Karmameju Skincare was founded by Mette Skjærbæk. A green-hearted visionary in skincare, innovation and integrity are essential in everything she does. Improving the skin, as well as inspiring people to DO YOU and practice self-love, are among Mette’s most important causes. Karmameju Skincare is a Danish range of natural and bioactive skincare products with 100% natural fragrances - as well as a small collection of exclusive bathrobes, jumpsuits, and more. Mette founded Karmameju in 1990 and Karmameju Skincare in 2009. She is 46 and the mother of Mila, 11, and Felina, 18.

Why did you decide to take the leap into entrepreneurship?

I did it quite naturally after working abroad for 10 years as a fashion model - a job where in a way you’re also self-employed. During those 10 years abroad, I spent my free time on every creative thing I could get my hands on, along with a great deal of personal development in the area of “Natural Health,” so it was a natural continuation of those years. And I think my mindset is: “Why not? I can do that, surely?” Even though I didn’t know a thing about running a business or creating a brand.

Have you faced any challenges as a female entrepreneur?

I think the biggest “challenge” is if you also want to have children and be a present mother. You really have to be honest with yourself about that. I wanted both, so for many years I worked every evening after the children had gone to bed to make it all work. I didn’t really take maternity leave either, so in that respect, you have to be willing to organize your life differently from most people, or at least I did. Everything in my nature means that I only thrive if I’m also a good mother, so it’s a puzzle to make it all work when family, motherhood, and work are all very important to you, while also being good to yourself so you don’t lose your joy and creativity.

What advice would you give to women considering taking the leap into entrepreneurship?

/ Use your network, and always build your network. It’s incredibly important.

/ I learn from everyone who knows things I don’t. Lower your guard and pride - and bring in the best minds in their respective fields.

/ Always make clear, written agreements. This reduces the risk of falling out in the future.

/ Only start a business with a friend, your sister, husband, or someone else close to you if you’re willing to lose that relationship. It’s really hard to mix business and pleasure, and unfortunately, many end up falling out.

/ Be honest with yourself about whether you're willing to put in the many hours, because few people achieve success without working hard. Do you have a high energy level and perseverance?

/ Make sure you can afford the lifestyle you've chosen in your personal life, so it doesn't become financially difficult both at home and during the start-up phase.

/ Decide how you want to juggle your career and children, if you want to have children.

/ Listen to your gut - every time I haven't, I've thought later: Arrgggg, I knew it!

What does balance in the world mean to you?

For me, balance in the world means people treating one another with kindness. Ever since I was little, I've struggled to understand why people think others should be like them, and how someone can believe that their own religion is better than someone else's. That their skin color is more right, or their political views, their sexuality, their career - their life choices. To me, balance means that we are 7.8 billion people who are all completely different, and that is absolutely perfect.

What does balance in life mean to you?

In many ways, it means everything! Having a good balance across the 24 hours we have in a day. Balance between children, love, work, social time, free time and me-time. Some periods are easier than others - the much-discussed work/life balance.

I think balance is mostly about keeping your mind happy, so life naturally feels balanced. Some of the most important things that make me happy are feeling alive: laughing, loving, hugging and experiencing things, rather than just rushing toward the next “to do”.

On a physical level, I think the biggest key to balance lies in our breathing and, through it, being present within ourselves. Looking at yourself in the mirror in the morning and saying, “HELLO - how are you today?” Stopping to listen. When life is difficult, our breathing is the most essential thing for helping us be present within ourselves. So there is “space”.

On top of that, it's crucial that I get enough sleep and eat good food that nourishes my body. That I drink enough fluids and exercise, so I release feel-good endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, and so my computer-working body doesn't complain.

If I'm happy, it doesn't matter so much whether I spend more hours on one thing or another. When I'm happy and my loved ones are doing well, that's probably what feels most like balance. I also think we have a great responsibility to make sure we treat our bodies and minds well, something I always think of as respecting our bodies.

'When life is difficult, our breathing is the most essential thing for helping us be present within ourselves. So there is “space”.'

- Mette Skjærbæk