January 20, 2024
Meet our Founder: Jelena Jacobs, Simplifying skincare steps and connecting a community beyond products
In Conversation with the Osmond Saint Heart and Soul, Jelena Jacobs.
As the first month of the year comes to a close, a time traditionally reserved for reflection and goal setting, we had the opportunity to sit down with the founder of Osmond Saint, Jelena Jacobs. In our casual conversation, we explore the personal experiences, values, and visions that have shaped the journey of this unique beauty and wellness brand.
Q: Could you share a little about your background and journey?
A: Absolutely! My journey has been quite diverse and rich in experiences. I grew up as an only child to my divine mother in the outback, in a town so remote it didn’t even have traffic lights. My father was an opal miner, which added a unique flavour to my childhood. Moving to the city later on. Throughout my working life and by the time I hit mid 20s, I had the opportunity to work in various roles, from working at the local service station restaurant, in family businesses, a newsagency, the local newspaper, a checkout chick, life saving, bars. To later being enlisted to join the Air Force and also being the youngest person employed by the federal government at the time. My career journey eventually led me to ICT, where I settled into a scrum master role. Wow thats a mouthful.
Now living in the Adelaide Hills, my passion has evolved towards holistic health and wellness. I adore travelling, stretching, meditating, and immersing myself in experiences that nourish the body, mind, and soul. I cherish the moments I get to spend with people who make my heart smile. My passion is Osmond Saint. My focus is dedicating myself to being the healthiest version of myself in all aspects of life, for myself, my family and my community, you.
Q: Have you ever experienced burnout or the need for change?
A: Definitely. Burnout can come from doing too much or sometimes from not knowing what to do first and being in that freeze state of mind. Different for everyone but for me that was my experience, a feeling of disconnection, out of alignment, struggling to settle in the mind of where to next and how to get there and searching for that ultimate peace of mind and what that looks like. Sometimes that feeling can be your own or the different energies that surround you too. So important to be mindful of that and check yourself and check your energies that surround you.
Q: What’s important to you?
A: Kindness, calmness, connection, giving, and mindfulness overall. It’s about living in our values, honouring ourselves, having boundaries, and knowing we are just as important as the people we try to please. I believe that we need to listen to our own inner voice, follow our calling and reach for the stars that we see knowing that we all see things through different our own unique selves. Everyone has a bit of wild in us, and it’s about appreciating ourselves and those around us, listening to the universal signs that lead us the way and just trusting that overall.
Q: How did you get Osmond Saint off the ground?
A: It started as a total hobby after ingredient combinations that worked for me personally. Starting off as a small side hustle, thinking of just selling at the Adelaide Hills Markets, etc. Then it just seemed to organically get bigger. A big thanks to my better half for supporting me endlessly, my friends who became family, and strangers who became our community. Their support means everything, especially in the hard times of starting off.
Q: What inspired the start of Osmond Saint?
A: My own issues led me on this quest. I’m not a skin specialist myself, just a normal kid from the country who wanted to create something all about calm skin, connection, and giving. It’s for people like me battling with redness, rashes, and skin concerns. This is the fuel to my passion of skin calmness, inner health for a calm nervous system and educating beyond products about the metaphysical body-mind connection and creating a community overall.
Q: Where did the name ‘Osmond Saint’ come from?
A: I grew up on a street called ‘Saint Nicholas’ and later established the idea when I lived on ‘Osmond’. After numerous thoughts on the names, we settled on Osmond Saint. I think it’s a good name. Don’t you?
Q: Where to next for Osmond Saint?
A: We’re focusing on expanding our reach. Our range additions will continue to focus on less for more, with effective multitasking ingredients without compromising on results. Blending ancient wisdom and modern science. We’re excited about our sister Ayurvedic mask collaboration, a cleansing balm, and the baby goodies that are on the future roadmap.
Q: How do you define the unique essence or philosophy behind Osmond Saint?
A: Our philosophy is simple – calm skin, connection, and giving. We connect to those that align with our values beyond products. We aim to simplify the complicated world of cosmetics, educate on holistic wellness, and bring together a like-minded community.
Q: What challenges did you face in establishing Osmond Saint, and how did you overcome them?
A: Starting up a business, focusing on where to place your time and energy, which priority comes first and wearing multiple hats were significant challenges. Overwhelm, burnout, and questioning my place in a saturated market was tough. But honest feedback from specialists in the field, the customer, our product awards and making incredible connections helped me and us all overcome these challenges and makes it all worthwhile. Even if we can help a few people, it’s so worth it.
Q: How does Osmond Saint ensure sustainability and ethical practices in its products?
A: We’re working towards becoming a B Corp, our choice of glass over plastic, and ensuring our suppliers align with our ethical values. We acknowledge there’s always room for improvement and aim to introduce recyclable refills and minimise further plastic usage in our near future.
Q: How do you envision Osmond Saint contributing to the overall well-being of your customers?
A: We provide holistic wellness education and foster a community beyond products. Our focus is on mindfulness, meditative states of calm through skin products, education, and events with our collaborative sisters. We listen to the needs of our community and aim to nurture both skin and soul. After all, everyone deserves that inner and outer glow.
Q: As Osmond Saint continues to grow, what are your aspirations for the brand in the coming years?
A: Looking ahead, our aspiration is to not only expand our product range but also deepen our impact on holistic wellness. We envision Osmond Saint continuing to be a beacon in the beauty and wellness industry, known for our commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and transformative long lasting result proven products. We aim to continue fostering a supportive community where everyone feels valued and empowered. Our goal is to be at the forefront of innovation, always mindful of our core values of calmness, connection, and giving and promise to never compromise on that.
Ok, well that’s a wrap. Thanks!
Before we finish up, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of the Osmond Saint journey. Your support, feedback, and belief in our vision is everything to me. We are excited about the future and remain committed to delivering products and experiences that nurture both the skin and soul.
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