Olivia Presti’s wellness journey began long before ARLOE existed – with burnout, health challenges and the eye-opening discovery of the toxins hiding in her home. As she became more conscious of what she was putting on her skin and around her children, a deeper purpose emerged: to support women, mothers and families with products that truly nourish, naturally. ARLOE wellness was born from this calling, offering clean, gentle, effective, pregnancy-safe, breastfeeding-friendly skincare designed to help women slow down, reconnect and glow from within. Their products contain no nasties, synthetic ingredients or chemicals and are safe for the whole family to use. Here, Olivia talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about what inspired her to start her business, the challenges she has overcome along the way, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business ARLOE Wellness?
The name ARLOE itself is deeply personal – it carries the initials of my husband and our three children: Azalea, Romeo, Luke, Olivia and Eli. For me, it’s more than a name; it’s a reminder of why I began and who I’m doing this for. ARLOE symbolises the courage to silence the noise, release limiting beliefs, and back yourself wholeheartedly. It’s my way of following my dreams so that I can be the role model my children deserve – showing them that when a woman chooses to rise, she inspires her family and future generations to rise with her.
ARLOE wellness began as my personal journey – but it was never just about me. Like so many women, I spent years pouring my energy into others, leaving very little for myself. Burnout, health challenges and a confronting wake-up call about the hidden toxins in my home sparked a deeper question:
What does true care and wellness really look like – for the busy woman, for the mother holding it all together?
In searching for answers, I uncovered what so many of us feel but rarely say aloud: we’ve been conditioned to do more, give endlessly and hold everything together – yet often forget to hold space for ourselves. ARLOE wellness was born from this truth.
To me, self-care is not a luxury, but an essential act of returning to the woman within – to her strength, her radiance, her worth. True care begins when we remember who we are beneath the noise, the roles and the expectations. When we choose presence over pressure, and honour ourselves fully, without guilt.
That’s why I created ARLOE wellness – pure, potent, multi-functional products designed as small rituals of self-remembrance. Every formula is crafted with intention: clean, effective, pregnancy-safe, breastfeeding-friendly and always designed to work with the body – nothing unnecessary, nothing harmful, only what truly serves. Skincare that is more than skincare: it’s a moment to pause, breathe and reconnect.
Because when a woman nourishes herself, she doesn’t just glow from the inside out – she rises. And when she rises, so does her family, her community and the generations to come. Through every small ritual, we are creating a ripple of empowered wellbeing – together.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
I only launched ARLOE wellness in April 2024, and it’s been full steam ahead ever since. I’m the creator of every part of this business – from packing orders and replying to customer emails, to setting business goals, paying bills, managing the books and doing my own marketing (social media is still a work in progress!).
In the lead-up to launch, I worked closely with lawyers to build contracts for potential stockists, and I continue to wear many hats – creating promotional documents, collaborating with my graphic designer on brand materials, networking with other women in business, and working with a business coach to fine-tune my launch strategy and brand message.
Within weeks of launching, ARLOE wellness was recognised as a Clean + Conscious Awards 2024 Finalist for Kids’ Best Sunscreen across Australia and New Zealand – a remarkable acknowledgment of our commitment to purity, safety and family-friendly sun protection. Most recently, we were honoured on a global stage, receiving the Global Excellence Award 2025 for Australia’s Best Vegan Sunscreen, presented by Global Health & Pharma magazine just weeks ago. These accolades are a true reflection of our mission – to create high-performing, low-tox and consciously crafted skincare that families can trust, rooted in results and crafted with care. I am truly humbled by these awards, and what an honour it is to be amongst some of the best long standing Australian and International brands as well as new ones rising.
I’ve also had to enlist professionals for key areas I can’t tackle alone, like SEO and website optimisation. Now, I’m deep in product development for our next formula, which I hope to release early next year. I’ve spent endless months sourcing the most premium, pure and potent actives – all natural, pregnancy-safe and breastfeeding-friendly, and backed by clinical research on their effectiveness to support skin health and ageing well. I can’t wait to bring this product to life.
It’s been intense, rewarding and a huge transition. I’m learning to pause when needed and not take on more than I can handle – though that’s easier said than done! In time, I hope to build a small team to support the growth of ARLOE wellness. But for now, it’s just me, building from the ground up with a lot of love, intention and belief in what this brand can offer while supporting as many women and mums along the way.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Balancing work and family is a constant dance – and definitely a skill I’m continually working on. As a mum, I’m aware of the never-ending demands: parenting, running a household, school, sports, cooking – the list is endless. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and drained – and I do… often actually… especially if I don’t make conscious choices to care for my mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.
What helps me find balance is simply stopping when things feel too much. I reassess, reflect and adjust – often. I’m far from perfect, but I’ve learned that pushing through burnout serves no one. One big shift for me has been making time for small, intentional moments with my youngest son Romeo. He’s only four, and I’ve realised how quickly these early years are passing. Last year I was working every day while he was home, and I felt I wasn’t making enough time just to be with him – and that caught up with me. Time is a gift… the most precious gift of all so this is at the forefront of my mind this year… my last 6 months before he starts school.
Because I’m currently running every aspect of ARLOE wellness, the pressure is real. But I always come back to why I started – to build something meaningful without sacrificing the connection I have with my kids. That’s non-negotiable.
My top tips for finding balance:
- Prioritise wisely. Focus on what truly matters each day – and don’t overload your list. The laundry CAN wait; your wellbeing and your kids’ joy shouldn’t, and this is coming from a mum that is constantly reminding herself of this very important fact.
- Set time boundaries for housework. Timer on 30-60 mins and do what you can – the rest sometimes just must wait – and that’s okay!
- Make personal goals non-negotiable. Even small acts – like drinking more water or grounding outside, enjoying your cuppa warm – Yes you! I know you warm it up lol.
- Check in weekly with your partner or support person. Ask what’s working, what support is needed and how you’re both coping. You’re a team – it’s not a competition.
- Let your inner child out. Sometimes a spontaneous dance-off is the perfect reset – it shifts energy and brings joy back into the moment.
- Go to bed earlier. I’m still working on this one! Scrolling isn’t rest. True downtime is a bath, a book, meditation or simply stillness – then sleep.
Balance isn’t about doing it all – it’s about doing what matters with presence and intention. And some days that looks different than others, and that’s okay. These are some powerful steps in filling your own cup.
