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A personal health journey was the catalyst for Beatrice’s career pivot. Below, we speak candidly with the general manager and co-founder of Eve on shame, hormone health, and finding balance in life.
Where did you grow up and where are you currently based?
I was born in Dorset, England. I’ve lived in Wales, Italy and Germany but moved to New Zealand in 2015 and have lived in Tāmaki Makaurau ever since.
Tell us about your career to date?
I started my career working in HR & leadership in digital marketing and advertising agencies. My first job in Aotearoa was with Trade Me. As pretty much everyone in New Zealand uses Trade Me, my time there was a crash course in what it meant to be Kiwi. During this time I also went on a huge health journey that led me to uncover a passion for nutrition and natural health.
I joined BePure Group almost six years ago, and four years ago we founded Eve.
How did you get involved in co-founding Eve Wellness?
My personal hormone journey was the catalyst for what became Eve. I came off the contraceptive pill after 10 years and was really excited to get back in touch with my natural cycle. It took two years for my periods to return, and a further 6-9 months of working hard on my hormone health to kick the debilitating symptoms I was experiencing. For two weeks of each month, I battled extreme exhaustion, menstrual migraines, acne, weight gain, and feelings of depression and anxiety. My career, relationships and mental wellbeing all suffered.
I knew I couldn’t be the only one struggling with periods and hormones, but at the time there was very little out there to help – and even fewer people talking about their experiences. I knew we had to do something to erase the shame surrounding something so normal, and provide some support.
What did you seek to do differently with Eve?
Eve started by building a laboratory. We hired scientists and researchers, and launched comprehensive at-home hormone testing throughout New Zealand.
We’ve analysed the hormone health of thousands of people, providing them with personalised recommendations to help them thrive. The data from our lab testing is what inspired our formulations and supplement range.
Additionally, there are far too many supplements on the market that quite frankly won’t do anything for you, because the ingredient dosages are too weak. Our commitment is to use ingredients at dosages that have been proven through clinical trials to have a benefit.
What aspects of health and wellbeing are you most passionate about?
At Eve, we seek to erase the shame around taboo health topics like periods, sex and hormones. We’re passionate about educating people about these topics. After all, periods, fertility, hormones, pregnancy, and prevention are beacons of empowerment and without knowledge, we lose that power.
We’re over the ‘hush-hush’. We’re here to say the quiet bit out loud without judgement and with an open mind.
Tell us about your mission to open up the conversation around women’s health. Why has it been so pervasive to date, and why is it important we change that?
Far too many women struggle with shame around their sexual, endocrine or reproductive health that holds them back from seeking help or guidance when they truly need it. This must stop. We must start embracing the natural, normal experiences that 50% of the population go through.
Shame keeps us small, separate and powerless. Erasing that shame unlocks power and brings us closer to equality.
Balancing your hormones is a phrase that is increasing in popularity, particularly on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. What advice do you have for our readers about deciphering what’s accurate and how they can take control without being misinformed?
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! The internet is full of quick fixes and 5-day detoxes that claim to solve all your problems. The reality is hormonal wellbeing isn’t a tick box exercise – it’s a lifelong journey where every month is different. Your experience of your next menstrual cycle will be influenced by the choices you make up to 3 months beforehand! This is why educating ourselves around what we can do to support ourselves is key, so we can craft lives that are supportive of us feeling how we want – and deserve – to feel.
As General Manager, we imagine that’s a pretty intense and all-encompassing role. How do you stop yourself from becoming overwhelmed?
Oh I definitely get overwhelmed! I think that’s just part of the human experience. I do have tools that help, though.
Firstly, I turn to quality supplements. Stress causes our bodies to churn through our mineral and vitamin supplies faster, so I make sure I’m giving my body back the goodness it needs – our All Systems Glow supplement is great for this. Our Period Pal and Morning Person supplements also contain adaptogens, which are herbs that help the brain and body adapt to stress. So they are also part of my daily routine to prevent burnout.
Working with a psychologist has also been transformational for me. Stress is at the root of many of our health issues, and stress actually comes from our perceptions of life’s events – not the event itself. So working on your mindset is one of the best things you can do for your health and happiness.
What do you do when you hit a creative block? Where do you look for inspiration?
I really rate taking time out in nature. It never ceases to amaze me how inspired and excited I am to create again after a weekend away at the beach playing board games and going on walks. It’s a massage for the nervous system which leaves me recharged and inspired.
Honestly? I also find TikTok really inspiring (the total opposite of nature)! There are so many incredible creators on there, pushing the boundaries and I love how the platform connects you with people across the globe so you can tap into perspectives so different from our own.
Tell us about your team environment. Do you work alone or do you lean on other team members?
We’re incredibly collaborative. As our mission is to erase the shame around taboo health topics, no conversations are off limits! We can often be found talking about our periods and hormones, recording a TikTok, heading out for Friday ice cream or generally giggling about life. We’re passionate about growth – as individuals, as a team, and as a business.
What do you hope to achieve this year both professionally and personally?
We’re pitching into retailers in Australia and the USA at the moment, so watch this space as Eve goes global! We’ve also got big plans for lots of new products, events and collaborations.
Personally, nurturing my nervous system is top of mind this year. More and more I’m noticing when my nervous system is on high alert, when it feels safe, and what environments or activities are soothing or stimulating. Focusing on hobbies like tennis outside of work is great, as is journaling, cooking, movement and meditation.
How will you be acknowledging International Women’s Day in 2023?
I like to wish the special women in my life – friends, colleagues, family – a happy IWD and share something with them that I admire. It’s not often we stop to celebrate our femininity and strength and I like to take the time on IWD to do just that.
Quick-Fire Questions:
The best book I’ve read recently… Good to Great by Jim Collins! It’s an oldie but a goodie.
My favourite Eve Wellness products… Ohh hard question! At the moment Happy Hours for moods and PMS.
The best restaurant near me… Duo in Birkenhead. Honestly the best in the game.
My 2023 resolutions are…Comparison is out, self-belief is in. Fear of burnout is out, spending time on things that bring me joy is in.
The three beauty products I can’t live without… Eve All Systems Glow, Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream, Kosas Revealer Concealer
Best current season fashion purchase… A short sleeved linen blazer. It’s kind of safari vibes, but super cute worn as a top or light summer layer.
If you could work in any other career or have another skill, what would it be and why? I wanted to study neuroscience but didn’t believe in myself when I was young so didn’t go after it. My father is a psychologist so I’ve grown up finding the brain fascinating!
The best life/career advice I’ve received… Whenever we pretend to know something we lose the opportunity to learn.
