Celebrating International Women's Day

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we spoke to some of Tropic's leading ladies about the women that inspire them, and how their roles at Tropic are helping to create a healthier, greener, more empowered world.

Susie Ma, Tropic Founder

When did you launch Tropic?
I sold my first Tropic product when I was just 15 years old. It all started when my mum and I moved from Tropical North Queensland to England and were struggling to make ends meet. It was then I began selling a homemade body scrub, made from a family recipe, at a stall at Greenwich Market on the weekends to help contribute towards the bills. It was a huge success and in 2011, I officially launched the business, and in 2013, we launched our social selling platform with 400 founding Ambassadors. Since then, Tropic has grown; we now have over 100 products spanning skincare, hair care, body care and makeup, and that original body scrub is now our best selling Body Smooth Refreshing Polish. Our family of Ambassadors has grown to over 12,000 beauty business owners, who all work with us towards our infinite purpose.

Which women inspire you and why?
A very important lady in my life is my grandmother. I was born in Shanghai and lived with my grandparents until I was eight years old. My grandmother was a medicinal chemist and toxicologist, so she understood the effects harsh chemicals have on our bodies. This meant that we lived by her mantra of ‘natural is always best’. Without her wisdom I don’t think I would have been so intrigued by what natural ingredients can really do for the skin. She’s an incredible woman, and I have so many good memories with her.  

As well as my grandmother, I’m continuously inspired by our team of Ambassadors. Without their dedication and drive, Tropic wouldn’t be the business it is today.

What is your favourite Tropic product and why?
It’s hard to choose, but my favourite Tropic products are the Smoothing Cleanser Complexion Purifier and the Super Greens Nutrient Boost Oil. Our cleanser is a daily dose of nostalgia for me as the eucalyptus essential oil always takes me back to my upbringing in Australia! Plus, it effortlessly melts away makeup and impurities, and makes for the ultimate relaxing ritual after a long day. Super Greens is my go-to when my skin needs a pick-me-up; it's packed full of nutrient-rich extracts and oils that really boost the skin's natural defences and leave it looking super healthy.

Amy Warburton, Product Development Manager

Which women inspire you and why? 
Without a doubt, Susie inspires me. I spend so much time with her day to day yet I’m constantly surprised by her capacity to learn new concepts and manage complex parts of the business with what seems like endless energy. Simply put, she’s made me a better person, just by being her. 
Having an art background, Yoko Ono is also a real inspiration for me She’s overlooked due to her connection with John Lennon, but her art is groundbreaking and she’s still such a strong activist and philanthropist.

What is your favourite Tropic product & why? 
I have too many favourite products but Summer Goddess Shimmering Body Oil holds a special place in my heart as this was one of the first products that I helped formulate in our lab. Summer is my favourite time of the year and I love wearing Summer Goddess all over as soon as the sun comes out.

 

Chantelle Morris, HR and HS Coordinator 

Which women inspire you and why? 

Reese weatherperson- for opening her own production company in a male dominated industry with women based films and proving the stats that you don't need a male lead to get good ratings and succeed

What is your favourite Tropic product & why? 

Pure Lagoon as it's completely cleared my acne prone skin and boosted my confidence.

 

Abi Chastney, Ambassador Marketing Administrator

Which women inspire you and why? 
My Grandma inspired me because she was like kindest, most generous woman I knew. She was a second mum to me and I always found myself looking to her for life advice and support. 

What is your favourite Tropic product & why? 
Fruit Peel for its AMAZING fruity smell and how it turns my dull, tired looking skin into fresh, soft looking skin by the time I wake up in the morning!

 

Laura Scougall, Technical Compliance Officer  

Which women inspire you and why? 
Rihanna, she is sassy and doesn't care what anybody thinks of her, plus she walks everywhere with a glass of wine in her hand!

What is your favourite Tropic product & why? 
I love Whipped Body Velvet because it feels so luxurious on my skin and keeps me feeling moisturised for hours on end. Also, Hair Feast as it keeps my Curls popping! I use it as a leave-in conditioner rather than a hair treatment and I haven't looked back

 

Mica Benjamin, Ambassador Support 

Which women inspire you and why? 
My mum. She is the strongest, most resilient woman I know. She has shown me what it means to be an independent woman and she never gives up on anything she sets her mind to!

What is your favourite Tropic product & why? 
Nourishing Hair Cleanser - changed my life! Washing afro hair can be sooo long and this has cut down the time it takes, makes detangling super easy, keeps my hair soft and my soothes my scalp!

 

Rebecca Goodman, Office Administrator  

Which women inspire you and why? 
My friend Thuy, she’s such a kind person and takes genuine interest in getting to know others!

What is your favourite Tropic product & why?
I have so many! If I had to choose one, then Clear Skin; it's helped calm my skin down, and my face feels amazing after using it!

 

Katie Hau, Technical Compliance Assistant

Which women inspire you and why? 
Both my grandmothers.... coming to the UK to better the lives of their children (and subsequently grandchildren) without any ounce of English but with determination and hope for a better future.

What is your favourite Tropic product & why? 
Body Love- it soaks in super fast and it reminds me of lemon meringue 

 

What does International Women's Day mean to you? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram