For 20 years Andrew Brown and Anna Addicoat lived a city lifestyle. Brown bought and transformed Sydney pub East Village Hotel then served as Mosman's deputy mayor while Addicoat worked in merchandising for 20th Century Fox and Channel Nine. Now, the entrepreneurial couple produces a successful range of organic skincare, having turned their back on city life to farm and live off the land.
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During her first pregnancy, Addicoat developed severe skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema but was unable to buy suitable skincare. So Brown was inspired to create natural products that might help. "Anna loved them and in her 'Martha Stewart' way would make them to give away as gifts," says Brown.
The couple recognised a business opportunity in creating high-level organic skincare that was Australian-made and cruelty-free. They dedicated four years to developing products, assisted by their in-house cosmetic scientist, who they say is one of the best in the natural and organic field. Last year the couple finally launched their range, People for Plants, with products now available nationally in 1200 stores. "We thought it was going to be a little online thing," says Brown.
"Then before we knew it, we had the biggest order Priceline had ever placed in that category." Also available in David Jones and Terry White Pharmacies, the brand recently received a Glosscars award for Best Night Cream in Australia. When Brown and Addicoat first developed their idea, they approached TV personality and friend of 15 years, Jamie Durie to see if he wanted to be involved. With his passion for connecting people with plants, it was a perfect fit.
"This range gives me the opportunity to put together everything that I've learnt about plants and horticulture from around the world to help develop a beautiful range of skincare products that works," says Durie. The process however is not without challenges. Each product takes a year in development and must comply with Australian Certified Organic. "People shy away from organic because it's expensive, it's difficult and you've got to be audited every year," says Brown. However he and Addicoat are not deterred, creating high-level organic skincare that is affordable, easily available and as good as other products on the market.
"It's proving successful because when people get it in their hand, they love it," says Brown. "And it's winning awards so we're doing something right."
As the couple's venture took shape, their personal life mirrored the journey.
Years ago, Brown and Addicoat purchased a deserted 20-acre farm on the Hawkesbury River as a weekender. This became the ideal location to base the business until the couple decided to have a 'seed change' and move in permanently with their four children. Now a thriving farm, the property produces most of the family's food while offering the children a 'Tom Sawyer' existence. "The farm is pretty much paddock to plate," says Brown who grows an array of vegetables, herbs and fruit trees and tends to livestock while Addicoat cooks, preserves and pickles up a storm.
This idyllic lifestyle reflects the couple's brand and philosophy, one inspiring the other, however there is little downtime. "It's hard work, I've got the business, the kids and the farm," says Brown. "And Anna's more active than I am; I try to stay fit just to keep up with her." Prompted by personal need, this couple created a range of products they felt was important and with growing interest here and overseas, it is clear that others feel the same. Plus it changed their lifestyle for the better. "We're really lucky,' says Brown. "We've been blessed."
