit of sparkle.
What’s been your greatest challenge?
Balancing my health along with my strong desire to grow Edible Beauty. I often have to take a step back when I can feel that I am taking on too many projects.
What are you most proud of?
Spreading the word on toxin-free beauty products and the importance of addressing beauty from both the inside and out. I am honoured that Australia has been so encouraging and supportive of Edible Beauty Australia, and lucky to have the support of family and friends in growing the business.
What’s one piece of advice for future female leaders?
The best advice I have ever received and want to pass on is to never be afraid of making mistakes. By making mistakes in all areas of our life we truly learn and grow. So take a risk. Do something daring that you are passionate about. And if you fall, just get back on your feet quickly, and find another way to chase your dreams.
What is a must-have Edible Beauty product for Summer?
The No.4+ Tinted Vanilla Silk lotion is perfect for summer! It is a very lightweight moisturiser with a hint of colour and natural sun protection factor. It provides that “no-makeup” makeup look, is ultra-hydrating but doesn’t make the skin feel greasy. This is wonderful if you have skin which tends to get a little oily in humid weather.
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