Smart Cookie: Anna Chatburn, Founder Of Azur Pure

1)  Could you tell us a little about yourself and what’s your business about?

Nature has always been a huge passion for me; I love being in the ocean and walking in the bush. Azur Pure Skincare started in 2018 when I wanted a natural effective face wash and moisturiser with refill options and not packaged in plastic. I couldn’t find one, so Azur was born. At the time I had a full-time marketing job at an innovation consultancy. I started Azur on Bondi Beach Markets with just four products – a face wash and moisturiser, and body wash and lotion. It was really well-received and grew from there.

2)      Do you have a morning routine? If so, what is it you do to set yourself up for the day ahead?

My mornings vary depending on how I feel when I get up. If it’s not raining, I almost always go outside onto the back deck to stretch and get some daylight to wake me up. Our back garden looks onto trees and it always makes me smile. I’ve been aiming to start the day with movement more – yoga, pilates or a walk – but sometimes I just don’t feel like it so I don’t force myself. Some days I go straight to my desk then go for a walk or swim later. 

Australian Natural Eco-friendly skincare

3)      Why did you choose to go sustainable and eco-friendly?

When I couldn’t find all the skincare products I wanted in non-plastic, refillable packaging I decided to create my own! My love of nature really fuelled my desire to set up an ocean-friendly skincare business as I’ve seen so much waste and pollution on beaches and in the ocean. I’ve used natural and organic skincare products since I was a teenager. I first became interested in environmental issues at 7 years old, and went on to work in marketing in the environmental sector in London for six years. I am motivated by making a difference in the world.

4)      What was the hardest part of starting your own business?

Wearing all the hats can be tough, as there are so many conflicting priorities. It can also be hard to keep focus and prioritise with so many things on the to-do list. Having so much freedom is great, but then making decisions and reigning in my ideas can be challenging as sometimes I want to do ALL the things!

Hydrating Hand Cream with Rose, Beetroot & Guava

5)     One book and/or documentary everyone should read/watch? Why?

A Plastic Ocean. It really brings home why disposable plastic packaging is not a responsible choice.
I get business ideas and inspiration from all sorts of places and it’s always fascinating getting insights from different types of businesses so I find books, films and podcasts about business founders can be really inspiring.

One random series I really enjoyed is ‘Peter Jones Meets’ – it’s really old and you can find it on YouTube – Peter Jones is an English entrepreneur and he interviews and follows high profile business owners from successful brands I knew as a teenager in England like Lush, Innocent Smoothies and San Tropez. It really gets into the minds of the business owners and I love seeing how they started and grew.

6)       Best piece of advice you have ever received?

So many to choose from! There isn’t one that’s the best, so I’ll list a few;

Just start!

Persevere – just keep going

Done is better than perfect (helps with perfectionism)

To find out more about Azur Pure CLICK HERE!