As 2024 draws to a close, I thought it was timely to share a few thoughts on the year that’s been.
Some Changes
2024 has been a year of change for Mokosh and for many other businesses throughout Australia. With the slowing of the economy, we have seen some of our most longstanding and loyal retail stores suffer financially and in some cases, close after many years in business. The impact on Mokosh has been significant, but the effect on those in our community who have lost their business or suffered a severe financial hit must have been immense.
Another blow that came right at the end of the year was the news that we are no longer able to source the certified organic olive oil we use to make our soaps. You can read why we are having to say goodbye to our beautiful soaps for now in this blog. With luck, our olive growers will have a better harvest this year which may mean we can bring our soaps back. We have our fingers crossed!
Some Highs
AWARDS
We were delighted this year that two of our products were winners in the international Beauty Shortlist Awards 2024. Our much loved Bakuchiol Revival Serum won ‘Best Facial Oil for Mature Skin’ and Pure Hydrosol Toner won ‘Best Facial Toner’. Four products received Editor’s Choice: Rich Face Cream, Raspberry & Pomegranate Beauty Serum, Makeup Remover & Cleansing Oil and our Rose Geranium Soap. We are so proud of these achievements.
TREES
Thanks to our wonderful customers, this year we have been able to purchase a total of 1189 trees from Carbon Neutral as part of our Plant-A Tree Campaign, which means our new total stands at 7735 trees purchased so far. These trees are planted in a biodiversity hot spot north of Perth where they are restoring biodiversity to degraded farm land and providing critical habitat for endangered species. We plant one tree for every order valued at $100 or more.
ZERO WASTE
Another high has been seeing our customers embrace our Container Return Scheme. Customers return their empty containers and closures free of charge using our Reply Paid label. We wash, sterilise and refill returned glass jars, while pumps, droppers and lids are sent for full recycling with Terracycle. This scheme makes our product packaging effectively zero waste. We’ve been running this scheme for a while now - but taking the simple step of adding a Reply Paid label to all our postal orders has resulted in a massive upturn in return of used packaging. We are delighted that many of our customers are happy to take advantage of this opportunity to reduce waste and the burden on our planet.
CUSTOMERS
Every time someone asks me what’s the best part of running Mokosh, the answer is the same. It’s hearing from our customers that the products have made such an enormous difference to their skin. Whenever I get an email, or read a review - it gives me the same buzz it did the first time it happened. Here are some that made me smile recently:
Makeup Remover & Cleansing Oil
My favourite Cleanser. I love the way this feels friendly on my skin instead of feeling harsh and drying like other cleansers. The Mokosh products are a game changer for me when it comes to skincare.
Pure Hydrosol Toner
Obsessed with this! I love this toner, my only complaint is that I use way more of this product than any other so am constantly purchasing more and accidentally adding other Mokosh items to my cart to get free shipping! It’s addictive. I have rosacea, very sensitive skin, acne and all sorts of fun issues but after the last year or so of using exclusively Mokosh, my skin is 100x better.
Pure Body Balm
This body balm is so nourishing and smells delicious. Have been enjoying using it on my pregnant belly now also each night.
I also bought one as a gift for my elderly patient to give her foot massages in hospital. Really improved her swelling and skin dryness.
Bakuchiol Revival Serum
Very soon after starting use of Bakuchiol Revival Serum I noticed a change in my skin's texture. It was much more smooth to the touch and in appearance
Light Face Cream
Exceptional product. Have been using this product for more than 10 years. It is a staple in my skincare regime and my secret weapon. Apply this after toner, and before sunscreen to assist with a dewy base for the day. Much love to the Mokosh team for such an incredible and consistent product
Rich Face Cream
Nina (a beauty therapist located in NZ) introduced me to the Mokosh Rich Face Cream after a free consultation. My skin was irritated, reactive, and prone to rashes and coldsores. Her recommendations have completely changed my skin, the barrier has healed and I am so grateful. It has now been more than a year without a major rash or coldsore out break. Mokosh is amazing 👏 Nina is amazing 👏
On a personal note
I have been blessed this year to spend regular time with my two beautiful grandchildren. This has been a joy beyond expectations - the major highlight of every week and a true privilege. Making the most of precious time with them while keeping everything running smoothly at Mokosh has been quite the juggle. A happy juggle - I value every minute spent with them, and love to be doing what we do at Mokosh.
At the same time it’s been a year of decluttering and embracing space in our home. I have enjoyed giving away or selling furniture and items that no longer delight, and embraced flea markets and op shops for pre-loved treasures. Choosing only wood, clay, jute, linen and other natural materials for our home has created a sense of calm and peace. I totally recommend it.
My husband Phil continues to repair and restore our old weatherboard house while I work on the garden - the main aim being to introduce more native plants and provide food for local wildlife. This year we have loved watching Djiti-Djiti’s (willy wagtails), Djakal Ngalkal (galahs) and Wida-Wida’s (striated pardalotes), raise their young in our garden.
To our wonderful customers who have joined us on our quest to create the purest, most effective botanical skin care while caring for the planet and its inhabitants - thank you so much. We value you more than you can know.
We wish you all a wonderful year in 2025, full of love, and hope for a future where humans, nature and all living beings can flourish in harmony.
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