So thrilled to be featuring the divine Rachel Holm on the blog today – the co-founder of HANAKO Therapies, an all-natural range of organic essential oils that embrace the power of raw essences to support, balance and uplift the mind, body and spirit – I love! Read on to find out Rachel’s Day on a Plate and the beauty products she swears by…

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself – who you are and what you do.

I’m Rachel Holm and I am the Creator of Hanako Therapies. I come from a dance background where I have worked professionally all over the world for the past 21 years. As a 5yr old that’s all I ever wanted to do so off I went and lived my dreams working on amazing shows like “Dein Perry’s Steel City”, “Tap Dogs Rebooted” and “Happy Feet 2” however I also became very interested in Natural Therapies in my very early twenties and loved exploring different ways of healing and natural therapy techniques especially on my travels throughout Asia, India, USA and Europe and then of course on home soil back here. Having suffered an ailment for many years then having immediate success with acupuncture I became fascinated by the mind body connection. I then went on to study Energetic and Spiritual Healing, Kundalini Yoga, Aromatherapy and Apothecary and while on a move to the USA the stirrings of Hanako Therapies started when I began blending different aromatherapy elixir’s not only for natural scent purposes but what could also support myself energetically for the day. We use only the purist essential oils, crystal infused water, gem and flower essences and bathe each blend from start to seal in ancient healing mantras to raise the vibration to its highest possible vibration. Each one also has an affirmation on the side of each bottle to help set a mindful intention for the day.

2. What was the ‘uh ha’ moment that inspired you to get in to the world of natural beauty?

I began turning to all natural beauty and organic products when I fell pregnant with my first born. There is something about wanting to create the best possible environment not only for yourself but the little one growing inside of you. You just want to pump yourself with goodness, inside and out, especially knowing how everything is connected.

3. What does your morning beauty routine consist of? 

My morning beauty routine starts off with a loving kindness Meditation, preferably before my girls awake for the day, followed by a spritz over the crown of the head with our I AM… Protected Auric Spray to mindfully set my space for the day. I then do a dry skin body brush, then rub an invigorating pure essential oil blend carried in Organic almond oil, handmade, all over the body followed by a cold shower. My day is not the same without a cold shower. I then apply an organic natural handmade body butter all over the body and face and to finish off, I love a glass of water with lemon in it.

4. The one product you swear by? 

I love and swear by organic Rosehip oil. Super hydrating and non-greasy. It’s rich in fatty acids, antioxidants and Vitamin A. To me it’s like a Vitamin for the skin and helps to rejuvenate the skin leaving it with a radiant youthful glow. I use it not only on my face but I also use it on my girls when they get a little dry from flying or in Winter with wind burn. It’s also my go to for helping soothe, nourish and heal light scarring.

5. What are your beauty non-negotiables?

Clean skincare….I want everything that I put onto my skin to come from a natural source that’s going to help work with the body not against. Therefore, I choose to make a lot of my own skincare. I love not only the process and experimentation of it but I love knowing everything that is going onto my skin, the benefits and how it’s helping create balance body, mind and spirit. Another beauty non-negotiable is Yoga…. Beauty from within….It is my time to be on my own and go within, no matter what kind of day I’m having, Yoga is the elixir of life to me.

6. Talk us through a typical day on your plate… 

I am starving first thing in the morning and I love a slice of organic spelt bread with natural peanut butter and a cup of tea. By 8.30am I have usually had a glass of water with Chlorophyll in it. Jeff then makes us all a smoothie with banana, strawberries, blueberries, natural organic yoghurt, almond and coconut milk with spirulina. After I’ve dropped Willow at school, I do have to have a morning coffee.

My favourite snack is a homemade bliss ball but if I’m out of stock J a handful of trail mix can always be found in my handbag. Lunch is usually vegetarian sushi, edamame beans and green tea or another option of scrambled eggs, avocado, roasted tomatoes and baby spinach on either organic spelt bread or organic soy and linseed sourdough 

I try to have over a litre of water a day, so much water has been drunk throughout the day so far. Afternoon snack in our house is what we call “crunchies”, a plate of carrot, cucumber, capsicum and rice crackers with hummus. This is shared by myself, Willow, Ginger and Jeff. 

Dinner is usually a vegetarian pasta with loads of baby spinach on top or we LOVE Mexican so for me it’s organic red kidney beans, salsa, our own avocado smash, lemon juice, fresh rocket and spinach blend topped with hot sauce either in a burrito or fresh lettuce leaf. Another favourite is a vege stir fry with brown rice, fresh ginger, fresh garlic, chili flakes, coriander, sprouts, loads of fresh vege, sesame seeds and once again a small dash of hot sauce on top.

I have a real sweet tooth and my new-found love is a raw caramel slice and Donna Hay has a delicious recipe, so I have a sneaky square after dinner. I also love to have a glass of natural mineral water with ice and a slice of lemon, it feels a little fancier to have in the afternoon compared to just plain water. Most days I will also have an herbal tea like organic peppermint, nursing tea or a blend of herbs. Mostly in the afternoons around 2pm.

7. What is your indulgence of choice? Food or otherwise! 

My indulgence in food is a hot chip, sweet potato hot chip or polenta chip!!!! Yummo! Indulgence otherwise, I don’t class as indulgence but more upkeep, is a regular massage or reflexology session. I love the touch of healing hands.

8. What’s your go-to snack for those days on the run?

A go-to snack for days on the run is a peanut butter protein shake, trail mix or bliss ball.

9. Three things you can’t live without?

My family/friends, meditation and Yoga all loves that are grounding, nourishing and very fulfilling.

10. And any last words of advice or tips for those starting out on their health journey and wanting to include more organic products in their routine?

There is such an amazing range of natural organic products out there now. Start on your own self with skincare, natural perfumes etc then extend it into your home and environment. Once you start and build on your knowledge you can’t go back. Look for pure, natural and organic products. Delete out synthetics and fake fragrances. You’ll notice the difference as you’ll feel uplifted and supported on your journey. Also look for companies that donate a portion of sales to others in need, it’s an added extension of connection and gratitude.