8 minute read
The Rhythm Of Success.
Meet The Team Behind Circadia Australia.
By Louise May
Circadia Australia has redefined skincare with its groundbreaking approach rooted in the science of circadian rhythms. Led by the husband and wife duo of Rachael and Phil Stevens, the brand’s success in the Australian market has been driven by their deep passion for holistic skincare and their dynamic, tightly knit team.
From dermal therapists to business managers, each member of the Circadia Australia family brings their unique journey and expertise, helping to propel the brand to new heights. Let’s meet the team that makes Circadia’s vision a reality every day.
A Discovery That Became a Passion
Rachael Stevens, CEO of Circadia Australia, didn’t start her journey intending to lead one of the country’s most innovative skincare brands. As a dermal therapist, Rachael was always passionate about results-oriented treatments. Her journey with Circadia began unexpectedly.
“While revisiting some of my old textbooks like The Physiology of the Skin, I kept seeing Dr. Peter T. Pugliese’s name pop up,” Rachael shares. “I was so intrigued by his work that I started researching more about the brand. Circadian rhythms fascinated me, and I realised this was the first skincare range I’d come across that really harnessed that concept. It felt like the perfect fit for my clinic, and the journey just grew from there.”
Her clinic became one of the first in Australia to partner with Circadia, and it didn’t take long before she formed a close relationship with Michael Pugliese, Dr. Pugliese’s grandson, and the Circadia team in the U.S. “The relationship evolved, and I saw an opportunity to bring Circadia to Australia as its distributor. It’s been an incredible journey since,” Rachael says.
Phil Stevens, COO and Rachael’s partner both in business and life was initially less familiar with advanced skincare, but Rachael quickly brought him up to speed. “When Rachael and I first met, I was using soap on my face—much to her horror!” he laughs. “But as I learned more about circadian rhythms, it made complete sense. We’ve always lived by these rhythms in terms of waking, sleeping, and even the foods we eat, so Circadia’s approach resonated with me from the start.”
A Team That Shares the Vision
Circadia Australia’s growth has been driven by a team that’s not only talented but deeply passionate about skincare and the brand’s philosophy.
Natasha Loong, the Brand Manager, came to Circadia through a slightly different path. While studying Marketing and Advertising at university, Natasha secured an internship at Rachael’s clinic, which was one of the first to stock Circadia. “I didn’t come from a beauty background, so I was fascinated by how much science goes into skincare,” Natasha says. “Circadia’s focus on circadian rhythms really stood out to me. I started as a social media intern, and over the years, I’ve grown with the company. Six years later, I’m still learning something new every day, and I love the creativity and science behind what we do.”
Operations Manager Nik Hube also found his way into the brand through Phil. “I was working with Phil in finance, and we shared an office with Circadia at the time,” Nik recalls. “When Circadia began to expand, I started helping out with packing orders. I was drawn to the brand and the amazing family culture it fostered. Now, I manage operations, and it’s great to be part of a team that feels like a true family.”
For Melissa Hodgkinson, the Business Development Manager for Western Australia, Circadia’s values immediately resonated with her. “When a former colleague mentioned Circadia was expanding, I reached out to Rachael. After hours of conversation about culture, education, and support, I knew it was the right fit,” Melissa says. “The philosophy of circadian rhythms and the flexibility of the products to meet each client’s unique needs made perfect sense to me.”
Similarly, Tamara Kahika, who manages business development in Queensland and Victoria East, was captivated by Circadia’s science-based approach to skincare. “I’ve always been passionate about the science behind skincare,” Tamara explains. “Circadia’s philosophy of working in harmony with the body’s natural rhythms was something new, something that really clicked for me. I wanted to be part of a brand that combined both scientific principles and a holistic approach.”
Tara Kathrada, managing New South Wales and ACT, was drawn to Circadia as a stockist herself. “I was looking for a brand that stood out,” she says. “Circadia’s focus on aligning skincare routines with the body’s natural cycles of day and night made it so much more than just a skincare routine—it became an experience. That’s what made me want to be a part of this brand.”
For Rebecca Pennetta, who handles business development in South Australia and Victoria, her involvement with Circadia began through her network in the beauty industry. “After working in the industry for over 25 years, I was introduced to Rachael, and I was immediately intrigued by Circadia’s approach,” Rebecca explains. “Incorporating circadian rhythms into skincare isn’t just about improving skin health; it’s about overall well-being, which is something that resonates deeply with me.”
A Day in the Life at Circadia Australia
No two days are the same for this dedicated team, but there’s always one common thread: passion for what they do.
For Rachael, her day is filled with excitement. “I split my time between running my clinic, managing our incredible team across the country, and travelling internationally to meet with Circadia’s global partners. Phil and I are constantly brainstorming new ideas, whether at home or at HQ. Our personal and professional lives are pretty intertwined, but we love it.”
Phil agrees. “I focus more on ensuring everything runs smoothly—whether it’s logistics, stock management, or connecting with Circadia’s U.S. team during early-morning calls. I’m always looking for ways to make things easier for our clinics.”
For Natasha, creativity is key. “As Brand Manager, I’m constantly working on something new, whether it’s planning an event, creating resources for the team, or managing our social media presence. It’s fast-paced, but I thrive on that energy.”
Nik starts his day with coffee before diving into orders. “I make sure every order is packed with care, often adding a handwritten note to give it a personal touch. I love knowing we’re helping our clinics succeed.”
For Melissa, education is at the forefront. “Whether it’s hands-on training or helping clinics navigate Circadia University’s resources, my goal is to ensure they feel confident in what they’re doing. When our clinics succeed, we succeed.”
Tamara, Tara, and Rebecca all echo the importance of building strong relationships with clinics, helping them grow their businesses, and making sure they have the tools they need to succeed with Circadia’s products.
Moments That Make It All Worthwhile
The Circadia Australia team has achieved incredible milestones, but the true rewards often come from the connections they’ve built and the successes they’ve shared with their clinics.
For Rachael, one of the standout moments was winning Best Business Performance at the ABIA Awards for the second year in a row. “It’s a testament to the hard work the team has put in,” she says. “But beyond the awards, what’s really rewarding is seeing the positive impact we’ve had on our clinics and our clients.”
Phil adds, “Watching our staff and clinics grow, and seeing how we’ve built a family community, is incredibly fulfilling.”
For Natasha, it’s seeing her months of hard work come to life at events like Circadia Connect and the Beauty Expo. “It’s such a great feeling to see everyone enjoying themselves and knowing we’ve pulled it all together successfully.”
Nik, Melissa, Tamara, Tara, and Rebecca all find their greatest reward in helping their clinics thrive. Whether it’s seeing a clinic grow its business, receiving positive feedback, or knowing they’ve provided the support needed to make a difference, these moments are what make their work truly meaningful.
The Heartbeat of Circadia
At Circadia Australia, it’s not just about skincare—it’s about the people behind the brand. Each member of the team is deeply committed to Circadia’s mission of providing science-based, holistic skincare that transforms lives. Whether they’re in the office, out in the field, or travelling across the globe, the Circadia Australia team is united by their shared passion for innovation and client success.
With such a dedicated and talented team, it’s no wonder Circadia continues to make waves in the beauty industry, setting new standards in skincare while fostering a family-like culture that makes every success even sweeter.
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