Tribe Skincare: Kayla Houlihan
“Living in such a beautiful part of the country definitely inspires me to care for the environment. Over the 3 years, I have audited and adjusted many aspects of the business to make us as eco-friendly as possible. It's one of the company values and many of our customers value this as well.”
- Kayla Houlihan, Founder Tribe Skincare
Tribe Skincare is a natural, vegan-friendly, Australian-made skincare range, based in Torquay. Created by Kayla Houlihan in 2017, when she identified a gap in the skincare market for products and a skincare routine to specifically target sensitive skin. The product range is designed to reduce facial redness, minimize breakouts and relieve dry patches and eczema.
Kayla's entry into the skincare product market started as a side project when she was running her own skincare clinic on Pakington Street. At 27, a physical injury left her unable to perform facial treatments and she decided the timing was right to put all her resources into Tribe Skincare full time. She started from home and due to business growth, that has accelerated during COVID, she has just moved into her first retail and warehouse space in Torquay. “We are really lucky to have our warehouse in-between 2 incredible local female-founded businesses, Arizona Living and Nerida Hansen Fabrics,” says Kayla. “It's a great business hub where it feels like a friendly little neighbourhood.”
The brand has amassed a loyal client base and is very active on social media, with 60,000 followers on Instagram.
Kayla moved to the Surf Coast 7 years ago to study Beauty Therapy at The Gordon and fell in love with the community and beautiful beaches. “It's a beautiful place to live and work. I feel like I have a great work/life balance now, which I definitely did not have when I first started the business. We are very fortunate to be able to head straight to the beach after work.”
What made you decide to operate your business here?
“The Surf Coast is exactly where I want to live so it makes sense to operate my business here. The community has been so supportive and there is a huge demand here for natural, vegan-friendly, Australian-made skincare, so it's a perfect fit.”
Tell me one thing that might surprise people about your business.
We weren't always called Tribe Skincare. Originally, the brand was called 'Lifesaver Skincare' and had a very beachy theme. Only a few months in, we rebranded to 'Tribe Skincare' and have stuck with our tropical theme since then.”
What is your most popular product?
“Our best-seller has always been the very first product in the range, the 'Clean Me! Balm Cleanser'. We have customers that have been using it for the entire 3 years and absolutely adore the creamy balm texture as it is so unique.”
SHOP
Online at www.tribeskincare.com.au with free express shipping on all orders
Retail Warehouse 2, 1 Haystacks Drive, Torquay, open to the public Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 1-4pm
Facebook and Instagram @tribeskincare
