From nurse to entrepreneur: Tasmanian skincare brand opens first storefront

A Tasmanian skincare brand founded by a former nurse has taken the next step in its growth journey with the opening of its first store.

Rowena Brazzill began experimenting with natural skin care products in 2008 while working as a nurse due to concerns about what she found in commercial products.

She started by making soap for her daughter’s school fair, which led her on a nearly twenty-year journey of discovery.

“When I started experimenting and making my first soap many years ago, I was shocked and horrified to learn about all the chemicals, synthetic colors and fragrances added to skin care products,” she told Pulse.

“So I came up with a mantra – let’s bring it back to nature.”

Brazzill began selling her new organic products online under the name Milie Organics, and in 2015 opened a stall in the Salamanca market, offering soaps, skin care products, bathroom products, baby products, essential oils and candles.

“Everything is made locally from ingredients such as Tasmanian olive oil and hemp seed oil, as well as local native plants,” she said.

Milie Organics products are currently sold in more than 10 retail stores across Tasmania, including Hobart and Launceston airports, with some products available interstate and in New Zealand.

The brand recently won two gold medals at the national Organic Beauty Awards 2024 for its collagen repair cream and hand cream.

Following national recognition, Brazzill took the plunge and opened a flagship store on Hampden Road at Battery Point in Hobart.

“I am thrilled to be investing not only in my business, but also in the Tasmanian economy. Hopefully this will lead to increased production which will support other local businesses and create more jobs.”

The Tasmanian success story’s first physical store is now open seven days at 46 Hampden Road, Battery Point, and Brazzill still delivers its products to Salamanca Market every Saturday.