SONYA DRIVER: In the Driver's Seat

SONYA DRIVER 

In the Driver's Seat

This month's featured Eco Angel is Eco Tan Founder Sonya Driver. 

As a mother, entrepreneur, philanthropist, author and CEO of an international beauty brand, Sonya Driver is an inspirational woman with an incredible story. 

Did you know? Sonya Driver invented Australia's first 100% natural and organic tan. Her Sister was diagnosed with a melanoma at age 30, the cancerous growth was removed, leaving a horrible scar on her arm. Sonya and her sister began getting regular spray tans -  they still wanted a tan without the risk of harmful UV rays - however they soon became concerned about the ingredients. 

Sonya: "We started having spray tans and I began researching the ingredients in the products we were using as I didn't want toxic chemicals getting into my sisters nasty scar. I couldn't believe what I found (even after they claimed they were natural)." 

Sonya Driver: "The truth is always visible. Look deeper." 

After Sonya researched tanning ingredients, she started buying natural and organic ingredients like cacao, flower essence, chamomile.  

Sonya: "I decided to start making my own Organic Spray Tan solution from my tiny kitchen using only natural and organic ingredients." 

She mixed small batches of tanning solution in her kitchen at home on the Gold Coast. Driver ordered more ingredients, making samples of her homemade spray tan and started supplying local salons. Eco Tan was born. 

In 2011, Eco Tan made Australian history, becoming the first and only tanning manufacturer to be certified organic by the Organic Food Chain Australia.  

Sonya: "My love of organics propelled me into this global phenomenon and I hold the enormous honour of being Australia's first Certified Organic Tan!"

It's all about the ingredients 
Sonya's determination to create Australia's first 100% organic tanning solution formed the foundation of her brand's principles - transparency and authenticity. This is why Eco Tan's certifications are so important. 

• CERTIFIED ORGANIC Eco Tan's entire range is made with natural and organic ingredients 
• CERTIFIED TOXIC FREE Eco Tan is certified toxic free by Safe Cosmetics Australia  
• CERTIFIED CRUELTY FREE Eco Tan is accredited by Choose Cruelty Free and promise their products are not (and will never be) tested on animals. 
• AUSTRALIAN MADE  Eco Tan is an Australian owned company with all products proudly Australian made.  
• VEGAN TAN, BODY & SKIN CARE PRODUCTS Eco Tan guarantees all their tan, body and skincare products are free from animal derivatives 
• VEGETARIAN SUN CARE PRODUCTS Eco Tan's sun protection products contain only natural ingredients. 

Sonya encourages all consumers to check the labels on products they purchase, read the ingredients, do your research, practice sun safety and beware of the BS! 

Sonya: "Look past fancy packaging and the marketing show, it's the ingredients that will heal or harm." 

Failing forward to success. 
Sonya's journey to success was not an easy one. Before Eco Tan, Sonya was a struggling to make ends meet as a single mother of two. 

One day, her world was turned upside down when her husband up and left her. Their marriage was over and she was left abandoned to raise her girls alone. Sonya was unemployed with two kids, living in a run-down house. And then suddenly her sister was diagnosed with skin cancer. Sonya need to be a strong, positive influence over her fragile sister, and a good role model for her girls - so she began a new life. She spent two weeks volunteering in East Timor, where she fed hungry children. Surrounded by people who had nothing, she was able to put her situation into perspective. After her divorce, Driver was determined to get back up, dust herself off and make a positive change. 

Sonya: "The quicker you learn to get back up and dust yourself off the better. Don't take it personally."

Fast forward to 2017 and Sonya's little homemade spray tan company has grown into an award winning international beauty brand, achieving the Best Organic Beauty Brand of 2017. 

Use code BeKind20 for 20% off Eco Tan + Free Shipping at  www.ecotan.com.au  


Uplifting others. 
Sonya is extremely passionate about lifting up other women in business and hopes to educated and inspire business women. 

Sonya: "I'm extremely passionate about lifting up other women in business. Another woman's success is not my failure." 

In 2019 Driver wrote and released her first book The Nudge by Sonya Driver - a raw organic business manual for women. 

Sonya: "[I wrote] a manual for any woman out there who's an entrepreneur, or wants to be, but doesn't know how to go about it." 

THE NUDGE by Sonya Driver

THE NUDGE is a beautiful raw textured hard cover book, with gold foil and de-bossing that is exquisitely printed in Australia using recycled materials. In the new book, Sonya shares her secrets to success as the CEO of an international beauty company. The Nudge provides real life experiences and arms readers with the tool kit they need to strategise towards building a business and pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. 

Sonya: "I learnt the hard way, I made the mistakes, I rocked back and forth, I got knocked down... SO you don't have to. I've giving you access to my secrets." 

In the Driver's Seat.
Driven and determined to make a difference and uncover the truth, this year Sonya Driver launched her own Podcast; In the Driver's Seat with Sonya Driver 

Buckle up. Sonya Driver has an incredible knack for unravelling layers of the human spirit. Rather than your standard interview Sonya invites people she finds fascinating, inspiring and has their own story to tell and who she connects with, into her drivers seat to have a conversation. She'll take her guests to a place of vulnerability and that's where they will find the gold. It'll make you laugh, it'll make you cry. It'll be raw, honest and heartfelt. 

Sonya: "Have you listened to In the Driver's Seat Podcast yet? It's just dropped. There is 6 incredible episodes that only go for 30 minutes each with inspiring kick ass people that you're gonna absolutely love. Listen to it on Apple Podcast." 

Every month Sonya interviews fascinating and inspiring people with incredible stories to tell. With down to earth conversations, this Podcast is the perfect companion for your morning commute to work. Keep in mind this Podcast contains swearing, so it's not suitable for little ears. 

Sonya's clean beauty revolution continues to receive accolades for her organic skincare and tanning products. Her latest achievement is 4 winning products in the 2020 Beauty Shortlist Awards. 

Sonya: "I am beyond excited, honoured and delighted to announce that we have won 4 products in the UK's Beauty Shortlist Awards. Thank you so much from all of my team and our customers for recognising our gorgeous little Australian organic company. So first of all we won for best new skincare launch our beautiful organic pineapple toner, Super Fruit Toner. Love it! Best Give Back Product for Rafiki Mwena Hand Cream. This is a beautiful organic mango hand cream and all the profits go to Rafiki Mwema, a gorgeous charity in Kenya, a safe house and a farm for terribly abused children.  Best Body Tan, of course Hempitan, beautiful organic tan, doesn't compromise your skin and gives you an incredible colour. Love Hempitan! That's my favourite child at the moment. And we won Best Eye Cream for Eye Compost. This is an absolutely beautiful product and we are so honoured to have won that! Thank you so much to everybody and god bless." 

From unemployed single mom to successful CEO, Sonya Driver has overcome obstacles, to create an incredible company that prides itself on honesty and integrity. With drive and determination to succeed and her passion to uplift and inspire others, Sonya is an influential woman who empowers you to pursue your passion.

Follow Sonya's adventures on Instagram @sonyadriver 

ECO TAN 

Shop: www.ecotan.com.au 
Facebook: Facebook.com/EcoTanAus
Instagram: Instagram.com/ecotan

This cover story is featured in Eco Glamazine June 2020 

SUMMER GODDESS: Lauren Day

SUMMER GODDESS Lauren Day

This Summer, our Founder Lauren Day shares her sun safety tips to help you stay protected from the summer heat. 

We've all heard the saying Slip Slop Slap. The popular Aussie jingle that reminds kids to stay safe in the sun. "Just slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat." But there's more to sun safety that just protecting yourself when you're at the beach or out in the sun. 

Did you know Melanoma is the most common skin cancer affecting 15 - 39 year old Australians. It's time to take your skin seriously! 

Do you have fair skin? 
Do you live in Australia?
Do you spend time in the sun? 

You maybe at risk for melanoma! 
Early detection is key, so let me share with you, 5 things you can do to stay safe this Summer. 


1. Wear Sunscreen 

Wear sunscreen everyday especially when you're outside, or at the beach. Especially if you're outside working or exercising between the hours of 10am and 3pm, don't forget to apply sunscreen and reapply every 2 - 3 hours. 

Why is Sunscreen important?
Sunscreen protects you from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet rays include UVA and UVB. UVA penetrates the skin causing wrinkles and contributes to skin cancer, while UVB causes sunburn and can also be a factor in skin cancer.  

I recommend ECO by SONYA DRIVER Natural Sunscreen. This SPF 30 broad spectrum sunscreen has a non-greasy zinc formula which lasts 3 hours in the water, and it's suitable for face and body. Plus it's Australian made, cruelty-free and reef friendly. 

2. Avoid the Sun between 10am and 3pm 

If you have fair skin that burns easily, try avoiding sun exposure between the hours of 10am and 3pm. This is when the sun's ultraviolet rays are the strongest. 

3. Protect your skin from the Sun

5 steps to protect your skin from the sun 

SHADE - Seek shade especially during the hottest part of the day

CLOTHING - Wear sun-protective clothing that covers your back, shoulders, arms and legs

SUNGLASSES - Wear wrap around sunglasses 

SUNSCREEN - Apply a broad spectrum 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours after swimming or exercise. 

HAT - Wear a broad brimmed hat 

4. Get a Skin Check 

Get your skin checked by a professional - a skin cancer specialist who is an expert in early melanoma detection. If you have fair skin prone, be sure to get your skin checked a least once every 12 months. 

5. Check your skin regularly  

Take photos of your skin now and again in 3 months - if you notice a change, seek medical advice from a Skin Cancer Specialist.  

Did you know? 
Skin is your body's largest organ. You can get a melanoma anywhere. For women it's most common on legs. For men it's most common on the back. 

Moles can change rapidly, and early detection is key. So if something doesn't look right, or you notice a mole or freckle changing shape, size or colour - get it checked out by a professional.

Lauren is wearing the official GameOnMole  t-shirt available at GameonMole.com.au

So this Summer be sure to wear sunscreen, stay out of the sun if you can, protect your skin when you're in the sun, take photos of your skin every 3 months and get your skin checked at least once a year. 

Game on Mole is an initiative from the Melanoma Institute of Australia. 

For more information about how to stay safe this Summer go to GameonMole.com.au.

Product of the Month: Eco Tan Winter Skin

Eco Tan Winter Skin

product of the month 

Our featured Product of the Month for July is Eco Tan's Winter Skin moisturiser. Winter Skin is an organic daily moisturiser that builds to a beautiful honey tan after a few applications. This allows you to achieve the perfect personalised tan. It contains gorgeous rose flower and hydrates your skin without hidden nasties. Every ingredient is organic or natural so it contains no synthetics. Like all of Eco Tan's products the Organic Winter Skin is certified by the Organic Food Chain. Winter Skin is vegan friendly and accredited by Choose Cruelty Free which means its not tested on animals, so it's kind to the planet. 

Eco Tan was created by Gold Coast eco mum Sonya Driver. Many years ago her beloved sister was diagnosed with a melanoma. Sonya knew that she had to find a safe alternative to the harmful UV rays, but after researching the ingredients of spray tans she realised many contained harmful chemicals. So she started working on mixing up a natural tan using the best Mother Nature had to offer. The result was Eco Tan. 

 

Sonya says "We must remember our skin is our largest organ and much of what we put onto it gets absorbed into the blood stream." Eco Tan contains organic and natural ingredients like Cacoa (chocolate), herbs, flower extracts, fruit extracts and Chamomile. So you can be sure that when you use Eco Tan products, they are 100% safe for your skin with no nasty chemicals or synthetic ingredients. "I use certified organics and naturals in all my formulas. I will not compromise quality or safety for the mighty dollar. "

Winter Skin is the perfect daily moisturiser for the winter months. With less time spent in the sun, your skin tends to be a little pale during winter, so daily application of Eco Tan's Winter Skin will help transform your skin from fair to beautiful honey tan in no time. 

Best of all when you purchase Eco Tan products your supporting an eco-friendly Australian family run business. Eco Tan is made in Australia with only the best organic ingredients. Eco Tan Winter Skin is available online at www.EcoTan.com.au and from leading health food stores, beauty spas and selected pharmacies in Australia. 

ECO TAN 
Official: www.ecotan.com.au 
Twitter: twitter.com/tan_eco
Facebook: facebook.com/EcoTanAus
Instagram: instagram.com/ecotan

WONDER WOMAN: Sonya Driver

Sonya Driver Wonder Woman

Sonya Driver. Eco Mum
There is no denying that Sonya Driver is one awesome Eco-Mum! This Gold Coast mother of 2 recently embarked on an eco journey to find the most eco-friendly, safe and natural ingredients for a new organic tanning system. This eco inventor cooked up batches of tanner in her kitchen at home before creating her exclusive Eco Tan - Australia's very first 100% natural organic tanning product. 

So what makes Sonya Driver a Wonder Woman you ask? Well her story goes back about 6 years ago when her husband just up and left her to raise her children alone. She had just quit her job as an international flight attendant and bought a block of land near the beach, ready to raise her family and live the dream life. After that devastating call from her husband she packed her bags and went to East Timor to be a volunteer. Giving back gave Sonya the answers and perspective on her life that she really needed. She helped shampoo women's hair who had never experience that before and fed hungry children. When she returned to Australia after two weeks, Sonya had a renewed spirit and positive attitude. She was determined to make a positive change in her life and begin a new chapter. Her beloved sister had recently been diagnosed with a melanoma. Sonya knew that she had to find a safe alternative to the harmful UV rays, but after researching the ingredients of spray tans she realised many contained harmful chemicals. So she started working on mixing up a natural tan using the best Mother Nature had to offer. The result was Eco Tan. 

We first introduced you to Eco Tan back in our debut issue last September. Since then this all Aussie family run business is blooming! Sonya and her team recently relocated to a gorgeous new studio & warehouse in Burleigh, the official Eco Tan headquarters. 

Sonya: "I feel like I have now finally arrived through strength not of my own. In March 2011, my company made Australian history by becoming the first and only organic tan to be certified by the Organic Food Chain."

Last month Eco Glamazine's Director Lauren Day got the opportunity to meet and work with Sonya on an eco-project.

Lauren: "After admiring Sonya for many months and watching her eco-company grow before my eyes I was so honoured to be invited to work alongside Sonya. From the moment we met I could feel her warm, friendly down-to-earth spirit. She took my hand & introduced herself. I was more than nervous to meet this amazing woman, one of my true eco heroes. This woman is as eco-friendly as they get. When asked if she would like a drink from one of her staff members, Sonya replied "just water" but was then quick to point out that she only wanted bottled water. We had a laugh and I knew instantly, at that moment that it was going to be a very fun day! Not only was Sonya so relaxed, easy going and friendly but she knows the value of everything around her. I could tell this woman knows the true value of being eco-friendly. An eco angel indeed."

Autumn Angel
It's very refreshing to see that the woman behind this eco brand is really living out her companies motto - Beauty Inside and Out.  

This month sees the brand new launch of Eco Tan's Winter Skin. The temperature maybe cooling down, but this winter essential is so hot right now - selling out completely in the first two weeks of it's release! Winter Skin is an organic daily nourisher that turns into a beautiful honey tan after a few days of application. Containing rose flower, it hydrates without hidden nasties.  Every ingredient is natural or organic. Winter Skin contains no synthetic ingredients and is certified by the Australian Organic Food Chain. 

Eco Tan. beauty inside and out

Eco Tan's exclusive new Winter Skin is available in a large 300ml recycled pump bottle. Retailing for just $29.95 it's available online and from leading health food stores, selected pharmacies and beauty spas around Australia. 

The new Winter Skin is just one of the amazing products available in the Eco Tan organic range. Their hero product is the Organic Rich Honey Tanning Solution, a professional formula that provides a golden tan that lasts for approximately 7 to 10 days. To maintain your tan after Summer try their Invisible Tan, a luxe moisturiser that transforms into a golden tan within 8 hours. Eco Tan's clever Tan Away Glove will help pre and post tan to exfoliate your skin for maximum results. 

 

Organic is Awesome.

Sonya is an eco pioneer creating an eco-friendly company that truly cares about the planet and most importantly the health and happiness of their customers. So why choose organic? 

Our skin is our largest organ. Sonya says "Research has shown a lot of what we put on our skin ends up in our blood stream." She created Eco Tan with everything that Mother Nature has to offer including the key ingredients rose flower oil and cacao (chocolate). The Eco Tan formula also contains avocado oil, chamomile flower extract, aloe vera and honeysuckle flower extract. Choosing organic beauty products creates a more beautiful earth. Organic products help towards sustainability. Producing products organically reduces the dependence on non-renewable resources in our environment. In other words one very happy Mother Nature! Not only kind to the earth but also to animals. Eco Tan is one of our favourite Kind Beauty brands being accredited by Choose Cruelty-Free for their cruelty-free and vegan tanning formula. 

There's no doubt that this little Aussie eco-company has a long successful career ahead. With a determined, sassy and down-to-earth company CEO like Sonya Driver at the wheel driving this new organic brand, the sky is the limit. 

Eco Tan

Website: www.ecotan.com.au 
Facebook: Facebook.com/EcoTanAus 

 This is a feature article from Eco Glamazine March 2012.

a Wonder Woman is strong and successful, she always believes in the power of Mother Nature... She faces her fears and overcomes personal struggles with dignity and believes everything happens for a reason. She has the power to inspire others with her glass-is-half-full outlook on life. We admire her. Sonya Driver is a Wonder Woman. 

SaveSave

ECO TAN Beauty Inside & Out

Eco Glamazine first introduced our readers to Eco Tan back in our debut issue this past September. Just in time for Summer 2012, Australia's first 100% organic tan has a brand new look. 


Eco Tan  beauty inside & out
The fresh new summer inspired look for Eco Tan includes their new brand ambassador Amber Wyatt. As featured in this first look, Amber spent a lovely afternoon with the Eco Tan team splashing around in the water and posing for these stunning photos at Tallebudgera Beach on the Gold Coast. View more behind the scenes photos on the official Eco Tan Facebook page. 

Eco Tan is a safe certified organic and 100% natural tanning product made in Australia. This luxurious organic tan gives your skin a gorgeous golden glow without the risks of the harsh Aussie sun. Best of all Eco Tan contains no harmful chemicals that are often found in other fake tanners on the market. 

Company founder Sonya Driver explains on the official Eco Tan website how her sister was diagnosed with a melanoma 2 years ago, which inspired her journey & mission to create a safe organic tan with natural ingredients. Sonya says "I will not compromise quality and safety for the mighty dollar". Eco Tan is certified organic by the Organic Food Chain. The cruelty-free formula contains all natural ingredients such as Cacoa (chocolate), herbs, flower extracts, fruit extracts and Chamomile - the best mother nature has to offer! 

Eco Tan's brand New Look also includes new packaging featuring a subtle peach tone accented with a rich dark brown and white. 

Eco Tan range includes:

• Organic Rich Honey Tanning Solution
• Organic Invisible Tan 
• Tan-Away Glove
• The Pro Tanning Machine 

100% Natural.  Certified Organic.  Cruelty-Free.  Vegan.   Australian Made.

This little Aussie eco-company is taking the world by storm with it's eco-friendly business approach and passion for providing quality natural products for their customers to enjoy.  We predict that Eco Tan will have a very successful summer ahead. So ditch your tan in a can and switch to a beautiful organic tan by including Eco Tan's Invisible Tan in your Summer beach bag this holiday season! 

Eco Tan | cherish your beauty on the inside & out   www.ecotan.com.au

Introducing ECO TAN 100% Natural Tan

Introducing Eco Tan, Australia's first certified organic 100% natural tanning product. Created by Gold Coast single mum Sonya Driver after her sister was diagnosed with a melanoma a few years ago. Sonya was concerned with the risk of skin cancer, so she turned to spray tans but she says "When I did some research and found out the number of toxic chemicals in these products I was disgusted".  So Sonya embarked on a 2 year journey, or rather a beauty mission to create a safe & natural fake tan. After thousands of hours of researching and formulating, the result was her organic, all natural tanning solution she named Eco Tan. 

Eco Tan's eco-friendly formula made from organic pigments, herbs, flower extracts,  fruit extracts and chamomile creates a rich golden natural tan. Mixing natural ingredients from Mother Nature and cutting out all the nasty chemicals and synthetic ingredients, Sonya's Eco Tan is the only organic tan to be certified by the Organic Food Chain. Sonya states "I use certified organics and naturals in all my formulas. I will not compromise quality or safety for the mighty dollar. "

Eco Tan ingredients:

• Avocado Oil
• Honeysuckle Flower Extract
• Rosewood Oil
• Rose Geranium Oil
• Grapeskin Extract
• Cacao Fruit
• Aloe Vera
• Glycerin
• Bergamot
• Chamomile
• Flower Extract

Eco Tan range includes the Eco Tan Organic Rich Honey Tanning Solution their hero product, which is a professional formula, 100% natural with certified organic ingredients providing a rich golden tan that  lasts for approximately 7 - 10 days. This natural tan contains no artificial ingredients and no fragrance, which means no nasty tanning smell. No breathing in harsh chemicals and there's no green or orange base, just clever mother nature!

For best results use Eco Tan's Tan Away Glove to exfoliate your body before and after tanning. This extreme exfoliator removes dead skin layers and old tan to reveal fresh smooth skin. The Tan Away Glove is made from 100% natural viscose with eco-friendly dye. It's Australia's best tan remover glove, Eco Tan guarantees it!  


If you don't have time to use the tanning solution, then you can always try Eco Tan's  Invisible Tan.  An organic moisturiser that transforms into a beautiful glamorous tan. It nourishes your skin without any synthetics or toxic ingredients. This product is our personal favourite, it's so easy to apply, we recommend leaving it on for 8 hours before rinsing for best results. Unlike traditional self tanners which often have an overpowering "tanning" smell, Invisible Tan has a lovely soft note of Rose flower oil which is very pleasant on the skin.  Best thing is that once applied to clean skin it dries instantly! Plus you can even sleep in it as it won't stain your sheets because it's invisible! This organic self tanner creates a beautiful, natural looking, rich golden tan and with summer just around the corner, we have no doubt that the Eco Tan Invisible Tan will become your new beauty BFF.  

Eco Glamazine's Editor & professional makeup artist Lauren Day recently tried Eco Tan's Invisible Tan and was really pleased with the results. "I have very fair skin that burns very easy, and with the high risk of skin cancer here in Australia sun-baking is just not an option. I have tried so many fake tanners which always promise to take my skin from pale to perfectly tan but never seemed to deliver the golden tan that I desired. That is until I tried Eco Tan's Invisible Tan! All I can say is Wow! This fake tan is not only organic but it really works and gives me a beautiful long-lasting golden tan. The smell is really nice and after about 1 week my tan starts to fade naturally without looking patchy and yuck. I am so impressed with how easy this product is to use. The first day I wore my Invisible Tan,  I decided to wear a white t-shirt just so see how invisible it really was, boy was I surprised! There was no tan residue or stains on my shirt, I couldn't believe it. I would highly recommend Invisible Tan to anyone who wants to get a gorgeous golden tan without the damaging effects of sun tanning! Thanks Eco Tan for helping me create the gorgeous golden tan I've always wanted!" 


Eco Tan is available online and in health food stores Australia wide. You can also keep up to date with all things Eco Tan via their social media profiles on Twitter and Facebook. 


Eco Tan is Australia's most beautiful tan | www.ecotan.com.au