Georgina Franklin’s small-batch body scrubs, handmade with love and locally-sourced ingredients in Armidale NSW, are set to grow (and glow!) in 2021.
George & Co Skincare was born thanks to a budget of $2000, a 2.5 x 1.5 metre-squared kitchen in a two-bedroom unit, a KitchenAid Stand Mixer and a tonne of determination.
What originally began as a much-loved creative outlet for CEO and Creative Director Georgina Franklin – better known as George – quickly evolved into a full-blown business in three short months at the end of 2020.
“I began working on the products in August 2020 and launched in November,” says George.
“It came about at a time when I was struggling mentally and I wanted to give myself the creative outlet I’d long been missing since giving up work as a wedding planner for a more balanced family life.”
So, in between full-time work and raising a fiery red-headed four-year-old and her even more stubborn one-year-old sister, George set to work with her locally-sourced ingredients, a mixing bowl and a wooden spoon.
“I really love figuring out scrub recipes, testing on myself, friends and family – my husband’s a builder, so his hands are the perfect testing ground for our scrubs!”
The small-batch range includes a Whipped Coffee Scrub (‘Whip It Good’), a Peppermint, Matcha and Green Tea Sugar Scrub (‘Matcha Matcha Man’) and a divine Orange and Almond Sugar Scrub (‘Orange You Glad’). Thanks to George’s combination of clever product names, beautiful branding and packaging (thanks to local artist Alahna Fiveash) and entrepreneurial spirit, George & Co Skincare is already a huge success.
“I did a pre-sale the week before launch and ended up selling out, including all our reserve stock! I was up until 3am the following Friday night to have more stock ready for the launch on Saturday,” says George.
While you can snap up your own slice of scrub heaven via the George & Co Skincare website, the products are also stocked in local Armidale stores including The New England Collective, The Shop (UNE) and recently joined the Buy From The Bush Marketplace.
“I applied just before Christmas got the go ahead soon after Christmas – it was the best start to the year. I’ve been closely following the Buy From The Bush campaign since it started, I’ve seen all the small business owners they’ve helped in that time and I’m just thrilled to be joining such a remarkable collection of creators, designers and business owners,” says George.
The community in which George launched the skincare brand has also been a huge support, along with her husband Phil.
“It’s a testament to the local Armidale community and the support networks in place to help a new small business thrive,” says George.
“It’s the quick chat at the coffee shop before work, the daycare drop-off and pick-up, and the passing comments at local shops that have all helped to generate those orders and see my business thrive.
“Of course, I couldn’t do any of it without the support of my husband too – Phil takes the girls out to play, cooks dinners and keeps the household ticking over so I can have the time I need to create the finished product. We’ve also discovered he’s the only person who can stick the labels on the packaging without making them crease, so he’s the Production Manager now!”
The year ahead is set to be a big one for George & Co Skincare, with plans to refine their packaging, expand the product range and – ultimately – have some fun.
“It’s been crazy, a huge learning curve, but I wouldn’t change it for the world,” says George.
“For now, my production room is my dining room table, my walk-in wardrobe is my storage unit and my essential tools a KitchenAid, plastic bowl and a wooden spoon. But watch this space, I’ve got more plans in the pipeline and every time an order comes in you’ll find me in my lounge room, doing a little happy dance.”
Shop: www.georgeandcoskincare.com.au
Website: www.buyfromthebush.com.au
Instagram: @buyfromthebush / @georgeandcoskincare
Facebook: @buyfromthebush / @georgeandcoskincare