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It took 2 years before Julie made the decision to burn her full-time employment bridges to play full out with Flora & Fauna. Until then, she had been working on her business at night.
Only 3 short years after that decision, Flora & Fauna became known as the largest vegan, eco-friendly store in the world. Julie found herself gracing the stages of accepting awards for Telstra Small Business in NSW, Best online retailer 2018 ORIAs as well as Top 50 People in Australia for eCommerce.
How did it all start?
Julie Mathers found herself looking at the ingredients of a lipstick which then started the query “… what is actually in this product?” “Has it been tested on animals?”
The more she questioned the more she realized that there was a massive hole in the marketplace, for needing more integrity and transparency of products in skincare and beauty.
What started as an online store 2014 with 300 products in beauty, has now rapidly grown to 8000+ products, anything from houseware goods, to food to fashion.
This down to earth “Mother Teresa of retail”, that’s what I coined her on the show, is one the first Australian businesses to be certified with BCorp (known for better business). Julie shares the grueling audit that her business went through to get the tick of approval and badge of honor….please understand that only 200 businesses today in Australia actually have it! WOW! Right?
You can find out more of Flora & Fauna here
Enjoy this interesting interview about amazing organic growth (Pardon the pun)
Annette
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About Julie
Julie Mathers is the CEO and Founder of Flora & Fauna, the world’s largest 100% vegan store. Flora & Fauna is focused on driving
change and empowering customers. Julie is passionate about using her skills and platform for purpose.
Julie founded Flora & Fauna 5 years ago with a clear vision to be the most responsible retailer possible with the best customer service.
Flora & Fauna was named Best Small Online Retailer at the 2018 ORIAs and won Telstra Small Business of the Year for NSW in 2018.
Flora & Fauna is also a proud BCorp. Flora & Fauna is 100% carbon offset, has saved over 30 tonnes of plastic from hitting landfill by
shipping orders plastic-free, offers a recycling scheme and supports charity partners such as Where Pigs Fly.
Julie has a strong personal desire to create change for the better and frequently mentors and speaks about responsible retailing and
small business. Julie was named Number 1 in the 2019 “Top 50 People in Australian eCommerce” and Business Person of the Year this
Year at the 2018 Gala Awards.
Prior to founding Flora & Fauna, Julie has worked in the UK, Europe, Asia and now Australia for the last ten years. She has worked in
consulting, private equity and with many retailers, including senior leadership roles in Woolworths, Coles and APG & Co.
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