Recently, we sat down with Sylk Skin founder and mother to two boys, Maddelyn Sheldon. We talked all things motherhood and business and finding the balance between the two, as well the story of how Sylk Skin was brought to life when Maddelyn's first son fell ill and what's in store for 2021!
Tell us a bit about the people behind your business
I wear all of the hats, the sole creator of our beautiful products here at Sylk Skin. Although, I certainly couldn’t achieve the goals I have set for the business without the support of my husband and inspiration of my two beautiful boys.
What inspired you to start your business and when did you start it?
I was inspired to start Sylk Skin after having two tiring back to back pregnancies in 2018 and 2019. It certainly took a toll on my body and I found that taking time out to enjoy some self care certainly helped me both physically and mentally.
After the birth of our first son, we were faced with a major hurdle when, at just 3 weeks old he developed sepsis which had started to shut down his tiny little body, he was pumped with numerous antibiotics to save his life. The medication took a huge toll on his body and he developed severe eczema as a result.
As parents, we did everything possible to soothe him, always with his best interest at heart. We tried to use natural products, but to no avail and were eventually faced with using steroids and harsh creams on our baby’s skin, something we were not fond of at all.
This is when our baby range was created and Sylk Skin was born. I started researching vigorously and testing my own products safely on my boys, who within days were seeing significant results. Our soak, bath and oil routine is all we have ever used on my youngest son’s delicate skin and I am so proud to say he is yet to develop any skin irritations since arriving earth side.
What would an ‘average day in the life of’ look like for you?
Our days are full-on here at Sylk Skin between juggling babies, business and life in general. Our days are none stop from the moment we wake around 5am! Through trial and error I’ve found a rhythm, working when it feels right; mostly when they are napping or if I’ve created an activity for them. There are of course days when I have had to put work on the back burner, mum life comes first!
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
My family gets me out of bed in the morning. Everything I do, I do for them. I honestly couldn’t imagine it any other way. They are my biggest inspiration and motivation. My husband is incredibly supportive, he’s always encouraged me and pushed me to strive for the goals I’ve set for Sylk Skin.
What have been the biggest trials so far in starting and running your company?
My biggest trial without a doubt has been COVID. As luck would have it, I launched Sylk Skin just as the first VIC lockdown began in March 2020. I had major delays in receiving my formula and packaging components and often needed to find alternatives, and I was unable to meet with and learn from business experts like accountants and graphic designers in person, everything was achieved by online communication. On the flip side, being in lockdown meant I was able to put all of my focus into my business and babies.
Juggling business and motherhood means some days are super hard, I formulate, pour and label everything by hand, and then pack all on my own. I’m working on being kind to myself and remembering that I am only one person, sometimes it’s easy to put too much pressure on ourselves!
If you weren’t running your company, what would you be doing?
If I hadn’t started Sylk Skin I would still be a stay at home mum. It’s what I feel I have always been destined to be!
What is your favourite way of winding down and taking time out?
My favourite way to wind down is getting together as a family to go for a walk, take the kids to the park or watch a movie. Simple activities that warm my heart.
Here at Retreat Yourself, we LOVE dreaming BIG - what is your vision for your company?
My vision for Sylk Skin for 2021 is to expand my product range, beginning with the Bath & Body Oil Retreat Yourself customers are the first to see, followed by a few other family-friendly goodies I have up my sleeve. I’d love to employ my first team member, and I’m excited to say we’ll be welcoming our third bub in August. I have so many plans for 2021 and I can’t wait to put them all into action.
For anyone out there wanting to start their own business, what would your biggest piece of advice be?
For anyone wanting to take the leap and start their own business… JUST DO IT! No regrets. It’s bound to be stressful at times, but if you have a product you’re truly passionate about, seeing it in the hands of others makes everything worthwhile!
And lastly, what does a fulfilled life look like to you?
To me, a fulfilled life means having my family happy and healthy by my side, building a successful business to support my husband with a second income, and continuing to make magic happen!
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Sylk Skin's bath soaks, scrubs and body oils are all natural, cruelty free, vegan, pregnancy friendly, and gluten free. Sylk Skin Bath & Body Oil was was featured in our most recent Autumn Box.
You can find the full range online at www.sylkskin.com.au, use discount code: RYAUTUMN for 10% off sitewide until 01/09/2021