With the prominence of colourism and skin whitening products in the subcontinent, to many of us second-generation South Asians struggling to find the correct foundation shade at beauty counters, there’s no question that our relationship with beauty has been somewhat complicated at some point in our lives.
But what’s been promising is that not only is the west starting to listen to us (eg South Asian celebrities as makeup brand ambassadors, larger shade ranges), but we as brown people are also entering the market with tailored products and services – rightfully taking up space in this arena to spark meaningful conversations, and frankly, show ‘em how it’s done!
Spa Ceylon’s arrival in Australia is one example of this, with the legacy Sri Lankan brand opening its first store at Sydney’s QVB. Its core differentiator in the market is its influence of Ayurveda. Known for various medicinal and wellness benefits, Ayurveda originated in India more than 3,000 years ago and is popular amongst many South Asian communities.
As the principles of Ayurveda are becoming widely discussed in, and even adapted by the west, Spa Ceylon Australia’s National Director, Niro Abbey says he and his family are “thrilled” to have brought Spa Ceylon to Australia last year, as the OG Sri Lankan brand celebrates 15 years in business. What’s more, the brand is joining forces with South Asian-owned Aussie business, Gather & Stitch Beauty, to host an inspiring beauty event in Sydney called ‘Glow and Grow: Beauty and Beyond’.
From face masks and exfoliators to hair oils and face creams, Spa Ceylon focuses on nailing the daily beauty and wellness routine before and after the makeup goes on. Meanwhile Gather & Stitch, founded by Helani Sarath-Kumara, is well-known for empowering brown women through makeup and hair styling services, particularly on what’s often one of the most memorable days of their lives: the wedding day!
Joined by special guest, personal stylist Tina Abeysekara, the Sydney event aims to celebrate the intersection of self-care, beauty and wellness complete with live demonstrations on skin and hair care plus glowy natural makeup and effective daily hairstyling, as well as styling advice and demos, a targeting discussion for the benefits of different products for different types of skin – plus more! Gather & Stitch's senior makeup artist, Sam and senior hair stylist, Neddie will also be on hand to share their tips and tricks.
“What I love about this is that it's three big Sri Lankan/Australian brands coming together,” Helani tells Draw Your Box.
“Obviously Sp Ceylon is a huge brand but Niro has grown up in Australia. He's very much Sri Lankan Australian like us. Gather and Stitch is homegrown, and for us to be able to work with a brand as renowned as Spa Ceylon is huge,” she adds.
“I think it sets an example to others as to what is possible when people collaborate and work together to give back to the community. This event is very much about that, for anyone and everyone. Giving knowledge and understanding back to the community. Tina being involved was the icing on the cake that completed the whole event. She's also a homegrown Aussie and I absolutely love that we're all coming together for this.”
Of course, representation is hugely important to our South Asian community, particularly given that complicated relationship with beauty that we mentioned earlier. Helani believes this event is significant in closing that cultural gap.
“Growing up, we didn't have this kind of representation and mainstream access to brands,” she says.
“It's a great reflection of how times are shifting and how the children of migrant families are building a name for themselves in multicultural Australia. It's actually crazy to think what this means to the future generations. We're doing a big thing here.”
Draw Your Box’s Founder Alicia will also be moderating a panel discussion on the day, so perhaps we’re a little biased…. but if representation and an opportunity to feel seen and heard in this space is something you also really crave, this exciting event may very well be up your alley.
‘Glow and Grow: Beauty and Beyond’ will take place at the Hyatt Regency Sydney on Sunday August 24 from 9am to 1pm. More event details and ticket information can be found here.