29 Comments Add your own

• 1. Kara  |  September 23rd, 2008 at 11:21 am

  Hi Sam, what did you do before starting your own brand?

• 2. Sam Sample  |  September 23rd, 2008 at 1:04 pm

  Hi Kara, the short version to your quesiton is … before starting Be Genki I was studying various disciplines of health and wellbeing, including Nutrition, Aromatherapy, Physical Education, Vipassana Meditation, Skin Care, MakeUp Artistry and Image Training. On the side I was helping other people build their businesses, then one day I thought … “instead of helping other people to build their businesses, why don’t I take the leap and start developing my own”.

• 3. Kara  |  September 23rd, 2008 at 4:42 pm

  Nice to read your story and sounds like you done well! How long did it take for you from starting your own until succeeding by the way?

• 4. G  |  September 23rd, 2008 at 6:14 pm

  are you always this happy?

• 5. F  |  September 23rd, 2008 at 10:41 pm

  I’ve taken a strong interest to alternative health practises and a more holistic approach to my lifestyle in recent years, however am living on a tight budget and find the healthier option alot more expensive. How do you weigh up the balance of costs and health, especially when you cannot afford it? Obviously my health is of utmost importance but I find it difficult. I am not by any means extravagant in my spending, but with so much advertising and new research, do this, eat that, use this cream, buy organic etc etc I find I do struggle.

• 6. Sam Sample  |  September 26th, 2008 at 7:43 am

  Kara: Oh, thank you. Very sweet of you to say that.
  I first started thinking about the concept in 2002. It took 4 years before I had a tangible product. I hope that answers your question.

  G: Hmmm… always… definitely not. I have my sad, angry, disappointed and stressful moments. But I now know how to manage those negatives so that they don’t linger for too long. I like to think that I don’t hold on to things anymore, and just accept that nothing is permanent. If I’m really angry, I take myself down to the beach, jump in the surf and leave all that negative energy in the ocean, or I go to the gym and sweat it out.

• 7. Sam Sample  |  September 26th, 2008 at 7:55 am

  F: That’s great that you have taken a more holistic approach. I understand your concern, as I too spend a ridiculous amount of money on supplements, organice foods, massages, yoga classes etc. But if you really think about it and prioritise what it is you really require then it might not be that expensive after all. There is an endless list of alternative health practices that I would LOVE to put in to my weekly rituals, but I simply can’t afford it either, so I do the best that I can, with what I have, and then every month I treat myself to one of the things that I am interested in (such as massages, beauty treatments).
  Might be an idea not to “buy in” to all the advertising too. I agree that it can be quite daunting with all the mixed messages that we receive across all forms of media. At the end of the day, all those companies are trying to do, is to sell you their product. Instead, you could ask your self what it is that you truly require, and what it is that would help you to become healthier and happier, and simplify your lifestyle to suit your own needs.
  On the flipside, think of all th money you save by not buying cigarettes, alcohol, processed foods etc. Have you ever noticed how expensive processed supermarket food is?

• 8. Jessica  |  September 26th, 2008 at 3:39 pm

  Hi Sam,

  Are you able to give any advice for my mixed skin? Have oily forehead but dry patches on my face - looks horrible when I try to cover up with foundation and no face cream seems to solve either problems.

  Jess

• 9. Sam Sample  |  September 28th, 2008 at 8:21 pm

  Hi Jess,
  I would recommend Argan Oil for your face. I know it may sound scary applying oil to the face when you have oily skin on your forehead but it really does work wonders. Many people freak out at the thought of applying oil to the face, thinking that it will exacerbate problem, but the reality is that it is completely dependant on the type of oil you apply. Applying mineral oils (a by-product in the distillation of petroleum) to your face will most likely exacerbate acne, but oils such as Argan Oil will work with your skin’s natural physiology and help restore your skin’s natural glow.
  Pure Argan Oil is enriched with vitamins and essential fatty acids. It is renowned for being an excellent choice for helping with acne, eczema and is an excellent moisturiser. Therefore would be great to balance out your skin and help with both your oily forehead and dry patches.
  Argan Oil helps to reduce scars and wrinkles too.
  After cleansing your skin apply a few drops to your clean face in the morning and evening.

• 10. Jessica  |  September 29th, 2008 at 9:56 pm

  Thanks so much for the tip, Sam! Never realised there are so many types of oils…

  Jess

• 11. Nico  |  September 29th, 2008 at 10:46 pm

  Sam - are your products for both men and women? Speaking of which, do men and women really need different products or that is just a marketing trick?

• 12. Sam Sample  |  September 30th, 2008 at 10:34 am

  Jess, my pleasure. Hope it helps.
  And yes… there are an unbelievable number of oils out there, and so many beneficial ones for all sorts of conditions. So please feel free to fire any more questions at me.

• 13. Sam Sample  |  September 30th, 2008 at 10:52 am

  Hi Nico, as our current Be Genki range is purely for Bath, Body and Home, all products are suitable for men and women, although men tend to go for the Vitality range over the others (Tranquility, Serenity and Sensuality). I’m not sure whether it’s the word Vitality that entices men, or the fact the Vitality scent is a blend of peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus and rosemary – very fresh and invigorating.

  It’s perfectly ok for men and women to use the same products for body and face, it’s just a case of finding the right range for you though. What may be “right” for your girlfriend/wife may not necessarily be “right” for you. So… no, you’re not being tricked by marketing as men do have different needs to women when it comes to skin care. And I guess there’s a tendency for men to not spend as much time thoughtfully choosing skin care products.

  For the body, men tend to be more prone to rough and dry patches of skin on the elbows, knees, and heels. Therefore you’ll need an extra nourishing and rich cream for these areas. Our Be Genki Hand Cream is ideal for these rough patches, as it is packed full of highly moisturizing ingredients.

  For the face, men tend to have more collagen and elastin in their skin, meaning… they have thicker and firmer skin than women do. Men also tend to come into more contact with the natural elements: the sun, pollution, and debris than women do. That’s why it’s SO important for men to wash their face every night to get rid of these harmful particles that collect on their face, eventually clogging up their pores. On top of washing the face each day it’s also important for men to give their pores a deep cleaning once a week, and especially if you’re a man that has oily skin and sweats a lot.

  I hope that helps clear things up a bit.

• 14. Kerri L  |  September 30th, 2008 at 2:18 pm

  Sam, I’m reading with interest your tips about skin care and thought I pop my burning question to you (literally speaking!) I always have the problem that I get acne from sunscreen on the face yet I do need it to protect from getting burnt!!

  What should I look for in a facial protection that won’t give me bad skin this summer? Thanks in advance for any advice!

• 15. Sam Sample  |  September 30th, 2008 at 10:18 pm

  Kerri…. I completely understand your concern. For many years I never used to wear sunscreen as I hated what it did to my skin. I hated the smell of it. Hated the aftereffects of applying it (pimples) and hated the fact that it is not natural at all. My opinion is that I preferred to stay a la natural as opposed to coating a toxic cocktail of chemicals to my skin each day. That alll changed recently when I was introduced to a sunscreen by RESULTS Rx (Reflect Rx Moisturising Antioxidant Spray SPF15). I use it everyday on my face and it is AMAZING. Doesn’t leave my skin oily, doesn’t smell toxic, doesn’t contain a whole lot of unnecessary toxic ingredients and doesn’t aggravate my skin at all. It comes in a spray bottle too, so is really easy to apply. It is on the expensive side though, as a bottle will set you back approximately $80. I got mine from SKIN by Scott + Sullivan in Sydney (IVY, Palings Lane, just off George Street).
  Another really good sunscreen that is a LOT more affordable and one that I use regularly too (especially on my body) is SOLEO SUNSCREEN SPF 30+. It’s approx. $25 for a bottle and is really really good. Same as the other one in that it shouldn’t aggravate or clog up your skin, so you shouldn’t have that problem of acne after applying it. Soleo is available from most good Health Food Stores. I’m pretty sure Macro Wholefoods is a stockist. Or else you can purchase online from www.nontoxiclife.com.au UV NATURAL is another good one, but I have foundit to be quite greasy. It hasn’t ever given me oily skin as an after effect oranything else like that… but the consistency is a lot oiler than the SOLEO one.
  The active ingredients that you should look for in a sunscreen are ZINC OXIDE or TITANIUM OXIDE. Both are particularly good because of their ability to filter UVA as well as UVB light, giving broader protection than other sunscreening agents. Hope that helps.

• 16. Sam Sample  |  September 30th, 2008 at 10:25 pm

  Kerri… I forgot to also mention that we’re in the process of developing an all -natural Be Genki sunscreen that will be kind to your skin… ie: no oily after effects, no sensitivity issues, no toxic synthetic ingredients etc. I am hoping to launch it by mid-2009.

• 17. Kerri L  |  October 1st, 2008 at 1:50 pm

  Hi again, Sam! Thanks for your response and will keep your tips in mind I hope mecho will post up when your own product is available too!

• 18. Jeremy B  |  October 1st, 2008 at 10:15 pm

  Hello Sam - where/how do you manufacture your products? Do you have your own developers/research team that invent the products or you create them from your own expertise? Always wondered how organic beauty products are done!

• 19. Sam Sample  |  October 3rd, 2008 at 11:22 am

  Hello Jeremy B.
  We manufacture our products in Sydney. I decided to use a third party lab to physically make the products based on my specifications. The cost for me to set up a lab with all the testing equipment was far too great, so I use a very reputable manufacturer that sources exceptional quality ingredients for me and they make our products using the latest equipment. They also have a very strong environmentally friendly philosophy so the partnership works really well for me and Be Genki.

  I created the 4 Be Genki oil blends - Vitality, Tranquility, Serenity and Sensuality - a few years ago based on what essential oils I thought would best help to target and improve the respective states of mind. I also had to consider the scent as some oils don’t smell that great, despite their fabulous therapuetic benefits.

  In respect to the base ingredients for each product… I approached a scientist to help formulate the ingredients of some of the products, but then there were other products that I was comfortable developing myself.

  Some companies make the products themselves though. It’s purely a personal choice. I felt it would be better for me to utilise my time with the marketing and sales of the business and leave the manufacturing to a highly professional and reputable lab to ensure that Be Genki products are of the highest quality and remain stable etc.

• 20. Mon  |  October 3rd, 2008 at 3:57 pm

  Sam,

  People like you make me look at myself and go what am I doing to improve my life and actually something I want to do!? I admire how you have managed to establish yourself and being successful out of something you enjoy by staying true to yourself. The scary part for me is that I’m currently in a position I always thought I wanted to be, in a corporate job making lots of money and doing what I do best but tell you the truth, I’m not really enjoying it. I am in a comfort zone where I’m not willing to take the financial risk of quitting and doing something of my own.. Maybe one day I say to myself!

  Mon

• 21. Sam Sample  |  October 3rd, 2008 at 6:31 pm

  Hi Mon, thank you for your lovely words. You’re a sweetheart. I’m so thrilled to hear that my story inspires you to look at your life and question whether you’re doing something that you want to do. For the past few years I have been making a conscious effort to check in with my self every now and then to have a look at the lifestyle choices I am making to ensure that I am staying true to myself and making this lifetime the best one possible for me. I was, however, in a similar to position to you prior to starting Be Genki… in a comfort zone and afraid to take the risk. I was busy helping other people grow their businesses and not focusing on my dreams. A lot of people tried to tell me that I was crazy to enter into the cosmetics industry and create a new brand.. so much competition, too risky blah blah blah… and for a while there I was letting their “point of view” dominate my desire to do what I wanted to do, but in the end I had to do it… or I would have spent my whole life wondering “what if?” And it’s not that I regret any of my past choices regarding business as the things I learnt in previous roles has helped me with developing Be Genki. It did take me 3 years of umming and ahhhhing to actually start the business too, so please don’t be too hard on yourself. Maybe this part of your life is meant to be the time when you enjoy that big fat paycheck, and then in a few days, weeks, or years, you may wake up and go “hey… this is not working for me anymore… think I might change my life and do something different.”
  xSam

• 22. mecho team  |  October 6th, 2008 at 8:50 pm

  Moshi moshi, Sam et al!

  mecho is going Japanese from mid-Oct

  We would love if you could share with us what you think we should check out in Japan by adding comments to our post online. Yes, we want your own little black book this time!

  Add your comments here:
  http://www.mecho.com.au/blog/mecho-is-going-japanese-%E2%80%93-share-your-little-black-book/

  Thanks and enjoy reading your blog immensely, Sam. All your advice makes us feel all fuzzy and nice inside.

  Keep blogging with Sam until she leaves us in two weeks time!

• 23. Mon  |  October 7th, 2008 at 6:18 pm

  Hi Sam,

  Thank you for your lovely words too! I’m recharged with new motivation and energy especially after a peaceful long weekend. Hope you had a nice one too?

  And mecho: have fun in Japan! Never been there but it’s on the list to travel absolutely.

  Mon

• 24. Sam Sample  |  October 8th, 2008 at 11:33 am

  Hi Mon,
  Great to hear!
  Yes I had a really lovely weekend - lots of swims at Bondi, chilling out with friends, catching up with family, reading magazines and I even managed to squeeze in a little work too. Oh… and the endless washing baskets of hand washing that I managed to get through too. I recently was told that silk and cashmere are two fabrics that adjust to your body temperature, therefore making them the perfect fabric for both summer and winter so I have begun a love affair with silk… and I now have all these lovely things made of silk… dresses, tops, underwear, skirts… the list goes on. It really is a beautiful fabric to have touching your skin, but a bit of a bugger that it all has to be handwashed. One afternoon a week is now dedicated to hand washing. Not quite sure why I am choosing to share this piece of information with you???
  Anyway, thank you for the feedback.
  x

• 25. Mon  |  October 13th, 2008 at 11:30 am

  Hi Sam,

  Well they say sharing is caring I think we all appreciate you sharing that piece of information. I hear your pain about washing silk or anything that needs handwashing for that matter! I have a similar thing with linen - love it in summer but hate ironing it..

  I got a message that this is your final week on this blog.. its been a treat chatting to you!

  Best,
  Mon

• 26. Rachel  |  October 14th, 2008 at 4:30 pm

  Hi Sam,

  How much do you think eating habits (yummy chocolate!!), stress, depression, external factors (weather and pollution, wrong facial products etc) impact on skin?

  I also often think some skin products are well over priced and you just paying for the brand. How much science is there really around everything?

  What is myth and what is true?

  Rachel

• 27. Sam Sample  |  October 15th, 2008 at 1:25 pm

  Hi Mon,
  I’d have to agree with you 100% re: the ironing thing too. It is one thing that I really don’t like doing and have been fortunate to have boyfriends in the past that have done my ironing for me. How did I get so lucky, huh?
  I’m seriously thinking about investing in one of those little hand hold steamers that clothing shops have. You just hang the garment on a coat hanger and steam it with a little hand hold thing. Joy!
  and … yes this is my last week. Lovely chatting to you too
  xsam

• 28. Sam Sample  |  October 15th, 2008 at 7:48 pm

  Hi Rachel,

  I think that eating habits, stress, depression, external factors (weather and pollution, unsuitable facial products) all play a HUGE role in the health of your skin. I don’t think that you can single out any of these factors as being more important than the other as each of them is as influential as the next.

  When addressing anything to do with health and wellbeing eg: skin health… I think it is important to treat the body holistically and address the physical, emotional and spiritual influences with equal importance.

  Our skin is our largest organ, protecting us from the outside world and reflecting our inner life. Therefore it is important to use natural products which complement the natural physiology of our skin, and make a conscious effort to be aware of what we consume. It if we are healthy on the inside then that will be reflected with a healthy glowing complexion on the outside.

  I could really go on and on and on about skin health and what it takes for a healthy glowing complexion… but I’ll give you a shortened down version so I don’t bore you to pieces.

  It’s the same old story… exercise regularly; drink an adequate amount of purified water each day; consume a diet based on organic wholefoods; avoid/limit your intake of all the nasties such as cigarettes, alcohol, processed foods and late nights; set aside some ‘YOU’ time each day/week to do something that you enjoy doing that’s also nourishing to your soul; take a moment each day to think of all the positive things that you have in your life. Smile.

  I’m all for the 90/10 rule too. Eating healthily 90% of the time makes me feel happy about indulging in all the naughty things the other 10% of the time. It’s all about balance isn’t it?

  And I agree with you 100% about some products being well over priced. Yes, more often than not, I think that you’re just paying for the brand, and all the money that that brand invests in advertising dollars. There are, however, some very good brands out there that have also invested a lot of money in to research and development and use very high quality ingredients which therefore will be reflected in the price of the end product. For example, Rose Otto essential oil has remarkable healing qualities, and is very expensive, so therefore this will be reflected in the price of the product, and you will be getting what you paid for. It’s a little too difficult to answer your question “what is myth and what is true” as it’s a different answer for each particular brand, and I am certainly not an expert on each and every brand out there. And every brand is different, some operate very ethically and do not mark up their prices exorbitantly. Guess, you’ve just got to find a brand that you trust and that works for YOU.

  In my opinion, the best products that you can use on your face and body are ones that complement the physiology of your skin (ie: they work in harmony with your body and support the growth and renewal of skin cells) Products that contain a high percentage of synthetic (man-made) ingredients have the potential to damage your skin by interfering with the natural processes of our body. For example, they strip your skin of all its natural oils, can exacerbate skin sensitivities, not to mention a number of the ingredients potentially being carcinogenic (ie: having cancer-causing properties). There is a lot of debate about this in the media at the moment and no doubt you’ve heard how bad petrochemicals, parabens and sulphates are for your skin. Some people may disagree with me in regards to how damaging man-made chemicals are. However, a lot of these chemicals are petroleum based and it’s basically like putting glad wrap on your skin… sure the moisture won’t get out and your skin may look soft and beautiful for a little while… but how on earth can you expect it to breathe and do what it needs to do, when it has a thin layer of plastic wrapped around it.

  Nature has so much to offer and there are so many beneficial plant oils that have far superior properties than synthetic chemicals, without the scary side effects. But I guess it all comes down to personal choice doesn’t it.

  The thing that realyl surprises me though… is that some people are happy to spend $50 a week on cigarettes or alcohol and then refuse to spend $40 on a good quality body product that lasts a month. Interesting choice huh?

  Hope I’ve anwered your questions and hope that I haven’t babbled on for too long.

  xSam

• 29. mecho team  |  November 29th, 2008 at 11:10 am

  mecho congratulates Sam on Be Genki’s 2nd Birthday and thank you for a lovely evening of celebration last week.

  The latest news is that the brand is going to London and we look forward to stay updated.

  Love your style! x

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