Introduction
Looking back, I don’t think I ever imagined I would be part of a blended family of 7, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My Family Journey
Personally, I’ve given birth twice naturally (fun!), including one at home (extra fun!). Meanwhile, my husband was busy before I came into the picture too. And no, we’re not having any more!
My Childhood and Education
My own parents were what you might have called hippies. They were passionate about holistic education and health long before it was cool. They chose the Steiner School system for our education, which meant my brother and I benefited from a more flexible and agile style of learning and development. We loved it.
Seeing us thrive, their devotion to understanding Steiner philosophies and way of life only grew. Before too long, dad was teaching in the Steiner School, and mum was running a Steiner home for the disabled.
At home, we were also what you would call ‘alternative’. Mum later became an anthroposophical nurse, and you can only imagine the number of ‘experiments’ she administered. One of her greatest innovations ever was the Chamomile Compress, which I’m excited to be adding to Natural Mum in the future.
Alternative Lifestyle
We grew up with home-brewed Kombucha long before it was trendy, though I don’t remember it tasting as good as it does now. Not sure mum quite perfected the recipe!
Family Business Journey
With our school days behind us, dad was ready for a change and decided to take on the challenge of becoming the Australian distributor for a premium natural and organic brand, Dr. Hauschka Skin Care. As the business grew quickly, dad invited me to join. Before long, I was promoted to Brand Manager. I was so proud to represent this brand that fully aligned with my beliefs: high-quality, natural and organic, strong principles, and a leader in the natural skin care market.
New Beginnings
My first marriage ended when my two were small. Five years on, I met the love of my life, Johnny. What a plot twist! I knew life was never going to be boring after that, especially considering we would have four teenagers to parent at some stage (now!).
It wasn’t an easy decision, but soon after we met, I stepped away from my family business to focus on my blended family and Johnny’s business endeavors. Together, we opened new businesses, closed some, and continued to grow each year. We’re a great team, in business and in life!
Pursuing My Passion
After turning 40, I shared with Johnny my desire to do my own thing business-wise. I longed to focus my skills and experience on something I felt truly passionate about. Life begins at 40 after all!
It wasn’t just the special birthday, though. I wanted to set an example for my kids, for them to see me doing something I love, and be proud of me both as a mother and an independent woman.
The Birth of Natural Mum
With the seed sown and Johnny’s support, I began to imagine what would truly bring me joy and leverage my many years in business. Words like natural, organic, mum, community, and family danced in my mind.
In July this year, things got real as I began working towards launching my own online store, filled with natural and organic products for mums, their families, and the home, many of which I’ve used myself over the last 20 years.
Welcome to Natural Mum
Introducing Natural Mum. My vision is to help mums nourish and take care of themselves, their family, and home with beautiful natural and organic products and rituals. So that they can honor themselves as the incredible mum and inspirational woman they are, shining love and support to all those around them.
Welcome to Natural Mum, where you're invited to take care of yourself and your family with products that nurture your soul and the earth. Thank you for supporting our family business.
Much love,
Elisia Florio
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