ABOUT MRM

THE FOUNDER

Originally from Broulee on the far south coast of NSW, I grew up surrounded by nature. Summers were spent at the beach, while winters were all about exploring the bush. My deep connection to the nature was evident from an early age when I started propagating plants and digging then up from the bush and taking them home to watch them grow. We always had a dog that was a part of the family & now we share our lives with three Labradors and my mini Dachshund, Daffodil. Even our daughter has x 2 dogs, Doug and Dora, who are Daffodil's parents.

Before starting a family, I was accepted into Ryde Horticultural College. However, life took a different turn, and I eventually earned a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood from Canberra University in 1997. This opened doors to a decade of teaching and traveling the world.

Marriage brought the challenges of living in various places with our growing family. We spent years in the remote outback of Leonora, Western Australia, the tropical paradise of Vatukoula, Fiji, and the serene landscapes of Hopetoun in the far South West of Western Australia. Eventually, we settled in Perth. 

In 2017, my husband and I decided to make a sea change, relocating with three of our four children to the Margaret River Region. Here, we were once again surrounded by the untamed ocean, diverse flora, and captivating fauna that we both love. It was during this time that I rekindled a hobby I had started more than 12 years ago – making soap. This time it was different because essential oils had gained popularity so I could use them rather than the synthetic fragrances I'd used in the past. My senses were alive and I was inspired. It was in this spirit that Margaret River Made began.

Shampoo and Conditioner Bars for Coloured Hair
In 2018, while researching the internet for soap ingredients, I discovered shampoo bars. The concept fascinated me – water-free, waste-free, and plastic-free. I delved into researching the contents of bottled shampoos and conditioners, including the expensive natural, plant-based shampoo I had. This deepened my exploration of hair and scalp health, something I had always struggled with due to an itchy, oily scalp.

Through my research, I uncovered the irritants in my shampoo that had contributed to my itchy scalp. I realized that I had spent a small fortune on what I believed to be high-quality hair care. This led me to question why we were paying for products filled with known irritants like sulfates, silicones, glycols, and more, especially when healthier alternatives were available.

The revelation of shampoo and conditioner bars, along with the opportunity to reduce plastic waste, was a significant driving force behind my inspiration. 

At the same time my teenage children were struggling with hormonal acne & I was frustrated with the store-bought products not helping. I actually thought some made the condition worse.

My research proved that this was the case  as many contained comedogenic oils, I just couldn't believe it and still today get really pissed off that we are sold lies! Just so companies can get rich. So I decided that I wanted to make non-comdogenic skincare & incorporate essential oils and carrier oils because I could see their enormous value. This motivated me to formulate products safe for all skin types, especially sensitive and troubled skin. 

In June 2019, my husband faced a life-changing surfing injury, a one-in-a-million event. This traumatic incident required us to leave Margaret River and return to Perth for his surgeries and extended rehabilitation. The healing process was a challenging and emotional journey, and soap making and formulating provided a source of solace and purpose. He's okay now 14 titanium screws are holding his knee together.

OUR MISSION is based on a commitment to helping people look and feel their best in a conscientious way. We take immense pride in how far we've come and remain dedicated to refining and researching our hair and skin formulations. Customer satisfaction drives us, and we cherish the connections we make at markets and online.

We are passionate about reducing waste in our products, production, and packaging, striving to become 100% plastic-free for a more sustainable future. We proudly support other Australian businesses and manufacturers that share our focus on sustainability and ethical practices, and we are committed to reducing waste and fostering an eco-friendly environment.

We invite you to join us on our journey toward a cleaner, greener world and to support Australian-made products for your family. Take care.

Warm regards, Tracey

Margaret River Made.