Self-Care: Let's Talk About That

As part of our International Women’s Day series ‘Let’s Talk About That’, we had the chance to chat with the lovely Alicia Martin, founder of Sea Sun Australia, to get her insight on female entrepreneurship and the importance of self-care.

Sea Sun Australia was launched in December 2019 in Melbourne Australia and offer a luxurious range of PETA certified cruelty-free and vegan skincare products, designed to instantly elevate your skincare routine.

What inspired you to start Sea Sun Australia?

I worked in a corporate job for 8 years. During this time I was either sleeping, working, stressing about work or driving to & from work. My priorities were totally wrong and I was burnt out.
The wake up call I got to put my health & family first was when my husband and I went through our fourth round of IVF and the pregnancy result was negative. I knew instantly things had to change starting with a new career and a healthy work life balance. I handed in my resignation and started applying for hundreds of jobs but I got zero interviews. That's when I thought if no one is going to hire me I'll just start my own business, Sea Sun Australia.

What challenges have you met as a woman who started her own business?

I love working in a supportive, energetic team environment but when I first started Sea Sun Australia it was just me and it was kind of lonely, there was no one to bounce ideas off so some days I had absolutely no idea what I was doing.

Would you have any tips for any other young entrepreneurs that are facing similar challenges?

Get out there and introduce yourself to inspiring female entrepreneurs via social media, join events and once you have a support network don’t be afraid to ask questions.

It’s important to understand that you can’t do everything yourself so another great way to meet other women in business & to spread the workload is to hire a freelancer who is an expert at doing the jobs that you simply don’t like doing.

Also, continue to invest in your knowledge and take time to learn something new.

What does self-care mean to you?

Self-care means caring for oneself. It is taking time to reflect on your own wellbeing, paying attention to your needs by asking yourself how you’re doing and finding out what your mind, body and soul is asking for. Then actively nourishing and recharging yourself with self-care actions or behaviours that make you feel all glowy on the inside.

How to practice self-care is different for everyone. The important part is to find a balance that works for you in your everyday life.

What would you say your favourite self-care practise is?

Honestly, I have so many I can’t pick one favourite haha it would be between reformer pilates, feeding my body with nourishing food, my daily beauty ritual (especially using my 2D Amethyst Face Roller) and writing in my gratitude journal.

Do you have any tips for other women on how to embrace self-care in our day to day without feeling guilty?

Accept that self-care is a part of daily living. When you are paying attention to your needs and honouring them it will help you manage the different stresses life throws your way.

Tip 1: Practice different forms of self-care and discover what will nourish and recharge your mind, body and soul.
At the start of each week write down two new self-care forms that you will commit to for seven days. It could be as simple as eating a piece of fruit or 30 minutes reading before bed. When something makes you feel good then keep doing it and it will eventually become a habit.

Tip 2: If you want to sprinkle self-care throughout your day but feel as though you are too busy and don't have time then use your diary! Make an appointment with yourself and actually book in the self-care actions for example 6am Pilates, 12pm Lunch time with a 15 minute walk, 9pm bath & face mask and if you need a friendly reminder then set your alarm.

Don’t forget to follow and support Alicia’s amazing brand @seasunaustralia on Instagram.