In celebration of International Women’s Day, we sat down with our fearless leader, Claire Mitchell to learn more about what inspires her and what she’s learned over the course of 10 years in business.
What’s the best business advice you’ve been given?
In my past life, I was a financial director with several hi-tech start-up companies overseas. My boss at the time encouraged me to take risks and push myself. He taught me that there are no barriers. All you need to start is your own motivation and courage. Then, build a team around you where you can give that gift to them. Empower them to feel that they’re capable of anything. At the end of the day, traditional education doesn’t matter - with the right energy and care, employees can do anything they want. It’s been so incredible to see the growth of ECO. employees– many of them have been with us for years!
What is the #1 thing you’ve learned from employees at ECO.?
I’ve learned so much from them, but I think the most important one that I’ve learned is their passion. Their passion and motivation to excel in their role is incredibly inspiring to me.
They love it as much as I do. Last year at our Christmas party we went around the table and said what our greatest achievement was that year. It made me feel so proud that together we’ve created a place where we can all be safe and challenged to create a real positive impact on the world. It takes a real team/family to do what ECO. has done.
What is your favourite ECO. scent?
My favourite scent is Australian Shores. The scent is inspired by natural Australian botanicals and native plants – lemon, eucalyptus, vanilla and tea tree. It’s an homage to my favorite place in the world, the Gold Coast and I’m beyond grateful to call it home. If I’m having a bad day or simply need an afternoon lift I diffuse this scent, it instantly brings me so much joy!
What’s one thing that employees at ECO. don’t know about you?
ECO. is a small company and we’re like a family so I’m very open with everyone. And, if they didn’t hear it from me they heard it from my mom – she likes to brag about me.
What’s the #1 trait you need to succeed in starting a business of your own?
Courage, you’ve got to be brave.
What’s one of your favourite ECO. memories?
When I was in Dubai with my daughter we went into a pharmacy to get her some medicine. We were walking the aisles and came across ECO. she was incredibly surprised and proud to see it in another country. She had been on plenty of work trips with me, but I think this was the first time it sunk in that ECO. is a global brand helping so many people around the world!
What do you have to do in the AM to be productive throughout your day?
Every morning I take my cavoodle pup, Teddie, to the beach for a walk. He brings me so much joy and I love to see him enjoying a morning stroll at Broadbeach. He also doesn’t give me a choice, I can’t say no to him! After that, I always go to the gym, no matter how busy my day is it’s important to me that I take care of my physical well-being. I’m more productive when I work out.
Your life in one word.
Only one word? Ah! Vibrant, active, challenging, exciting, grateful! Yea, I can’t choose one.
What does success mean to you?
Success to me is being happy. To me being happy at work is loving what you do and knowing that what you’re doing is causing a positive impact around the world. The team here at ECO. takes our responsibility to serve very seriously. We have a duty to give back to the world by ensuring that we are using the highest standards in production and causing little harm to the environment. By July we’re hoping to be completely plastic-free, we are constantly striving to be better and do better, that’s our goal– nothing excites and inspires us more than that.
Last but not least - your go-to happy hour drink?
Bubbles!
