Who are you?
Jennifer Smyth is the director and founder of THEE® Australia, a boutique company designed to simplify beauty routines through luxurious products like the bestselling hydrate and renew face cream and now also 100% pure mulberry silk pillowslips and eye masks.
Prior to establishing THEE® Australia, Jennifer co-founded Sydney’s famous Smyth & Fitzgerald (S&F) Hair and Beauty Salon in the early 1990s which revolutionised the synergy between Hair and Beauty in Double Bay for 12 years. S&F became an enormous success, creating a celebrity following and gaining the interest of local and international media. Travelling nationally and internationally to industry events through her profession, Jennifer’s passion for the beauty industry grew and started her research into beauty formulations and development.
Tell us about your business and your product?
THEE® Australia was established in Sydney to simplify beauty routines with the bestselling hydrate and renew face cream. I started this quest when I could not find a rich hydrating cream which delivered results. I have now complimented THEE hydrate & renew with 100% pure mulberry silk pillowslips and eye masks.
THEE® Cream: THEE Cream works on multiple levels, targeting hydration, cell renewal, and fine lines as well as having brightening and soothing properties. It is a complete face cream sourced from the finest ingredients from around the world including Sea Kelp, Peptides, Orange plant stem cells, Ceramides and Niacinamide, then manufactured locally in Sydney. It is an intensively rich and nourishing cream with the slightest fragrance of an ocean breeze.
THEE® Pillowslips: THEE luxurious silk pillowslips are made from 100% 25 Momme pure mulberry silk which helps to maintain your skins natural moisture levels and unlike conventional pillowcases, pure silk pillowslips will not absorb your face cream. The silk pillowslips are also gentle on your hair, prevents bed-head and helps preserve your hair do. THEE® luxurious pillowslips are made from the highest grade silk confirming to international certification OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 which ensures the best quality for maximum results.
THEE® Eye masks: luxurious silk eye masks aid in the prevention of wrinkles and puffy eyes by blocking excess light and maintaining natural moisture around your eyes while you rest. THEE® eye masks are a quality product made from 100% 25 Momme pure Mulberry silk. THEE® luxurious eye masks are made from the highest grade silk confirming to international certification OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 which ensures the best quality for maximum results.
What inspired you to get started?
There were three main goals that inspired the creation of THEE® Australia.
The first was to develop a highly effective luxurious face cream which was so hydrating and gentle on the skin that it ended the need for different creams for the eyes and face, which simplifies beauty routines.
The second was to be a role model for my children. My children have watched me develop a cream, start a company and then branch into the sales and marketing. There have been many successes and failures along the way and it’s important for their personal growth to see the ‘behind the scenes hard work.’
Finally, I wanted to incorporate a sense of mindfulness into a daily beauty routine, because our lives are busy and we rarely have time to take a deep breath and relax, without feeling self- guilt. THEE® Ritual was developed in association with THEE® Cream’s application to create a few minutes of mindfulness each day.
THEE Ritual:
Indulge THEE® time. Take the time for you – only a few minutes each day.
Apply THEE® cream. Warm the cream between your fingertips. Tap the cream lightly with upward strokes, gently massaging any excess into your skin. You should not feel guilty about a simple self-gift.
Breathe THEE® effect. Take the time to breathe and enjoy the delicate fragrance of an ocean breeze.
Soothe THEE® senses. Allow yourself to feel the benefits as THEE® cream is absorbed into your skin.
Love THEE® skin. Your skin shows your life journey. THEE® cream, used regularly, can soften, nourish and rejuvenate your skin to make your skin look its best.
What motivates you?
Passion Drive and Knowledge. Initially I was trying to find a face cream that had all the qualities that I liked – thick and moisturising. I tried many brands on the market, but I soon discovered that what I wanted was not easily available. So, I hooked up with a Chief formulations chemist and the initial formulation development began. I also went back to the knowledge I gained through the international trade shows, plus I spent many nights on the web researching the latest ingredients and facial products and then I bounced my findings with the experts I had engaged in the field to help.
What is your goal?
I have actually achieved my goal to simplify beauty routines through luxurious products like the bestselling hydrate and renew face cream and 100% pure mulberry silk pillowslips and eye masks. Now, I am market ready and into the exciting phase two of the business plan
What has been your greatest achievement to date?
My children (still a work in progress) and also moving to Australia solo at the age of 18.
What were you doing before you went into business for yourself?
Prior to this business, I had many years in the hair and beauty industry, both in the United Kingdom and then my own salon in Smyth & Fitzgerald in Double Bay.
After the birth of my 2 beautiful daughters their father suffered a life changing illness and I found myself as the sole single parent. So, in my children’s formative years I concentrated on being a full-time mother, juggling not only school and other activities, but also ensuring that when appropriate, that the girls got to regularly visit and had quality time with their ailing father.
When the girls reached school age, I was then able to concentrate on my own personal and professional development. I joined Toastmasters and am currently the president of my local Toastmasters group and I also participated in several networking opportunities, which introduced me to a range of wonderful and fascinating people. These skills and networks have greatly assisted me.
During the times when you feel overwhelmed or unsure, what helps you get back on track?
When I feel overwhelmed or I lose direction I check in with my 3 key smart and great pals
1/ Sue is a professional photographer and website designer and she enthusiastically offered to take THEE online and she still provides beautiful images and website updates. A true blessing of a supportive friend.
2/ My cousin Annabel from the UK has taken up residency in Australia and she is a social media advisor and has taken THEE to Facebook and Instagram. She is amazing and we have so much fun bouncing ideas and projecting into the future. I love our time together.
3/ A school mum and pal is a corporate communicator, Maggie has provided advice on the importance of language and enabling a public dialogue. She is patiently supporting me in the art of writing! Very patiently!!
Who inspires you?
Capable people! People who seem to balance their work/life and outwardly remain happy and positive.
Some of the people who have helped me in my journey have totally motivated and inspired me.
I have a number of strong women, established within their fields, willing to impart their knowledge and helped shape my path. This seems to be part of my story – I find fabulous professional women that are not only experts in their field, but enthusiastic about my project and what I want to achieve.
I am blessed not only with the expertise that is around me, but with the time and effort everyone has devoted to trying to help me and making my business better.
I am honored to have several trusted advisors whom I turn to for different elements of my life and business.
As I’ve matured I’ve learnt to be able to reach out and ask for help and support. Everyone has their own strengths and expertise and I like to turn to several people to get support.
As a working mum how do you find calm in the chaos?
At times my life is hectic, but I always have time for a house full of laughter. I often have friends over and family who visit, so I love surrounding myself with positive, vibrant people. The family pets also play a huge role and their unconditional love play a huge role in our family.
What do you do to relax and unwind?
I do like to take time out to still my mind, I am very spiritual and like to meditate regularly to give me some space from the noise.
What have you learnt?
I have learnt that while we are capable of great things as individuals, when we work together we can achieve amazing things. We need to put ourselves out there and ask, but when we do, great things can happen.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Always strive to maintain your independence, Work hard and stay focused.
There will be failings, but push through, as through pain comes growth.
Some of the failings may often lead onto far superior results than previous anticipated.
So, have faith, hold tight, and enjoy the ride!
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“The Key for Me” will motivate and empower by supporting you to find the keys to set in motional goals and aspirations to help you make a better life for yourself.