Wonder women Smart Scents
WE SALUTE JUST SOME OF THE REGION’S WONDER WOMEN WORKING TO EMPOWER, INFORM AND ENHANCE THE LIVES OF PEOPLE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES AND IN MANY CASES, GLOBALLY.
Claire Mitchell, founder and CEO of ECO. Modern Essentials harnessed her extensive experience working with entrepreneurs to launch her own business in an industry in synergy with her own interests and values.
have a whole team dedicated to product development. Because we’re nimble, passionate, innovative and Australian, we have managed to compete with billion dollar international companies.
ECO. Modern Essentials specialises in essential oils and aromatherapy, selling products direct to consumer, supported by blogs on the use of essential oils in therapies, beauty and house cleaning. Subscribers receive a box of oils and a book on a specific topic, plus a new blend each quarter, and there’s a newly launched Oil Club which delivers six oils every two months.
“Our customers tells us they love that ECO products evoke the Gold Coast lifestyle, the beach, well-being. They know we’re accessible, honest and show where we source from, innovative, with educational content and always learning.”
“I wanted to work with products and customers that resonated with me,” says Claire. “I love the ingredients, the process, the products, building a team that loves every facet of the business and the brand as well, and making a difference in everyday life for our customers.” Connection with brand devotees is essential to the evolution of ECO, which has 20,000 active followers on Facebook. “We rely on our customers’ feedback,” explains Claire, “Connecting with them, listening to them and devising new products to suit them.” The business has won several awards for its customer service excellence, and has been a finalist in the online retail Awards, the ORIAS. During 2020, when the focus was on the home and personal care, ECO enjoyed phenomenal growth. “We grew 200 percent in the past 12 months,” says Claire. “We have just relocated to Burleigh in a new building with double the space. We have 20 staff on the Gold Coast and 350 products and expanding. “We source as many of our essential oils in Australia as we can. Our diffusers are sourced overseas. Research and development is a massive focus for us. We 32 slim magazine autumn 2021
20 percent of the company’s products are exported, with a focus on the US, Middle East, New Zealand and Singapore. In 2021, Claire reports, the business will focus on investment in pushing hard into the US and NZ. “We’ve just launched a new Zodiac range. We aim to keep it fresh and fun. We’re on the edge of new technology and we’re learning every day as the world changes.” More at ecomodernessentials.com.au
