Now residing in sunny Mallorca, Spain, Sommer hand makes her small range using ingredients which have been carefully selected to provide your skin with all the minerals, nutrients, fatty-acids and anti oxidants it needs. Not only do we love Sommer’s products and philosophy, but we admire her eco-friendly business, as she only uses chemical and solvent free inks, her website 100% powered by wind energy and all her products are organic and PETA certified. Thanks to the power of technology, we were able to reach Sommer over in Spain (as much as we would’ve LOVED to have flown over there) and were thrilled for her to be our delicious woman of September. If you’re wanting to give your beauty cupboard a spring clean, we suggest you head over to Sommer’s website and treat yourself...your skin will thank you!Meet the beautiful Sommer Elston from Gypsy Juice. Sommer’s passion for travel has taken her on a 14 year adventure around the world, inspiring her to create her own skin care range which she describes as the †œyummiest, most nutritious, delicious and organic, raw meal for your skin†.
SOMMER'S GORGEOUS BUSINESS
Tell us about your journey in creating Gypsy Juice; what was your inspiration? As an absolute health nut, loving to live an organic, chemical-free lifestyle, I was finding it terribly hard to find products that contained no nasties or fillers what-so-ever. My solution was to concoct my own skincare recipes, using the amazing and exotic ingredients that I came across in my travels. My aim was to create an organic skincare range that would be the yummiest, most nutritious, delicious and organic, raw meal for my skin. With my little collection of label-less potions, it wasn't long before people were asking about my skincare secret. I explained that I was making my own, which invariably received the response, †œcan you make some for me†. Knowing that each person has different skin types and skin needs, I began to create custom made products. This is when it struck me, †œThere must be others who would love a chemical free, custom made collection of their own†. And so, the evolution of Gypsy Juice had begun. You have said that you have †œnomadic passions and vagabond ways† tell us about your travels? My nomadic lifestyle has led me on many magical and unforgettable experiences. I started exploring this ever inspiring planet of ours in 1997 and have been happily roaming through many countries and experiencing their cultures ever since. There is a freedom in spontaneous travel that I truly love and which has brought me to enjoy some truly incredible journeys. I sailed a 40ft catamaran from Portugal to New Zealand, tumbled down sand dunes in the Sahara Desert; swum with sea lions in the Galapagos; parasailed in Turkey; skydived in the Whitsundays; toured through Tuscany; tasted magnificent street food in Thailand; hot air ballooned across Mallorca; climbed Tai Shan (China's most sacred mountain) and much more. I have also had the opportunity to be based in some of the world's most exciting cities such as London, Moscow, Tokyo, Sydney and New York. How do you keep a work/life balance? I have created a little schedule for myself. My week is loosely mapped out and includes a balance of work, rest and play. This works really well for me and by the end of the week I have accomplished all my to-dos whilst having lots of fun along the way. What is a typical work day for you? My love and I share a superfood smoothie first thing in the morning. I then head off for my daily walk along the beach or do a little yoga. Back at home, I check and respond to emails and go on to make the orders I have received for that day. This involves hand blending each product with ingredients customised to my clients skin type and skin needs, labelling bottles, stamping my muslin cotton bags, writing my hand written letters and then packaging the goodies ready for their journey. I then break for lunch. I absolutely love picnics, so many of my lunches are enjoyed picnicking in the park under my favourite olive tree. In the afternoon I hop on my bike and head down to the post office to ship off my parcels. I then take care of any other tasks that need to be completed. In the evening it's generally a sunset walk or swim and time to cook a yummy, wholesome dinner. For others out there wanting to start their own business, what is your advice? Ensure that you are truly and utterly passionate about whatever it is you intend to create. The many, many hours you spend perfecting your business will then be a labor of love and not a chore.BEAUTY
Tell us about the ingredients you use in your products and why? My beautiful blends are created with the worlds finest 100% certified organic, cold pressed, unrefined oils, butters and botanicals which I have sourced from all corners of the earth. Each one has been especially chosen for it's exquisite quality, purity and natural healing powers. My range was developed to provide your skin with all the minerals, nutrients, fatty-acids and anti-oxidants required for optimal skin health.
The Gypsy Juice range
Sommer's Essential Vitamins Eye Balm and Antioxidant Face Oil
Sommer's Essential Mineral Eye BalmFOOD
How do you nourish your body from the inside to keep yourself looking gorgeous on the outside? By eating a large array of fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and beans each day, while partaking in enjoyable exercise to revitalise my mind, body and soul. Describe your day on a plate for us: Dawn- Superfood Smoothie Mid-Morning- Big fruit salad Afternoon- Roasted vegetable salad with spinach, semi sun-dried tomatoes, hummus and lemon olive oil dressing. Late Afternoon- home-made Medjool Date bliss ball. Night- home-made Lentil/vegetable/bean burgers with chunky avocado salad and salsas. What are your top 3 †˜can’t’ live without’ ingredients when you cook? 1. Almonds (I make raw almond milk every second day and then make baked goods with the left over pulp) 2. Fruit 3. Vegetables Can you share with us one of your favourite recipes? Flourless Orange Cake What you need- 2 oranges
- 3 happy hen eggs
- ¾ cup Agave nectar
- 3 cups of left over almond pulp (well drained)
- 1 teaspoon gluten free baking powder
Orange Syrup
- 1 orange
- 1/4 cup Agave nectar