womens, month, series, local, beauty, entrepreneurwomen’s Engineer and Founder of WELLCHEMCO Mauricia Cox
WELLCHEMCO is a wellness and beauty company focused on mindful beauty and holistic wellness. In a world obsessed with beauty standards, we usher in a refreshing alternative. One that encourages you to approach beauty with consciousness, compassion, and intention. We believe that true beauty comes from within and we aim to empower individuals to embrace their natural beauty while nurturing their mind, body, and spirit to foster a culture of self-love and acceptance.
At WELLCHEMCO, we believe that true beauty is a reflection of one's inner well-being and their aim is to inspire individuals to embrace their unique qualities and cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them. Mauricia shares the importance of Women’s Month and what it means to her.
Mauricia Cox: Women's Month means celebrating the achievements, strength, and resilience of women. For me, it is a period of reflection and recognition of the countless contributions women have made to society, despite facing adversity. It's a reminder of the progress we've made and the work that still needs to be done. Women's Month is also an opportunity to amplify the voices of women and inspire future generations to continue breaking barriers and achieving their dreams.
MC: Celebrating the women of South Africa is important as it reinforces their significant contributions, resilience, and strength in the face of historical and ongoing challenges. Women have and continue to play pivotal roles in the fight for equality, justice, and progress in South Africa. Honouring them with a special month not only reminds us of their achievements but also raises awareness about the issues they still face, inspiring continued efforts towards gender equality and empowerment.
MC: This may be cliche but honestly, my mother Estelle Rhode, my Godmother Wendy Rhode and my aunt Samantha Collins are the most influential women I know as they have been mentors and inspirations to me. Their dedication to self-love, perseverance and helping others profoundly impacted my personal and professional journey.
MC: My ultimate dream for WELLCHEMCO is to become a global leader in sustainable beauty, known for our commitment to mindful beauty, blending wellness and beauty to create a shift in focusing on internal beauty. I am incredibly proud of our progress in developing eco-friendly cosmetic ingredients that minimize environmental impact, particularly on water sources. Our success in this area reflects our dedication to both beauty and environmental stewardship.
MC: Women often face societal pressures related to beauty standards and stereotypes that can impact their self-esteem and mental health. Additionally, some of the biggest challenges women face include, underrepresentation in leadership roles, wage gaps, and balancing professional and personal responsibilities.
MC: The future of beauty in South Africa is evolving towards greater inclusivity, sustainability, and authenticity. Consumers are knowledgeable and seeking products that not only cater to diverse skin tones and hair types but prioritise ethical and environmentally friendly practices. I envision a beauty industry that calls out greenwashing, embraces natural beauty, and promotes overall well-being.
MC: In the beauty industry specifically, women have made significant contributions by championing clean beauty, advocating for safer cosmetic ingredients, and pushing for transparency in product labelling. Pioneering women in STEM, such as Florence Nightingale (now known as Elizabeth Arden) have paved the way for more sustainable and health-conscious beauty products, aligning with our values at WELLCHEMCO.
MC: Just do it. That’s the best advice I could give anyone. It’s scary, it may not work out but just do it, give it a go, and try it out. I would tell my 18-year-old self to believe in your vision, persevere, and never underestimate the power of passion, hard work and staying true to your values and principles.
MC: My message to women in business is to embrace your uniqueness, there is no one else out there like you and that is your greatest strength. Be fearless in pursuing your goals, and support one another. Collaboration and solidarity among women can drive meaningful change.
MC: The best beauty advice I can give is to embrace your natural beauty, LOVE YOURSELF and prioritize your health. True beauty comes from within, so nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Choose products that are kind to your skin and the environment, and remember that products are what you use and not who you are.
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