Meet Lara Henderson: Founder of PURE MAMA - Naturally Powerful Skincare
Meet Lara Henderson from Pure Mama. Frustrated by the lack of pregnancy-specific skincare products available, Lara embarked on a mission to provide high-quality, naturally derived skincare for pregnant women and new mothers. Balancing the demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship, Lara embraces the chaos and believes in finding balance and fun in family life.
OHbaby!: Tell us about yourself
Sure thing, my name is Lara Henderson (still sounds weird to be as we only recently just got married). I am originally from Rotorua but now live in Papamoa. I spent a large portion of my twenties in the hustle and grind of corporate life in Wellington and Auckland before getting pregnant in 2018, and then, well…. everything changed. I now have 2 beautiful children and a business that I like to call my third baby.
OHbaby!: What does your family look like?
Love and chaos. I have an incredible husband Rich, who is the biggest supporter of PURE MAMA. A 4-year-old little boy, Levi and a 1-year-old little girl, Harper. Along with a very needy, badly behaved dog and extremely vocal cat. Our house is NEVER quiet.
OHbaby!: What is your business and what does it do/sell?
PURE MAMA prides itself on providing the highest calibre, naturally derived skincare products matched with the needs of pregnant women and new mothers. Ultimately delivering targeted, deeply nourishing, and high-quality products to support women on their pregnancy and post-partum journey.
OHbaby!: What is the story behind your business?
Pregnant with my first child in 2018 I was both surprised and frustrated by the lack of pregnancy specific body products available, especially as our skin changes so much during this time and needs extra support. After tirelessly searching for the right products, I was not only overwhelmed with conflicting information on the safety of ingredients but was shocked by the outdated market landscape that failed to acknowledge the complexity of motherhood, especially around the physical, psychological, and emotional changes women go through. It was clear that design led, effective products targeting modern mothers did not exist and I had a sudden strong desire to change this.
After speaking to thousands of pregnant women and new mothers, it was clear I was not alone, and PURE MAMA was born. In June of 2021 after two and a half years of extensive research and product development we launched the brand to market selling out in just a few months.
In under two years we have come a long way, making history with our sell-out Belly Oil and soon to launch a new white space category for a major prestige beauty retailer.
Our growing team of mamas is on a mission to be a global leader and we are so excited for the journey ahead. PURE MAMA really is my third baby, besides my two actual children. The journey has been an absolute labour of love.
OHbaby!: What does a day in the life of you look like?
It starts with the morning juggle. Getting 2 small children and yourself ready for the day is absolutely no joke. Usually once the kids have been dropped at daycare, I do a quick once over of the house and then head to my office down in Papamoa, with a quick coffee stop at one of my locals. My days are always different but generally I have a couple of meetings and just hustle hard to get through my never-ending to-do list before leaving to get the kids around 3:30pm. I sometimes, and I mean sometimes go to the gym haha. I would like to go more but I am a sucker for always putting work first. Its then all go from about 4pm until 7pm, until kids are down in bed. My husband and I always make an effort to eat together and have a glass a wine. I usually then do some more work (until I get told off), and sometimes I have conference calls at night with people overseas.
I am also starting to travel a bit more now that the kids are older. I have a bit of a love hate relationship with travelling, but I am starting to lean into it more. Plus, my rockstar husband at home doesn’t bat an eye when it comes to looking after both the kids on his own and my parents live just round the corner. I honestly could not have built this business without the support of everyone around me. Very grateful.
OHbaby!: What is your favourite thing about your business?
I think it’s the fact that PURE MAMA encompasses a part of my life that was so important to me and that allows me to connect with our customers in community in a really real way. I get to show up as I am, live and breathe a brand I love, and work on creating beautiful, effective products. Plus, I LOVE my team. They challenge me and make me laugh every day.
OHbaby!: Favourite product?
Oooooo tough one. That’s like asking me to choose a favourite child.
OHbaby!: Any fun stories you would like to share?
I distinctly remember the time when the final contract came through from Mecca Beauty, which is obviously a huge deal for a business like ours. It was about 7:30pm at night and I was reading this lengthy contract and talking to my team on the phone, and then something hit my head. Turns out my then three-year-old had snuck into my office (aka bedroom at the time) and was flinging bits of Mr Potato Head at me. If that doesn’t give you an insight into what a working parent of 2 small children is like, then I don’t know what will haha. It has tested me at times, but I just try and remember these moments as they are all part of the journey. I literally would not be here without my kids.
OHbaby!: What is one thing you said you wouldn’t do as a parent that you totally do – what is your answer to this?
This will give a big insight in to who I am as a person, but I honestly didn’t put a lot of expectations on myself around my parenting style. I am not a person that has ever said I wouldn’t let my kids watch TV, have ice-cream for breakfast on occasion or stay up late. I genuinely just roll with the punches and our family is all about balance and fun. I know, that’s probably a boring answer but I am a big believer in doing what is right for you and your family, when you need, and at the time you need.
