Tragedy to triumph: the inspiring journey behind this Gold Coast-born all-natural skincare company
From formulating her own unique, all-natural skin products to rebuilding her business after a life-changing car accident, the story of Naturally COS skincare is one of its founder’s determination.
Gold Coast-based skincare company Naturally COS specialises in ethical and sustainable skincare for women and children, particularly those with sensitive skin and sensory needs. Committed to creating a “greener, more ethical beauty industry”, all of its products are certified organic, allergen-safe and created from ingredients sourced from Fairtrade farmers.
Naturally COS was created by organic chemist Rebecca Castano-Mander in 2016.
“My son received second-degree burns from using a popular baby bath wash,” she explains. “As a new parent I was fuelled by guilt to create something gentle and effective for him.”
To this day, she says, Naturally COS is a tightly family-run business.
“My husband is our courier and heavy lifter, my son is my lab assistant and my daughter feeds our worm farm.”
The business slowly but steadily grew from creating products for friends and family in her kitchen to securing stockists, customers and accolades within the industry.
You might like
Then, in 2020, Rebecca was involved in a major motor vehicle accident, which resulted in a brain haemorrhage and stroke. The business took a natural backseat to her recovery and was on pause for two years.
Rebecca says, however, she was determined to not give up. “After the crash it was very challenging to recover from a stroke while having a family. It was one of the most challenging obstacles to overcome. And when I made progress and gained some independence back, my husband – who is a systems engineer – was able to create tools and systems for me to function in our home-based lab unsupervised and gain more independence over time.”
Since returning to the business she has launched new products, many of which represent Australian firsts in organic skincare, and developed innovative processes and packaging. Naturally COS’ lash and brow serum, for example, is organic, bottled in a plastic-free, custom-designed and Australian-made bottles and boxed up in a 100-percent recycled paper seed box.
Her life-altering injuries only made Rebecca more passionate about her mission of “creating products to support not only our physical being but mental being as well”.
“I am extremely sensitive to many things now due to my brain injury, so I create products to support that,” she says.
During her recovery Rebecca found great strength and support in her local community.
“My recovery journey has connected and resonated with the Gold Coast,” she says. “The products I make are with intention, to support the community to overcome the many hair and skin issues that arise and frustrate us. In the lab, the changes I was forced to make to allow me to work in the lab independently and continue operating Naturally COS were also shared publicly to show the community it is possible to survive a stroke and brain haemorrhage and pursue your dreams.”
Stay informed, daily
Rebecca is incredibly proud of being a Gold Coast born and bred family-owned business.
“Customers often don’t realise that I make every product in Coomera Waters,” she shares. “I extract oil from our marigold plants right here, and our lavender, banana oil and comfrey oils are all grown in our garden and extracted on site.”
To Rebecca the Gold Coast is “perfection”.
“For my mental health, clarity and productivity I needed to be close to the ocean and the hinterland. I am a country girl and fresh air, open spaces, trees and the sound of the ocean helps me find balance and generate ideas.”
It’s not just its natural beauty Rebecca appreciates, talking also of the Gold Coast’s lifestyle, which she calls “a unique combination of relaxed and determined”.
“It’s less intense than Melbourne or Sydney, yet offers that powerful combination that helps Naturally COS to thrive and continue to grow. We’re surrounded by a growing economy and population; we’re the centre of a tourism hub, which is exciting and powerful with the ability to have a sustainable work and life balance. And to bolster that, multiple industry sectors that are driving a positive economy and attention from investors interstate and internationally.”
“We’re so lucky to have such a variety of incredible people here too,” she says. “That has helped us reach, support and expand our audience. I have built long lasting friendships with incredible business owners right here. Some born and bred Gold Coasters and others not, and we all enjoy the lifestyle, support and comradery we have built here.”
As Naturally COS continues to grow both in Australia and internationally, Rebecca has launched a podcast, Mind Your Own Wellness By Naturally COS, where she talks to guests and industry experts about simple ways to craft your best wellness practice. She also runs Mind Your Own Wellness Workshops, where participants have the opportunity to create their own unique beauty products after a crash course in aromatherapy basics and organic ingredients.
In the future ,Rebecca has dreams of opening a Naturally COS Wellness Centre.
“One central location where customers can receive a Naturally COS treatment, take in a yoga or Pilates session, see a naturopath and nutritionist, and catch up with friends for brunch,” she says. “The goal is to celebrate wellness and connection, and the beauty that is the Gold Coast.”
