Casey Harris's skincare business Savasna started to ease eczema

What started as a bid to find a natural alternative to managing her eczema, has become a successful go-to product, and word-of-mouth hit, at monthly markets in the Mountains.

Savasna* Australia, is a hand-made, all natural, home and body care line with scrubs and butters, elixirs, headache roller balls, face mists, as well as beautiful candles and melts. Some of her products are so popular, Belle Property includes them in their welcome pack to the area for new home buyers.

She believes scent can conjures up powerful memories and even takes special orders for signature scents for weddings.

On the day the Gazette visits, her home is filled with the heavenly smell of lemongrass, ginger and lime as a batch of candles are cooling.

Ms Harris started selling at the markets in 2015. Her products were sold at Wentworth Falls’ Grand View Hotel and will feature at Leura’s monthly markets She is also looking to expand further afield.

“The number one thing that people really respond to and appreciate is that it is all natural and made here in the Mountains. Also the feeling, particularly after you use the scrub and the scents that linger on the skin. You give your skin an amazing exfoliation and then once washed off, you're left with all the oily goodness that is an instant moisturiser. If you use the scrub right before bed, your linen will smell amazing.” 

Her obsession with all things beauty started at an early age.

“When I was younger, I could be found in the kitchen on a Friday night "experimenting". I used to pinch my mums half used Nutrimetics moisturiser, (which to this day, I don't think she realised) crush up a lot of vitamin C tablets, added oils and there you have it. My first home-made anti-ageing moisturiser at the ripe old age of nine. I was obsessed!”

Seven years ago, when she was 24 and living at the beach, she realised swimming in the ocean was helping keeping her skin condition at bay and inspiration came.

“I started out with a basic washed sea salt scrub as my eczema was most under control when I swam every day in salt water. Then I started looking into the uses and benefits of essential oils, not just on their own, but also blended.”

Lavender, orange/bergamot and coconut were her winning combination  that “started to heal my eczema” helping to soothe her skin and help with circulation, with added antibacterial qualities and the benefits of orange being a mood brightener.

“There are many naturally occurring ingredients which help with conditions such as these ... it just takes a little research and development.”

After 12 months of research and development and testing the products on very willing family and friends, the markets seemed the perfect place to share her results.

“I especially was very keen to meet other eczema sufferers and thus far a lot have come back and thanked me which was so special to me.” 

Now with a five-month-old to take care of, she’s become quicker at whipping up a batch of orders.

”Life is definitely more a juggling act now that our little one has come along. We are so lucky, as he is such a chilled little guy. He really loves watching me make everything. Even with all the noise going on he will fall asleep. However, most of the production takes place at night after he is in bed.” 

Popular Australian aromas used in her products – Eucalyptus, Boronia and Kunzea – come from the Blue Mountains.

Ms Harris said other than expanding, she would like to be able to eventually help support those in communities where water is scarce.

“Clean water is a necessity in life that not everyone has access to. I would love for the business to grow to the point that with every purchase made, a monetary donation from that purchase will go to the funding of clean water to communities that don't have access to it.” 

Go to:  www.savasnaaustralia.com.au  or https://www.facebook.com/savasnaaustralia/ to find out more.

*Savasna is a play on the name of a final yoga pose called Savasana which leaves one in a state of relaxation.