My true romance with formulating beautiful, effective aromatherapy skincare began in 1994. A few years after I enrolled in an Aromatherapy Diploma, captivated by the world of natural oils and extracts. This fascination wasn't new; it was a return to my happiest childhood pastime. As a child, I was obsessed with collecting flowers and leaves from my mother's garden—the soft petals of camellias, the sweet scent of jasmine—and turning them into mysterious, dubious concoctions that inevitably lined the family bathroom shelves. This early, intuitive connection to nature is the foundation of every product we make today.
At Charlie & I, we are dedicated to crafting luxurious, restorative botanical formulations. Our range of skincare is proudly 100% natural, non-toxic, and cruelty-free, artisan crafted in our studio nestled in the magnificent hills of Gippsland, Australia. We believe that true wellness involves both indulging your skin and engaging your senses, which is why decades of experimentation and expertise go into every single blend. This is more than a business; it’s the realisation of a lifelong devotion to clean, honest ingredients.
Despite this enduring passion and even enrolling in my diploma, I spent many years postponing the creation of my business. A lack of confidence, along with life’s inevitable complexities, allowed me to be easily dissuaded. However, in 2014, life presented me with a powerful, unmistakable catalyst. After years of overwhelming health challenges—including severe pre-eclampsia, major operations, postnatal depression, a mini-stroke, Bell's palsy, and severe anxiety—I was diagnosed with three brain aneurysms and required a craniotomy.
When I awoke from the surgery, I experienced a profound shift in perspective. I had been given so many chances, and I knew exactly how I needed to use this recovery time: to finally, completely, and without hesitation, dedicate myself to the aromatherapy skincare business I had dreamed of for so long. I made a promise to the universe that if I followed my dream, the attempts to "expire me" had to stop.
This pivotal moment is the why that drives Charlie & I. It’s a business built on gratitude, resilience, and the understanding that time is truly precious. It’s why we believe in the simple, beautiful power of KINDNESS + ENCOURAGEMENT—the two things that held my world together during my darkest times, and the ethos we infuse into our products and our community.
When you choose Charlie & I, you’re not just buying a botanical cream; you are trusting a formulator who brings three decades of authentic passion and a profound, life-affirming commitment to natural wellness. You are investing in a brand born from a second chance, dedicated to helping you "Age well" by nourishing your skin with pure, restorative intention.
