Meet Pamela Bini, Founder of Mychildworld.com

       When we at Inner-Soul came across www.mychildworld.com we were more than a little impressed to find a beautiful website which offers a wide range of services for parents. 

       Founder Pamela Bini found some time in her busy schedule to tell us more about her business, her own inspirations and being a mum

ISO: We love the fact that mychildworld.com offers a unique information and shopping experience for mums and dads. Tell us more about what inspired you to offer this service.

 Summer 2012. By this time, my daughter was 5 and I was a full time entrepreneur
leading an industrial business in the petrochemical field. Which means, as almost all
the mums in the world, I had no time at all to start a new business! But I wanted to
challenge myself, coming from such a different business, with an MBA and a BA in
English, German history and literature, to add some sparkle to my “serious business
grey days”. As a result of this, I decided to start writing a blog. This simple decision
turned my life upside down! I started writing about my life as a mum and about
children topics: food, fashion, design, parties and etcetera. While perusing the web to
find inspiration, I realised something was missing. Mums needed a one-stop shopping 
platform where they could furthermore meet and find mums like me: terribly busy,
short in time, in love with their children and shopping addicted! So I decided…I can do
it! I wanted to build up a virtual place where mums like me could create their own mix
and match of products for their children from thousands of e-shops worldwide,
discover new stuff from other known and unknown mums, share their creations and 
buy their discoveries inside the platform and on social networks.This is how the great
adventure of MyChildWorld started.

Pamela takes time out with her young daughter

       ISO:  What has been a personal or professional highlight since mychildworld.com was        born?

People and especially women are my personal and professional highlight. My best friend, Roberta Desogus, became the best business partner ever. She is co-founder and COO of MyChildWorld. I met the great Sofia Gouveia, who became CMO of MyChildWorld, helped the platform to grow and became a trusted friend too! I met many interesting and supportive women: bloggers, merchants, journalists. I learned a lot from their experience and I realized that the vision of “Eva against Eva” is a man stereotype!

Women, mums or not, in business support each other in many ways: giving advice, support, a shout out or even just sending a nice email. I wish more women would code, be CTOs and work in tech because they usually are, in my humble opinion, more organized, focused and hard working than men. And of course are organized multitasks!

The website allows users to create their own, unique 'house' with
rooms containing items of personal interest. Bliss!

ISO: What future plans do you have for Mychildworld.com?

My dream is to make mums’ shopping experience easier and more fun. I want to bring together e-shops with great and well known, high quality brands and e-shops with one-of-a-kind products for little ones. I want to make the creation process and discovery experience more intuitive and easier by improving mychildworld.com browsing categories and search engine. 

I want it to be possible for a mum with a sleeping child on her arm to use MyChildWorld easily and effortless. I want that a mum waiting in a line at the post office can shuffle and buy on MyChildWorld app without having to wait to be in front of the computer. This is my vision: buying doesn’t have to be a struggle anymore for mums but a fun and easy experience.

ISO: What advice would you give someone planning to set up their own online business?

Have a vision and stick to it. Do you want to help people? Give a service? Bring some fun in their life or support them? It doesn’t matter what you are creating or offering, you have to learn, ask questions, make plans, set goals, build relationships and connections, and always keep your vision in mind. There is going to be ups and downs, good and –many – bad times but if you believe in what you are doing, you won’t give up.

ISO: What has been your favourite or most inspiring part of being a parent to date?

I cannot tell. My daughter is a constant source of inspiration for me, from the moment she was born. She made me a better person. I am more patient, more consistent, more tough and determined because of her. She made me understand the importance of small steps, the importance of living and of enjoying the moment. She made me remember how it was watching life through the eyes of a child. She can drive me crazy but I am actually the happiest and luckiest person in the world because of her.

ISO: If you could arrange to meet anyone you chose – from a part of history, or living today – who would it be and why?

Leonardo Da Vinci, because I would like to speak with one of the geniuses – if not the greatest – of the whole human history.

Artistic genius and inventor - 1452-1519

ISO: Which person has most inspired you in your life?

My mother. She has been working all her life (she is 60 and still working), she grew up in her work from being a secretary to becoming the CEO of a small company. In the meanwhile, she took care of two children, a house and a husband. She was, and still is, a wonderful mum and wife. She is intelligent, hard working and well organized. Not to mention, she is the most humble and beautiful human being I know.

ISO: Your mum sounds wonderful - what a role model! 
        How do you take time out to relax?

I do yoga and Pilates once a week, meet friends for a coffee and spend time reading or coloring with my daughter.

ISO: What would you tell your 16-year-old self? 

You are beautiful. Enjoy the moment.

ISO: Valentines is a big deal in the States. Do you and your loved ones have a particular way of celebrating?

We write Valentines for each other, my daughter wrote Valentine’s cards for all her classmates and teachers. My husband and I write a card for our daughter and give her a chocolate heart. We have a nice and romantic dinner with candlelight and we exchange small gifts.

The website's accompanying blog can be viewed at  www.blog.mychildworld.com

Spring your skin

Looking out of the window this morning, I can just about see the warm yellow glow of sun between low, grey clouds. Perhaps (please!), the storms will stop soon, and maybe spring isn't as far away as we think.

The sun fights back

Of course along with this change in season will come a distinct change in wardrobe, and we may even think about the possibility of getting our legs out soon.

At last count approx 90% of British women have cellulite, in most cases on the thighs. Inner-Soul's founder and aromatherapist, Emma bore this factor in mind when she was designing our Circulation Boost Skin Oil, because she herself was experiencing the dreaded belly cellulite after having her 3 children. This non-greasy oil contains geranium and rosemary essential oils, known for their abilities to banish sluggish, slow blood flow, helping to flush away those cellulite pockets. This 99% organic body oil also contains softening sesame, olive, almond and jojoba oils to leave skin hydrated with a beautiful glow.

Our skin oil also has a bright scent
to give the mind a boost and can also be added to bath water

After a few weeks of massaging the oil onto her tummy, plus adding a few drops to her bath, Emma saw the dreaded cellulite dimples reducing and decided to share this product with the world.

Circulation Boost Skin Oil is now available at 25% off with code VALENTINE25 at checkout, until February 15th.

And don't forget that you will also receive a 30ml complimentary product with each order, plus we donate £1 per item sold to registered charity the Katie Piper Foundation. 

So why not get cracking with your spring regime now and pop over to www.inner-soul.co.uk for a look at our Boutique!

I have high hopes for that sun! Xx

Meet Katie Piper; Truly a Woman to Inspire

The Katie Piper Foundation - a registered charity number 1133313 -  is a worthy cause which is very close to our hearts here at Inner-Soul Organics, not least because founder and CEO Katie has shown remarkable strength, energy and perseverance in working tirelessly towards her goal in helping people with burns and scars in a number of ways.

Here Katie explains more about her charity's invaluable work, future plans and how she will be spending Christmas 2013

Founder and CEO of the Katie Piper Foundation

ISO: The Katie Piper Foundation has been established for 4 years now - tell us a little more about the charity and the work it does:

KP: Our vision is a world where scars do not limit a person’s function, social inclusion or sense of well-being.  The Katie Piper Foundation www.katiepiperfoundation.org.uk aims to make it easier for people to live with burns and scars.  We provide access for burns survivors to specialists in  cosmetic tattooing, hair replacement systems and laser treatment.  We provide advice on scars on a one-to-one basis.  Social interaction and peer support is provided through workshops, activities and classes – and this year we have started a pilot workshop programme in conjunction with the Nottingham Burns Unit.

We know that positive role models are very important for changing attitudes and raising awareness, so we’re providing training and advice on inspirational speaking to a number of burn survivors who will be able to represent us in the many schools, colleges and businesses that fundraise for us.

And in addition, projects we have funded in 2013 include Scar Academy UK – a training course for burns care professionals who heard from a wide range of experts and clinicians about the innovative treatments and options available to treat burns and scar; and also a six month Holistic Therapy Trial and research project at the Mersey Regional Burns Centre which we have agreed to extend for a further six months into 2014.


ISO: What has been a personal / professional highlight for you since starting up the Foundation?

KP: Seeing the burns survivors who originally approached us for help going through our system of treatments and workshops and now being in a position to help others at the start of their journey.


ISO: Sounds incredible. Any new plans for the KPF in the pipeline?

KP: Our latest appointment, just last month, to the Foundation is a key individual – Mr Kayvan Shokrollahi – a consultant plastic surgeon – who will be leading the Foundation into an exciting future.  Not only will the Foundation be helping more burns survivors than ever, but Kayvan’s involvement will provide many new opportunities for the charity.  I anticipate my team at the office will be very busy next year!

Proof that Katie's choice of treatments can genuinely improve the appearance of burns and scars.
Find out more about treatments offered by the charity here

ISO: What advice would you give someone setting up their own charity?

KP: When I set up the Foundation, I found support and advice the most crucial thing, so building up a team of people with a vested interest in your cause is a must.

ISO: You’ve had a varied life so far – what has been your most inspiring event to date?

KP: Winning the Pride of Britain award and then having the privilege to return the following year as a judge and listen to some incredible stories of strength and courage.

 

A cupcake making event organised for beneficiaries of

the Katie Piper Foundation

ISO: If you could arrange to meet anyone you chose, who would it be and why?

KP: My late grandma as she died when I was 4 years old, so I would love to have a dinner with her and find out all about her life.


ISO: Which people have most inspired you in your life?

KP: My Mum and Dad


ISO: Describe your essential get-ready process before leaving the house in the morning.

KP: I don't have much time in the morning, I usually leave the house before 7 am. A shower is a must but sometimes my make-up is done in the car at the traffic lights! I am strict with my skincare routine and don't ever sleep in my make-up. I have regular facials.

ISO: You have great style – what is your ideal winter day out and what would you wear?

KP: I love out door ice rinks at Christmas - so I think a pair of faux-fur ear muffs would be essential!

ISO: Do you and your family have a particular way of celebrating Christmas?

KP: The most important thing for us all is to be together as a family. We always have a traditional lunch and then fall asleep after the Queen’s speech!

ISO: So what are your Xmas plans for this year?

KP: With my family, that's what Christmas is all about for me.  This year I am cooking for everyone at my house - 16 people !!!

ISO: What do you love most about Christmas?

KP: That everyone is in a happy and helpful mood, spread the love!

Inner-Soul Organics Luxury Skincare is proud to work in partnership with the Katie Piper Foundation, donating £1 per product sold across our entire skincare range to the charity. 

Click here to find out more information about donating 

 

Women To Inspire - Victoria Wright of souksouk.co.uk

Women to Inspire 

Featuring Victoria Wright, founder of Souksouk.co.uk 

Victoria Wright has proven herself to be an ethical warrier in founding souksouk.co.uk, offering 'Little Green Beauty Boxes' delivered to your door containing 5 quality, natural and eco-friendly products - a wonderful and creative way to find out about new brands and try something new! There are also Bespoke and Limited Edition boxes which make a treat or a beautiful gift and a magazine is included in each and every box too. Victoria's energy and commitment to promoting safe and cruelty-free products is quite boundless. Read more here: 

ISO: Tell us a bit more about you – significant others, (including any pets), and where you live:

VW: Well, I live in London but I’m a total northerner at heart, coming from Sheffield, a city I’m hugely proud of. I live with my fiancé who is a photographer which is very handy! He helps me a lot to produce imagery for the website and his background is in magazine editing so that also comes in useful as we produce a monthly magazine which is included in our boxes. I also have two bunnies. They’re getting on a bit now (they’re eleven and twelve) but still bouncing around like youngsters!

ISO: What inspired you to set up Souksouk.co.uk?

VW: I’ve always been interested in natural and organic beauty and I’m very principled about using beauty products that haven’t been tested on animals. I came across the beauty box concept and thought it was fantastic. However, I couldn’t find one that featured the sort of products I like, or that stood for something meaningful. I really liked the idea of creating a box that could feature a wide range of products, from established brands as well as smaller, artisan producers. Supporting brands that are making a difference by proving it’s possible to create high quality, beautiful and effective products without the use of cheap chemicals was really important to me. So the Little Green Beauty Box was born!

ISO: Explain the key features of Souksouk and what makes it special, plus any news: 

VW: SoukSouk.co.uk is an ethical business so we are passionate about introducing beauty consumers to greener, cleaner, more ethical products. The Little Green Beauty Box is our core product. It’s a monthly subscription-based box featuring five (or more) natural, organic, chemical-free and cruelty-free beauty products, which is posted out to subscribers once a month. We also create the monthly Little Green Magazine which contains tones of information about the natural beauty industry, new products and innovations, inspirational women, trends and issues that get under our skin. All the materials we use have either been completely recycled or come from FSC certified sources and all are 100% recyclable.

We have also just started selling Limited Edition Beauty Boxes - we currently have a Christmas Box and an Autumn Box - and Bespoke Boxes which we can tailor a bit more towards customers’ specific needs. And we have a small online shop too where we sell beauty products that make great gifts such as Soak Yourself’s Bath Ritual Recipe Kits and MuLondon’s White Chocolate Elbow, Knee, Heel Cream.

Next year will be more of the same. We’re constantly striving to collaborate with new and interesting brands as well as producers who are genuinely doing the right thing and breaking new ground. We also want to do more campaigning on behalf of causes which affect women and the beauty industry.

·    ISO: What do you most love about running your own business?

VW: Probably the thing I love most about running this business is the knowledge that I’m playing a part in helping to grow an industry that is key to us acquiring a more realistic and holistic view of beauty and gaining access to purer, more sustainable formulas. So many of us are seduced by the industry into buying ‘quick fix’ products that are packed with cheap, chemical-based ingredients and we’ve lost sight of the role that health, wellbeing and stress management plays in the way we look and feel.

On a day-to-day level, I enjoy having the freedom to plan my own schedule and work at times that suit me. I like the challenge of setting up a business from scratch and having the opportunity to meet some incredibly talented people. I also think we’re lucky to have some very knowledgeable customers who appreciate what we’re trying to do. It’s a great challenge to consistently surprise them with each monthly box.

·    ISO: What advice would you give to someone starting out in their own business?

VW: Starting your own business, especially in this economic climate, is a real challenge. Getting your head around the financial aspect is really important, as is having a plan – all the usual things a business book will tell you. But in my experience, self-confidence and a strong belief in what you’re doing is absolutely essential to ensure you weather the tougher times. When I gave up a well-paid, secure job to start my own business, I found that many people would be supportive and confess their own desire to take the risk and go it alone, while others would ask me how long I’m going to ‘give’ the business before I write it off and return to employment. They meant well but it’s an early test to confidence. In my case it emboldened me to go on and prove that I could do it! Ultimately, you need to have a higher purpose to aspire to, something that motivates you beyond making a profit. Because, when the profits don’t suddenly materialize, something else has to get you out of bed!

·    ISO: How do you take time out?

VW: I try to go to the gym or do yoga every other day (an impending wedding is good motivation!) but it’s not unusual for work to take precedence over this. Start-up businesses take up a huge amount of time but require large amounts of thought and creativity which in turn require some space. So I find it really important to schedule time out, to spend time with my fiancé and my friends, or to visit a gallery or just take a walk along the river – anything to clear my head, tune into the ‘real world’ and get some perspective.

·    ISO: If you had to pick just 5 beauty products to live with, what would they be?

VW: My skin is going through a particularly erratic phase which I think comes from testing so many different products, not all of which are suitable for my skin. I always, always return to my tried and trusted Green People Cleansing Cream, Fruitful Nights and Vita-Min Cream to try and calm my skin down a bit. Then it would probably be raw Coconut Oil (which I use for pretty much everything) and my Avril Organic Mascara.

     ISO: Which people have most inspired you in your life?

My mum has taught me a lot about work ethic and my late Gran was a bit of a trailblazer, working from an early age and having quite an unconventional family life. But women like Anita Roddick and Joanna Lumley have been big sources of inspiration in relation to putting yourself out there and standing up for a cause you believe in.

·    ISO: What advice would you give your 16 year old self?

ISO: Don’t give up A-level Business Studies! I did actually give this up to focus on more ‘arty’ subjects because I simply couldn’t get my head around all the business jargon. It all becomes clear when you physically start your own business and the jargon is put into practice. If I could influence the curriculum I’d suggest challenging students to go through the motions of setting up a business (even if it’s just selling socks on ebay) and running their own books. It would become so much clearer and meaningful to students like my 16 year old self. 

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