When creativity is formed from a need for protection, something beautiful always comes out of it. The same can be said for Rococo Body Oil founder, Tara Donoghue. When she became pregnant, she knew she had to be more careful about what she put in and on her body, because she was caring for a new life on top of making sure she herself was healthy enough to support a pregnancy. Rococo Body Oil was created by the then-pregnant founder, who was searching for fine quality, a clean beauty body oil that felt luxurious but also, highly effective & affordable. The founder had worked in the skincare and beauty industry for several years and always a passion for oils and the benefits of using them. She knew that when she fell pregnant, she felt the need to create a product she truly loved and believed in.
Rococo Body Oil was born from there, and are all hand-blended and poured on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. They’re made with vitamins A, B, D, & E, Linoleic Acids, Oleic Acids & Antioxidants which act as an ultra-hydrating moisturizer, naturally protects & adds softness, suppleness, and radiance to skin and hair. This combination of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants work together to create a natural barrier, deeply penetrate the skin’s surface, replenish lost moisture and stop additional moisture from evaporating. Not only do these powerful ingredients aid moisture retention, but they also promote skin elasticity, are an important source of plant collagen and squalene, keep your skin cells healthy and helps your skin look smooth, soft, and free of fine lines.
We interviewed Rococo Body Oil founder Tara Donoghue on clean beauty, the creation of her line, and what being a boss means to her. Keep reading below to find out more!
1) What sparked the idea behind Rococo Body Oil?
Rococo Body Oil came about because of my own pregnancy. I wasn’t happy with the quality of ingredients of a lot of the body oils already on the market at that time so I decided, with my background in skincare I would create my own.
2) What do you think sets Rococo apart from other brands?
First up I would say the use of crystals in our skincare. I did so much research and there was nothing else similar on the market at that time. But on a much deeper level, I think our transparency, authenticity, and passion. I wanted to create brand customers and people can connect with on a “small business” level and really feel as though they are apart of us but have the efficiency and drive of big business.
3) Why is clean beauty important to you?
Since being pregnant and now being a mother to my 15-month-old son, Rocco (and yes, the name Rococo is my nod to him because really he started it all), It is so important to me what goes on my skin and in my body and his skin and body as well. Being pregnant gave me that awareness about self-care that I didn’t have previously. we apply beauty products every day and they are absorbed through our skin so why would we be ok with using toxic chemicals.
4) What is something shocking you’ve learned about the beauty industry that you didn’t know before beginning your research for Rococo?
There have been so many! I think the fact that companies can use almost any ingredient in personal care products and don’t need to be transparent about the use of ingredients. Australia does have great standards for beauty and personal care products but we all internet shop and we have the choice to purchase products from overseas where the standards are not necessarily the same.
5) How do you start your day? What does a normal day look like for you?
I start my day between 5:30 am and 6:30 am depending on how long my son decides to let me sleep. I’m a working mum, with a relatively new business so everyday looks a bit different for me at the moment. Typically Rocco has breakfast and then we go for a walk to the beach, get a coffee and mentally prepare for the day. When my amazing parents and parents in law take care of my baby I’m at the studio packing orders, preparing social media posts, responding to customers, retailers and suppliers, and filling bottles of oil. I am super hands-on and need to be involved in everything!
In some form or another, I am working on the brand every day, even weekends. It’s busy but it’s my passion so I wouldn’t have it any other way! Once Rocco is put to bed, when I have the time, I take a minute for myself and have a glass of wine in our backyard. If I haven’t passed out already. Being grateful for your life, achievements and the little wins is really important to me and something I haven’t always done well, so acknowledging the things that I am proud of and grateful is something I try to practice in my day today, even if I only say it to myself.
6) What’s your favorite product in the line?
This is such a tough question! I love them all for different reasons, but I would say at this very moment it’s our new product Solar, which is a luminous body glow oil. It gives you a beautiful subtle glow, a hint of color and is truly wonderful your skin – the oil blend aids moisture retention, promotes skin elasticity, is an important source of plant collagen and squalene, to keep your skin healthy, smooth, hydrated and soft.
7) How do you use Rococo?
I use Rococo every day. In the morning post-shower, while still damp I apply the oil all over my face and body. If I have just washed my hair I also rub Rococo through the ends. Then I use our Rococo Baby Oil in my bath each night because the lavender essential oil in the blend is just so dreamy and relaxing.
8) What is some of the best advice you’ve been given?
To keep pushing every day. Even when you don’t want to, even when you don’t feel like it. There is no replacement for hard work and consistency. Also to be authentic, people are savvy and you can just tell when a person, brand or business is not being true to who they really are.
9) How did you overcome any challenges you’ve faced in your career? What’s your advice on picking yourself back up?
I think it goes back to the advice of just keep pushing. If you believe in where you are going or what you are doing then eventually that will shine through. We all face rejection and setbacks in life, It’s inevitable I think the way you bounce back is important. Be focused on the end goal but not necessarily how you get there. If you come up against the wall look at it from another way and think of another path to get around the obstacle.
10) How do you handle being a boss? What are some of your tips for commanding a room, organization, creativity, time management, etc?
I never think of my self as a boss, but I love to hear it! I think it’s about preparation, knowledge, and organization. If you are prepared in advance, have done your research and thought ahead … Then half the job is done, and from that comes confidence. Which I believe is always important when commanding a room. As the boss, you are the leader of your employees, company, and vision. For your staff to have confidence in you are where you going you need to have confidence in yourself. Also, self-motivation is key! You are the one driving your dream so you have to make sure you keep the momentum up!
While you’re here, make sure you check out our interview with the founder of Be Social, Ali Grant.
