I absolutely LOVE connecting with like minded women in business, so it was a no brainer when Katie from Sabbia Co contacted me and said, 'LETS COLLAB!' Not only do Sabbia Co produce the most gorgeous skin care and
facial kits out of sustainable, biodegradable, reusable and chemical free tools, they also preach self love and wellness which is why I adore them and their business so much.
I did a little Q&A on Sabbia's blog and thought I would share my answers, along with theirs so you could get to know both Pass Around the Smile, (which is just me, Cleo!) and Sabbia Co a little more. I also did an IGTV on Sabbia Co's Instagram all about self love. So if you're after a positivity boost, check it out here!
Question:
What was your “why” for starting Pass around the smile
Answer:
As an actor in the film and television industry, I have faced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. In 2014, I was fed up with the rejection and competitive nature of the acting world and I was craving hope and guidance. Growing up, I had read the book ’The Secret’ about a million times. I loved the idea that I had the ability to manifest my ideal reality. However this law, (the law of attraction) seemed to work for me so effortlessly sometimes, and other times not at all. I didn’t understand why, so I decided to delve deeper. I studied up on the power of positivity - which led me to topics like finding your purpose, the law of vibration, self love, limiting beliefs and so much more. It was then, in January of 2015 that I started my blog, Pass Around the Smile to share what I was learning. It felt SO good helping and inspiring people - even if it was just my Mum and best friend who read my blog at the time! It’s crazy how small a beginning can seem! That beginning then expanded into courses, events, my own oracle cards, journals, meditations and just like that I ended up somewhere I had no idea I so badly wanted and needed to be! Trust the process!
Question:
What does self-love mean to you?
Answer:
To me, self love is being unapologetically yourself and completely accepting of that. Self development can be very uncomfortable, but when you work on you, for you - you begin to unravel what it is that you actually need to fill yourself up. It’s different for everyone! I find that when I’m filling myself up, everything begins to flow a little easier. I don’t constantly second guess what I'm doing or saying, I forgive myself more easily, and I have the energy and love to give those around me. I believe self love also comes in the form of setting healthy boundaries, and getting clear on what you will and won’t accept.
Question:
How do you stay positive on the hard days?
Answer:
I guess to me, it depends what kind of hard day I’m having. I’ve learned that if I’m have a really hard day - that pushing myself to be positive is not only unachievable, but also potentially dangerous. It’s so important that we feel our feelings and acknowledge what is going through our minds so that we are able to slow down and heal what needs healing before moving forward positively.
However on the hard days which have stemmed from small thoughts, big weekends, lack of energy, comparison or self judgement - I absolutely kick that to the curb as soon as I can! I love meditating, journaling and going on what I like to call, gratitude walks. They’re basically walks where I just thank the Universe for every single thing I am thankful for. (And if I’m manifesting something, I will say thank you for that thing, person, experience in the present tense!)
Question:
How do you practice gratitude?
Answer:
Gratitude walks which I mentioned above would be my number one, but I also like to journal out what I am grateful for. Gratitude is the highest form of vibrational energy, so when you’re vibrating high, you attract the people, things and circumstances that are vibrating on that high level as well! So not only do you feel good in the process of showing gratitude, you’re effortlessly manifesting more abundance! Win win!
Question:
What is your favourite quote?
Answer:
I have SO many, so let's go with my favourite for the week. ‘In between goals is a thing called life, which has to be lived and enjoyed.’ That one is by Sid Caesar and I think its such a great reminder! We are constantly wanting more, striving for that next thing, but when we receive that thing or achieve that goal, the process just begins again. So… enjoy the process! Enjoy the in between.
I also have learned to live by my own quote which is, ‘when you give up on the need to control, life flows with you, instead of against you.’
And now for Sabbia Co's Q&A!
Question:
What is the motivation and message behind Sabbia Co?
Answer:
The motivation behind Sabbia Co is to create sustainable skincare products that are good for your skin and the planet. The spark was ignited after a trip to Sri Lanka where Dave & I (Katie) were devastated by the amount of single-use products we saw washing up from the ocean.
When we arrived home from our trip we decided to minimise all single-use items in our home. As we started to research and test reusable products we fell in love with many amazing sustainable swaps. Our mission was no longer to overhaul our home but everyone else’s. And this is when Sabbia Co was born, September 2019. To date we have now stopped over 25 million single-use makeup pads from being brought and ending up in landfill.
An ethical brand with minimal impact on the environment, that creates unique facial kits out of sustainable, biodegradable, reusable and chemical free tools. These kits cleanse, exfoliate and remove makeup with just WATER! Along with sustainably sourced and packaged skincare that is formulated by myself. I then work with 3-5 Australian labs to bring my formulations to life.
At Sabbia Co we strongly believe that feeling good begins from within, that is why self-love is one of our core values, along with Authenticity, Quality, Gratitude, Sustainability and Education / Change.
Question:
What are some of the most incredible stories your customers have shared from using your products?
Answer:
Our community is amazing and we are constantly blown away by the stories and messages we get from our #sabbiasquad.
Our customers are more confident in themselves, they feel incredible about looking after their skin, health and environment at the same time and are blown away by the results they are achieving with our minimistics products and easy routines.
Best Skincare I’ve ever had!
It’s all in the title!! I have tried so many different skincares and never saw results; sabbia is a life changer and I LOVE that it’s sustainable to. 100% - Felicia
Every product works
I use every product. I actually can’t go without them, I love how bright and dewy my face is, not to mention how clear it is!! I always make sure to have an extra of each so I never run out!!! Love all the products and how clean they are! - Hope F
Question:
In the Sabbia Co headquarters, what is the energy like?!
Answer:
The Sabbia HQ is such a positive and creative space. Our values are really important to us so we ensure that these are installed in our HQ. We have worked really hard to ensure that our office is a creative, positive and fun space to be at. We want our staff to love coming to work and feeling creative. We have daily practices of pulling cards and diving into the deeper meaning of the card.
Question: How do you practice gratitude?
Answer:
I practice gratitude by journaling and regular meditation. I meditate at the start of every day to ensure I set myself up for a productive and intentional day, I use the Insight Timer app which is amazing. I tend to journal at the end of the day by writing what is on my mind and 5 things I am grateful for. Now that we have a baby my husband and I check in and share our top 3 moments of the day before going to sleep - it’s often a competition of who got the most smiles from baby Louie. These practices together really help me stay grounded, focused and grateful.
Question: What is your favourite quote?
Answer:
JUST DO IT! I am a big believer in action, if you want something stop talking about it and take action TODAY.
A close second would be ‘que sera sera’ which my Nonna has always said to us growing up. It is Italian for ‘whatever will be, will be’.