'Do What You Love' Interview with Elizabeth Barbalich

Elizabeth Barbalich is the woman behind the environmentally responsible skin care brand, Antipodes. With an education background and career in science combined with a desire to provide women with high quality organic and natural beauty products, Elizabeth has managed to build a strong team around her to reach success for the Antipodes brand. I’m a fan of the whole range – its fresh scents, organic and natural products and its elegant green packaging that is inspired by New Zealand nature. It’s a privilege to feature the creator and director of such a respected brand, in this interview Elizabeth talks more about her favourite Antipodes products, amazing time management secrets, what inspires her and also tips for those who want to start their own business.

 

Name: Elizabeth Barbalich
Role / Job: Company Director

Brief background of what you do: Strategic planning for all 10 markets, business development and new product development.

Main projects / tasks that keep you busy?: Strategies, concepts and new product formulation – most of which are 18months from conception to market.

Affiliates + greatest personal & professional achievements: Being the recipient of multiple brand product awards is a humbling and fantastic achievement for myself and the highly dedicated Antipodes team!

How did you get into your work and what attracted you to that industry? I identified a gap in the market for scientifically Validated Organic Beauty products with an edge and potential culture. I have a background in science and a strong corporate marketing background,  so along with my genuine passion in natural health and raw foods, I was drawn to this sector of the beauty industry.

My personal favourite Antipodes product is the Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream, What are your ultimate must-have Antipodes products? 

Grapeseed Butter  Cleanser – spa in  a jar , every day double cleansing balm – I cannot live without this product! Plus  Apostle skin brightening & tone correcting serum to give my skin a daily boost of health and vitality, Hosanna H20 Intensive Skin Plumping Serum for additional water to my skin cells and to ward of dehydrating ( and accelerated ageing), plus Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream, for a hydrated and matt finish. Shall I stop now!?

Having to juggle different commitments, what are some of your time management secrets?

I write lists continually for home, for work, in fact for every aspect of my life. Items are ticked off as they are completed.

I utilise every single spare moment available, in fact I can now write a full business plan on a three-hour plane flight! Another  key time management secret is getting up early ( 5am), to ensure I have some exercise and down time, culling and minimizing social activities ( I base my friends contact as quality not quantity), and having extremely efficient home help ( I have two nannies and a separate cleaner). Plus a great husband helps, who is willing to help me achieve my dreams.

When you are feeling over whelmed, what is a self-care tip you would love to share?

I usually take out the cheque book and send money to a needy charity. This quickly helps put my feelings into perspective. Plus I believe if you are fortunate to  have the ability in life to help others, then it should be your duty to do so.

Other than this, I have a nice hot bath!

What is your dream day?

 Outside of work…

Getting up early, going for a long run with no traffic visible, heading out to my favourite café for breakfast and good coffee with my husband, reading a book uninterrupted, and spending time with my teenage kids.

What inspires you day-to-day?

 New formulations we are developing which produce impressive in-vitro results, – this gives us our scientific edge.

Any last words for those who want to start their own business / blog / take action on their dreams but do not know how to take that first step?

Spend two years researching the market and planning. Don’t expect things to happen overnight – they wont. Business is very  tough. Expect the unexpected.

Follow Antipodes on Twitter : @AntipodesNZ
“Like” them on Facebook : Antipodes on Facebook

Click the image below to read my beauty review of the newest products to the Antipodes skincare range!

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