Scientist-turned-naturopath Hannah Fane brings together a unique blend of science and herbal medicine in her approach to skincare. Inspired by her experience with severe dermatitis from repeated handwashing with harsh soap while her premature son was in the NICU, she was determined to create something better using medicinal herbal oils. Drawing on both clinical research and her studies in herbal medicine, she began developing her own formulations, which ultimately led to the launch of Thistle Cottage Apothecary. Now a mum of four, she is passionate about creating effective, natural skincare while building a business that reflects her love of science, nature and helping others feel confident in their skin. Here, Hannah talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the journey behind Thistle Cottage Apothecary, balancing business with a busy family life, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
It’s been a long journey to this business, to be honest. I am a clinical research scientist and I have had an amazing career across forensic science, stem cell research and embryology before moving into research. After a while though, I lost the love for it, and that’s when I decided to switch gears to naturopathy. I am currently halfway through my degree to become a naturopath.
I have always loved skincare, and when I was younger, I dreamed of starting my own skincare brand. Back then though, I didn’t have the foundation to make it work – I didn’t even know where to begin. Fast-forward nine years and, with the combination of my scientific career and my herbal medicine studies, I felt I had what it took to back myself in formulating my own range. After being a project manager in clinical research studies for so long, I also had the expertise to run the business.
When I had my third baby boy, he was born early and went straight into the NICU. Part of that experience is having to wash your hands with this insanely harsh soap every time you touch yourself or anything else. Very quickly, I developed the most insane dermatitis all over my hands. It was like a thick, crocodile-skin rash, and nothing I used helped, despite trying so many different creams.
I had a lot of time just sitting and watching him in his humidicrib, and I remember thinking to myself, I can make something better than this using medicinal herbal oils. Although it took a few months after that to get started, I see that moment as the inception of Thistle Cottage Apothecary.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
It was very much trial and error. I had just finished a year of herbal therapeutics and manufacturing subjects at uni, which was amazing because I was learning about all these potent medicinal herbs that could be infused into oils to benefit and heal your skin. I followed it further by looking at what the clinical research had to say and was so surprised that there was so much research to back their therapeutic effects.
From there, I just started writing down different combinations and making them in my kitchen. I couldn’t believe it when I finally got the right formulation and it was working! I gave samples of the Baby Balm and the Rejuvenation Balm to my friends and family, and I started getting this incredible feedback.
In the end, I just decided to jump in and launch. I could see how, with the perfectionist side of me, I could delay launching for so long while trying to get every part of the business “perfect”, but instead, I bit the bullet and decided to jump in and just see how we went.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
The Rejuvenation Balm was definitely the biggest breakthrough. It just works so, so well on every type of skin, and the feedback I get from people who have been struggling with complex skin issues like rosacea, peri-oral dermatitis and persistent acne is so amazing. I receive messages about how their skin is so clear they no longer have to wear makeup, ever. I mean, nothing feels better than that – knowing you’ve helped someone feel that way.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
To be honest, it’s not easy! I still work as a research scientist and I’m studying, so with the business and four kids, the juggle is real! At the end of the day, the kids and family life are always my priority, and I have gotten so much better with age at accepting that you’re not always going to be able to give 100% to everything. Sometimes you just have to meet yourself where you’re at.
For me right now, that means my business is flowing, but I try not to stress about pushing and expanding too much. Instead, I’m enjoying the unfolding of the small business journey.
A big part of my life is being a really present and conscious parent, so I do explain to my kids the importance of me working and giving time to the business, but I also make a lot of time for them. As a family, we are always out in nature, taking long bush walks or swimming in rivers. We try to give them a really nature- and adventure-focused childhood with lots of activity.
We are also a big martial arts family, so training is a big priority for all of us and is a really great bonding experience. I am also incredibly lucky that I have such an amazing partner who supports me and is an incredible father. We really work as a team to balance everything.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
I think the biggest challenge about running a small business in this current landscape is that it’s not enough to have a great idea and then have it actually work. You have to be a social media and marketing professional as well, which for me has been the biggest hurdle.
I have never wanted to be in front of the camera or felt the need to push myself on social media, but these days, with a small business, you really have no choice – it’s one of your biggest selling tools. I think this will honestly be a challenge for some time to come, but I’m getting better at it. I think, like anything in life, the longer you do something, the easier it gets.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The pros are definitely being able to help people on such a personal level. I’m deeply motivated by helping people, and being able to use my scientific and naturopathic background to help women feel amazing and confident in their own skin brings me such joy. I also love how it’s showing my boys the value in backing yourself and hard work.
The cons are that there is no off switch. You’re on all the time and there’s always work to be done – especially when you’re juggling kids and other projects. Your boundaries need to be really strong!
Hopes and dreams: What next?
We have some new products in the works, which is really exciting. I think the next year will be about connecting more with our audience, building the business and developing our marketing.
Visit thistlecottageapothecary.com.au to find out more, and connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
