Mumma J’s skin care journey

“I’d heard people say that when you’re diagnosed with breast cancer you revaluate your life; it’s true, you do.”

Mumma J’s

BEAUTY START-UP TO WELLBEING STAR

Growing interest in plant-based skin care products has prompted one enterprising local to formulate her own brand. HELEN PERRY talked to Julie Holder whose Mumma J’s range has hit a chord with many people including women, who like herself, have survived breast cancer but not without scars.

Four years ago, Julie Holder was at crossroads in her life. She had just learned she might lose her job and then came the devastating news that she had breast cancer. After the initial shock, followed by surgery and recovery, this Glenbrook ‘workaholic’ took stock of her life and set out on a new path.

“I’d heard people say that when you’re diagnosed with breast cancer you revaluate your life; it’s true, you do.”

And, like others unsettled by such a major shift in health, Julie moved in a new direction by changing her job 12 months after recovering from a mastectomy and breast reconstruction. She then looked for other ways to gain greater satisfaction in life.

Her daughter suggested training as a nail technician and, having always had an interest in health and beauty, Julie took her advice.

“I did the training but realised it would take time to build up a solid client base and to do so would mean giving up my regular job which wasn’t viable.

“However, I was doing a lot of running at the time and realised that I didn’t always smell that great after pounding the footpath. I have a certifi cate in aromatherapy and had long been interested in essential oils so, with that background, I set about formulating an environmentallyfriendly deodorant which suited me.

“But because I was more interested in healing and reducing the look of scar tissue, I turned to developing a cream, and then an oil, to not only help women scarred from mastectomies but also for others with scars resulting from burns or other accidents.”

Julie’s cream, which contains coconut, tamanu and calendula oils, has proved particularly benefi cial for soothing rashes such as eczema and psoriasis but it is the oil she is most proud of.

“I call it ‘My Oil’ because dealing with scars of any kind is very personal and I wanted this product to feel personal to those using it. It includes rosehip and tamanu oil (from the Pacifi c islands) and helps reduce redness and scar prominence.

“My surgeon took to recommending it to other breast cancer patients and I know many customers have found it helpful for a variety of scarring. The main thing is to persevere for longer than a week. Some people try it for a few days and because they see little improvement, they stop. Most products take time to have an effect.”

With two successful, products formulated under her Mumma J’s brand, Julie went on to extend her chemical-free, all-natural skin care range which now includes a green tea and honey cleanser, facial exfoliator, moisturiser, toner and a light night oil.

“The night oil is good for softening and strengthening the skin but it also works well on acne too because it ‘tricks’ the skin into halting overproduction of sebum.”

Selling online through her website www.mummajs.co.nz and also at Howick’s Saturday street market Julie says she has been a market stall holder for the past 12 months and loves it.

“They are such a great group of people and market visitors have been very receptive to all-natural products. I’ve even fulfi lled a few requests such as developing an olive oil soap for one client and a nut-free oil for another.”

Julie also markets her own extensive range of essential oils and even customises these on request – “that’s the aromatherapy training coming out in me. I love working with essential oils because they can lift your mood, make you feel good and relieve the symptoms of some conditions.”

Furthermore, these days, Julie is feeling very good about herself and life.

“It took 12 months before I felt really recovered from the shock of breast cancer and subsequent surgery. It was then my husband Stan, who gives me the most amazing support, suggested our fi ve bedroom, three bathroom, three level home and no kids was now much too big for us.

“We opted to move, put a pin in a map and draw a radius of 50 kilometres. We fi nally decided on Glenbrook and moved to a new home there two and a half years ago. Though initially hesitant, we just love it and wouldn’t go back west even through our children and grandchildren would like us to.

“But, no, this is truly home. We love the countryside and, here, I’ve really learned to listen to my body and to sleep when I am tired.”

But to some it seems Julie is, in fact, tireless. She still works full time as an operations manager for a wholesaler, makes her skin care range at home and enjoys crossstitch when she can.

“I am busy but I make my products in small batches so they are always fresh and, actually, it can be very relaxing. I also use them myself, so gain all the benefi ts, too.

“The next step is to give up my job – but who knows when that will be – and concentrate full time on my business. I’d also like to fi nd space in a local hair salon where I can do nails and perhaps market my products too. That would be ideal.”