Wellness Influencer: Aimee Marks

Occupation: Founder & CEO of TOM Organic

Please tell us a little about your business, yourself and how you got to where you are now in the wellness industry…

I'm a storyteller and designer at heart, but I’ve always been entrepreneurial – when I was a kid I would always be coming up with new business ideas – when I was 8 I started a business making beaded bracelets and selling them to my friends! The average woman will use 12,000 tampons over a lifetime (yes, THAT MANY) and it’s not just about what we put inside us that matters – it’s about where it’s coming from and where it ends up. I wanted to create a feminine hygiene range free from chemicals, bleaches and plastics – that are also biodegradable. TOM gives women a choice when it comes to choosing a pure, 100% chemical free product. On top of that, it empowers women everywhere to make positive choices for their bodies, their families and the planet. I went to Uni and studied Entrepreneurship and that’s where TOM really came to life. After years of researching and development I launched the brand in 2009 and haven’t looked back! 

What does ‘living naturally’ mean to you?

It’s about making conscious choices for my body and our planet. We’re exposed to so many chemicals in our food, our skincare, in the air that we breathe – if we can make positive choices to avoid those chemicals then it just makes sense to do that. It also means being honest and true to yourself and making choices that make you and your family happy.

What does a typical day in the wellness world look like for you?

I usually get up around 6:30 and take my two black Labradors for a run along the beach in St Kilda, then I come home make myself a green smoothie and some brekkie before heading into TOM HQ at about 8:30. I’m so grateful to work out of an amazing shared office building in St Kilda, it’s like a second home, we have a beautiful garden filled with herbs, fruit trees and flowers, we even have beehives on the roof! My working day is spent catching up on emails and meeting with my team, buyers, business partners etc. We usually have a team lunch that we all cook together in the office kitchen. Once a week after work I have a boxing training session with my Dad, it’s a great way for us to have a regular catch up and exercise at the same time. I’ll head home and have dinner with my husband, then take a long warm bath to wash away the day and relax. I’m usually off to bed by ten – good sleep is the key to everything!

What are your top 3 tips for staying fit and healthy?

• Be conscious of what you’re putting in and on your body, from the food you eat, to your skin cream and tampons. Choosing chemical free has become a no brainer for me.
• Move everyday. Walk, yoga, boxing – you need to listen to your body so do whatever feels right – find a form of exercise you enjoy. 
• Live with passion at home and in the office – I believe that happiness is directly linked to your health and wellbeing (in both directions!).

In a nutshell, what’s your food philosophy?

It’s all about balance, it’s what we do every day that impacts our health, not what we do sometimes. Generally I eat wholefoods, I read my labels, I buy organic when it’s possible, I shop at the farmers’ markets because I’m a big believer in buying local and seasonal.

What do you do to ‘reset’ the balance button when life gets a bit hectic?

I try not to get to that point in the first place to be honest but I make sure that I identify when I need to “stop” and then I take some time out, maybe do a yin yoga class to completely switch off and relax.

We’re all about balance around here…What’s your biggest indulgence?

I think that balance is SO important, as far as indulgences go, I love going out for a beautiful dinner to a nice restaurant with my husband, a glass of red is nice on occasion too ;)

What healthy snacks might we find on your desk or in your handbag?

I love nuts and raw organic chocolate (like Pana), fresh fruit, seeds and berries.

Can you share with us your top two pieces of advice for people wanting to start a career in the wellness industry?

1. Do what inspires you, and you’re passionate about because ultimately that is where you’re going to have the biggest impact.
2. Trust your gut and never compromise on your values. Ever.

Do you have a favourite affirmation or quote you remind yourself of when life throws you a few challenges?

‘Change your thoughts and you can change your world’

What are your goals and aspirations for the coming year?

I’m already living them! I’m so fortunate to be able to say that – and my dream for the coming year is just to keep that going. From a business perspective my dream is for every woman, everywhere to know about and have access to chemical free options.

Thank you Aimee, your dedication to pursue what you believe in is so inspirational!