Introduce yourself and tell us what you do!
Hello Before and friends!! My name is Ro (also known as Roro, Roni or Ru — take your pick). I’m the Founder of The Wilds Skincare, a clean, genderless and step-simplified skincare line. I also do a little acting, modelling and nonsensing on TikTok :)
What are your non-negotiable morning rituals Before Life Happens?
First is a forceful cuddle with my dog, Frank. Second is a fresh cup of coffee made possible by treasured Jura coffee machine, Thierry coffee beans and Nathalee Paolinelli coffee mug.
Could you tell us about your journey and what inspired you to create The Wilds Skincare?
I wish my answer wasn’t as cliche as it is but it's the truth, The Wilds was born out of my frustration and overwhelm as a consumer.
Despite being quite “skin-literate”, I felt like the industry deliberately confused consumers as a way to have us blindly overuse and overconsume (and my skin was bearing the brunt of it). Beauty campaigns were focussed on models whose pores had been blurred, no longer resembling human skin. Ingredients lists were illegible and might as well have been written in another language.
While the industry made me feel like “perfect” was the goal, that skin education would never really be clear or that I was meant to be in my bathroom for hours, aimlessly applying products, I knew there had to be a better way.
It came as no surprise to me, when discussing with our chemist, that there was in fact no need, from a chemical standpoint, to have so many products and steps included in our skincare routine.
It also came as no surprise to me, that some of the most effective and high-performing ingredients were recognizable and legible to the average eye.
It quickly being apparent to me that we were going to be able to create something that was easy to use, no matter where you are in your skincare journey that didn’t compromise efficacy or effectiveness.
The Wilds Skincare focuses on minimalism and simplicity. How do you incorporate these principles into your daily life outside of skincare?
It’s funny because when it comes to the way I “take care” simplicity is at the forefront — simple, whole foods, minimalist skincare and beauty, exercise that is low impact or just out in nature.
But then when it comes to anything that is creatively driven, I am a PURE maximalist. I love almost every genre of music, I love to wear loud colours/play with fashion, I love bold interior design.
We can see from your Instagram that you love to travel. Tell us about one of your favourite travel destinations. What makes it so special?
This question could not have come at a better time. I JUST booked a trip to my current favourite hotel, Palm Heights in the Cayman Islands. The hotel is owned/designed by Gabriella Khalil who did not miss a corner or detail — it is designed to perfection. The hotel sits right on 7 mile which is a beach made up of white sand and clear blue water.
There is a weekly fitness schedule (delivered to your room on what looks like a chic restaurant menu). You can do HIIT on the beach, reformer pilates on the roof or one-on-one training with a personal trainer. Their spa offers experiences like baths in travertine tubs and meditations in serene gardens. They have a “book store” that has vintage books sourced from all over the world (think archived Architectural Digest from the 90s…).
What are your top 5 travel essentials?
You will never catch me on a flight, long haul or short, without the following items: The Wilds Daydream Day Cream, Biologique Recherche Misting Water, F.Miller Water Bottle, Henné Hand cream, Jao Hand Sanitizer.
When you're not immersed in the world of skincare and entrepreneurship, what are some hobbies or activities that bring you joy and relaxation?
Pilates at House Concepts, cooking new recipes, scrolling Pinterest for interior design inspo, and the most high-brow of all, Real Housewives of (literally anywhere).
How do you end your day?
I cannot go to bed if my living room and kitchen are not spotless. The day ends with a quick tidy (3 squares of Ritter Sport chocolate to fuel me while I do it) followed by my reward… care-free TikTok scrolling until bedtime :)
