An Interview with Soak Society Founder Natalie Thorogood
Hustle. Soak. Repeat. Natalie Thorogood wants to share her love of soaking with the world, and to make baths cool again. She's definitely on the right track with Soak Society, her range of luxe wellness Bath Soaks and BathDew, designed for the modern goddess who knows that "Me-Time" is essential for success. We chatted to her about life as an entrepreneur, daily routines, and what makes life beautiful.
Name:
Natalie Thorogood
Location/Where do you live?
Coolum Beach, Queensland
What do you do for a living?
I’m the Founder and Director of Soak Society.
What is your Life Mantra?
Everything happens for a reason.
What is your dream job?
If I wasn’t doing what I’m doing right now, I would love to work at an animal refuge.
Who inspires you?
Other business women who have become my friends, and other business people that I hear on podcasts or read about in articles. There’s too many to name!
What is the best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?
If you ever feel overwhelmed, ask your ‘so what?’ What is the worst that could happen? Answer the question, the ask ‘So what?’ again. I find this useful for stressful moments.
What is the toughest lesson you’ve had to learn?
We’re a self-funded business, so some of the hardest lessons have been around money - I was never good at budgeting or money management - but I’ve had to learn every minute detail of business accounting in order to run a profitable business.
What is the one piece of advice that you would give others looking to succeed in their chosen field?
Just start. Learn as much as you can. Ask for help - you’ll be surprised how much other entrepreneurs are willing to share!
What makes you feel empowered?
Knowledge, and self-love.
Describe your usual daily routine.
A morning ocean swim, home for breakfast of muesli and coffee, head to my warehouse (5 mins drive from home), emails and planning, helping Zita to pack orders for our stockists, plus a million other random tasks, home at 4pm-ish and either an F45 or yoga class or long walk on the beach with a friend or by myself. Cook dinner with Corey and chat about our days together, watch an episode or documentary on Netflix and early to bed!
What is your favourite summertime memory?
I’m pretty lucky to have had an idyllic childhood on the Sunshine Coast, my Summer memories are of Little Athletics, Lemonde Icypoles, Nippers at Peregian Beach, camping with friends. Most recently, I turned 30 in December and my family and friends all came to Bali to help celebrate with me in the Gili Islands, that was pretty special.
What are the five things that you can’t live without?
My partner Corey, our dog Rusty, the beach, friends, and… my laptop to run my business!
Name the must have products that we would find in your beach bag.
I usually just carry water, a good book or magazine, sunglasses, sunscreen/zinc and Clemence Organics ‘Ultimate Lip’s Lip balm.
What books are you reading at the moment?
I just finished Colombiano by Rusty Young, and Sarah Wilson’s First We Make The Beast Beautiful, and I have about 5 others on the go right now, including Tim Ferris’ Tribe of Mentors.
What are your favourite local getaway destinations?
Rainbow Beach/Teewah, Byron Bay/Lennox (of course).
What are your favourite international travel destinations?
Guadalajara, Mexico (I lived there). Actually can I choose all of Mexico, and all of India and Sri Lanka?!
Describe your ideal weekend by the water.
We live within walking distance to the beach so on the weekend I always go back and forth for swims and taking Rusty for a run. With friends we will go down and sit on the grassy hill in the afternoons with a picnic and wine, so beautiful and relaxing!
Describe your best foodie experience.
Gnocchi and an aperol spritz at Locale in Hastings Street in Noosa!
What makes life beautiful, to you?
Freedom to spend my days how I wish, and quality time with loved ones. It’s the small moments of joy that make life beautiful.