StyleNest talk to Rodial, Nip+Fab and Nip+Man founder Maria Hatzistefanis to find out how she balances parenthood, with running a successful business.
Having grown up in Greece, Maria first launched Rodial in 1999 after spotting a gap in the market during her career as a beauty journalist. With a demand for younger, smoother and fresher looking skin and a string of celebs fans such as Angelina Jolie and Victoria Beckham, Rodial bottles the benefits of cosmetic procedures without having to go under the knife.
You started your career as a beauty journalist. What first inspired you to launch Rodial?
I saw that there was a gap in the market to launch a really specific range for the face and body which mimicked the results of popular cosmetic procedures. There was nothing out there which really offered long-lasting and immediate results to common issues such as cellulite, pigmentation and deep set wrinkles, I wanted to create a range to fill this gap.
Rodial uses punchy names such as Bee Venom and Dragons Blood, what inspires you to think of such fun and forward thinking names?
It’s a mixture of wanting to make our products exciting and also highlighting the unique ingredients we use in our ranges. Dragon’s Blood is a coral sap sourced from a tree in the Amazon. It has amazing healing properties and we have based a whole range around this ingredient-why not name it after it?
What is your philosophy when it comes to formulating the products and selecting ingredients?
I work with our formulators to find the latest, cutting edge technology. I always want to use new and innovative ingredients; it is what our customers expect.
You started Rodial in 1999 and it is now a global brand stocked in over 30 countries worldwide. Did you ever predict the brand would grow to be such a success?
I think when you start your own business you just hope that ultimately it will be as successful as it can be. It has taken me time to build the brand to this level and I am truly blown away by the reception we have received. We have real die-hard fans and a long list of devoted celeb fans – it really is amazing.
You are a mum of two boys with a successful career. How do you juggle your busy schedule?
You just have to make it work when you are juggling so many things. I spend evenings and weekends with my boys, we always have fun.
You look great – what are your tips for a head-to-toe healthy look?
- Exercise – Make time to exercise daily, even if it is simple things such as taking a 20 minute walk in your lunch break, or taking the stairs rather than the lift. Every little helps.
- Diet – I try and have a really balanced diet and stop myself from snacking on chocolate and sweet treats. I have a bag of nuts by my desk if I get the urge to snack, they are healthy and really fill you up.
- Drink water. I know everyone says it but it really works to flush away the bad toxins in your body. I try to drink two litres a day.
- Feed your skin – The Rodial super food facial oil is my must-have to keep me looking healthy. Packed with vitamins and omegas, this oil keeps my skin nourished and glowing.
What are your top 5 Rodial products?
- Dragon’s Blood Mask keeps my skin plumped and hydrated when I travel.
- Turbo Shots – I am addicted to these energy boosters and I use them before and after I work out
- Glamstick in Revenge – I love this hot pink shade, it adds a punch of colour to any look.
- Stemcell Super Food cleanser as I love the texture of this cleanser, it removes all my make up and feels so indulgent.
- Bee Venom Moisturiser – I use this everyday as it really works to firm the skin and smells amazing.
Other than Rodial, what other products do you swear by?
I love to use MAC and Bobbi Brown, the colours and pigments are amazing.
How do you keep in shape with such a busy schedule?
I have a personal trainer who I see three times a week. I also try to do yoga as often as possible at home, along with running and long walks whenever possible.
Can you tell our readers about any exciting projects you are working on?
We have a really exciting launch coming out in the next few months, let’s just say it’s an alternative to a very popular facial treatment.
With the New Year approaching, what Rodial products would you recommend to our readers to help detox all the Christmas calories?
Our Superfit range is amazing for getting back into shape after Christmas. Along with our Turbo Shots we have Boob Job, Tummy Tuck, Arm Sculpt and Size Zero which work alongside exercise slim and tone the body.
What is your everyday skincare regime?
I cleanse with Glamtox Cleanser every morning and evening, followed by Bee Venom Moisturiser in the day and Glamtox Night in the evening. I use the Stemcell Super Food Facial oil before moisturising to give my skin a real dewy and healthy glow. I like to use the Glamoxy snake Mask once a week to tighten and unclog my skin of any impurities too.
Mums are often expected to be ‘supermum’. Do you think there is too much pressure on women to be perfect at everything?
No I think that it’s all about balance. When you have a busy lifestyle you have to get used to sacrifice, whether that’s in the office or at home.
You have a huge celeb following. How did Rodial make its way onto the red carpet?
I was asked to provide products for the Oscar gift bags several years ago and through that the products got into the hands of several major A-List celebs such as Angelina Jolie, and even Tom Cruise. Since then we have celebrity agents calling in products for their clients on a regular basis. Our fan base ranges from Victoria Beckham, Eve Mendes to Cheryl Cole and Emma Stone.
What advice would you give to our readers who want to set up their own business?
In my case I would suggest really thinking about a great product or service that is not already available. It takes a really innovative idea to make a business work and grow.
When you’re not working, how do you relax?
I actually find gentle exercise such as yoga a great way to clear my mind and helps me to relax.
Women often neglect their skin after a night out. What is the quickest most effective way to remove makeup fast and cleanse efficiently?
Our Dragon’s Blood Cleansing Water is a quick and easy way to cleanse the skin and remove make-up when you have limited time. Not only does it clean the face, it also hydrates and nourishes.
Visit www.rodial.co.uk