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Teisha Lowry, the Aussie creator of INDAH

5 July, 2010.  Brand: INDAH

Melbourne model Teisha Lowry loves Bali. She really loves Bali. In fact, she loves it so much that it inspired her natural skin care range INDAH, meaning 'beautiful' in Balinese.

Teisha lives by the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, meaning harmony with the environment, humanity and the divine, and this principle is woven into her nourishing range of balms, body bars and body butters.

What inspired you to create INDAH?

Teisha Lowry, INDAH: With so much going on in the world, we no longer have the time or the money to spend on costly skincare solutions and trips to the day spa.

I've always lived a natural and organic lifestyle and one year while I was holidaying in Bali I started looking for a luxurious, affordable alternative to expensive skin care treatments.

That’s what led me to create a unique, thoughtful range of body-care products that enhances the soul and skin for Australians. Although it's great for people who love the outdoors the range is also for those who enjoy using, and know the benefits of, natural therapies.

What has been your proudest moment so far during the growth of INDAH?

Teisha Lowry, INDAH: I got an email from a customer in far North WA, telling me that my products relieved her son's eczema. He had suffered from the skin condition so badly that he couldn't sleep for weeks. They had tried every product out there and nothing had worked. Now, the whole family uses INDAH every day.

That has got to have been the proudest moment for me. To know that my products have changed someone's life for the better is amazing!

If you could wave a magic eco-wand and fix just one environmental problem, what would it be?

Teisha Lowry, INDAH: Where do I begin? The Gulf of Mexico? The hole in our ozone layer? Or what about the deforestation in Borneo, the Amazon or Indonesia? Our whole world is linked and operates in synch. It breaks my heart that we have destroyed what Mother Nature gave us in one lifetime.

I can't understand why a hot city like Dubai would strip our water reserves to make fake islands. With such a high exposure to natural energy, surely they could put solar panels on every one of the thousands of buildings they construct? In just one hour the sun gives the earth the same amount of energy that's consumed by all humanity in one year!

The Amazon is the world's largest rainforest and it's being reduced by 300 football fields an hour. At this rate it will be gone in ten years. The forests on our planet exist to provide the remedies that cure us - destroying them is madness. They are also the habitat of many wonderful species, including the Orangutans.

That's why INDAH is palm oil free. I am also a huge advocate of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. So, I think if I could only pick one problem to fix, maybe I would make it illegal to use palm oil in all foods and cosmetics. Meanwhile, I urge everyone to read labels from now on and say no to palm oil supported products.

What eco-friendly or holistic things do you and your family do in everyday life?

Teisha Lowry, INDAH: I live a very simple, healthy and holistic lifestyle. My family and I eat as much organic product as possible. Back home on my parents' property in South-West WA we have our own chooks and a huge veggie patch filled with leafy greens and a colourful array of fruit and vegetables.

I live in Melbourne now, so my partner and I shop at our local organic grocer Leaf Organics in Elwood or at the St Kilda farmer's market. We buy in bulk to save on packaging and most importantly, we know where our food comes from and we study our labels. We don't own a microwave, everything is cooked traditionally, but I love raw foods - so it doesn't matter so much.

We use our canvas bags instead of plastic shopping bags. We walk or ride our bikes everywhere. We always reuse, recycle and reduce everything, so even when I go clothes shopping it will always be vintage or second-hand. When I clean the house I use vinegar or bi-carb soda.

Other than that, I am a walking, talking advertisement for the natural and organic skin care industry. Of course, I am the voice for INDAH, but I also support all companies out there who are trying to make a difference in our industry.

I don't see it as a job, I'm just a messenger and advocate of the green movement in skincare. I want stand up against the misuse of palm oil and petro-chemicals in beauty products and bring awareness to people of what they are using.

On a lighter note, I am a Buddhist. It's not a religion, I see it as a path to happiness. I try create as much good kamma as possible, so I meditate and practice every day.

What brings you the most peace?

Teisha Lowry, INDAH: Being outside in our wonderful world, especially in my second homeland - Bali. This is where my heart slows down and my shoulders relax. But, watching a beautiful sunset with my loved ones back home in WA is another one of my favorite peace times.

I love to notice the smaller things in life. This morning for example, I was training in the park and I noticed a row of beautiful yellow flowers, out in the middle of nowhere. They were just sitting there doing whatever they do - enjoying the sun I suppose. Moments like these and living in the moment, not in the past and not thinking of my future. Just accepting, minute by minute - that is peace.

If you could recommend just one change to our readers looking to make their life a little healthier/greener, what would you suggest?

Teisha Lowry, INDAH: There are lists that I could write! But, if it's just one, please buy organic produce and products where possible. When you do this, you are making a guilt-free choice. Anyone who buys INDAH products is making a difference. There's not a scrap of plastic packaging in sight - I use cute tin tubs for the lip balm and body butter, pretty recycled paper wrap for the soaps. That way your purchase is a better choice for the earth and best of all, it's helping your skin.

When it comes to choosing natural or organic skincare, what are the most important pitfalls to avoid?

Teisha Lowry, INDAH: The words 'organic' and 'natural' are being misused and that makes the good guys look bad. All I can say is, study your labels. Google the ingredients - you will be surprised what comes up. Remember that whatever is at the top of the list is the highest in volume.

Do you have a natural skincare or beauty tip to share with readers?

Teisha Lowry, INDAH: Fancy $200 creams can make you feel better for the first two hours, but the essentials of good skin care comes down to the basics. Here are a few of my favourite tips...

  • There's no need for eye cream, it’s just the same stuff you put elsewhere just applied around the eyes
  • You can remove your makeup with olive oil
  • Make your own face scrub with a bit of honey and raw sugar
  • Apply rosehip oil as night cream
  • Use a tinted moisturiser with SPF
  • Study your labels! Buy products that are free from nasties like petro-chemicals and completely avoid palm oil
  • Try not to purchase big-name beauty products, they are mostly owned by big companies that still test on animals.

A big thank you to Teisha for taking the time to answer our questions (and for creating the yummy INDAH range!).

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