An interview with Lara Henderson

Our interview series is all about powerhouse women and men who inspire us through their work, creativity, business and passion. At Papier hq we are all about supporting and uplifting one another. These amazing individuals are here to share some of their expertise. Introducing Lara Henderson...

This week for our interview series we had the privilege of sitting down with the gorgeous Lara Henderson. Lara has created the absolute highest calibre of naturally derived skincare to match the needs of pregnant woman and new mothers. We caught up with Lara to talk about her home style and her business journey!

Pure Mama

1. Tell us about yourself

Sure thing, my name is Lara Henderson (still sounds weird to be as we only recently just got married). I am originally from Rotorua but now live in Papamoa. I spent a large portion of my twenties in the hustle and grind of corporate life in Wellington and Auckland before getting pregnant in 2018, and then, well…. everything changed. I now have 2 beautiful children and a business that I like to call my third baby.

2. What is your business and what do it do/sell?

PURE MAMA prides itself on providing the highest calibre, naturally derived skincare products matched with the needs of pregnant women and new mothers. Ultimately delivering targeted, deeply nourishing, and high-quality products to support women on their pregnancy and post-partum journey.

3. What were you feeling when you had the idea for Pure Mama?

As someone that was newly pregnant and entering a whole new chapter of my life, I felt really overwhelmed and confused as to what to use on my body during pregnancy. I found myself inspecting the back of bottles trying to navigate the safety and efficacy of ingredients. I soon realised there wasn’t a lot out there that used the ingredients I was looking for, and what was out there lacked appeal to the modern women. I ended up buying a product that really didn’t smell that nice, and it screamed stretch marks at me every time I looked it. I thought to myself, what a horrible way to connect with my body. As a result, I didn’t take care of my skin as well as I could have during my first pregnancy.

Pure Mama

4. Do you think women often overlook themselves during pregnancy as they are so focused on the baby's wellbeing?

Yes, absolutely! People are so often focused on the baby before it even arrives. The mother is doing so much hard work and she is going through a lot, both physically and mentally. Pregnancy may be a breeze for some, but for so many women it comes with a myriad of challenges. Everything from sickness, aches, pains, insomnia, diabetes, not to mention the mention the hormonal and emotional rollercoaster.

5. You've recently upscaled your operation in Papamoa. What benefits and advantages do you have by operating your business there?

Less traffic, friends, and family close by, plus the beach. It really is that simple. I still need to go to Auckland quite a bit, and likely more international travel coming up, but basing myself here gives our family the lifestyle we want. I have 2 small children (16 month old and a 4 year old) so finding ways to make the most of our time is important. Simply taking the long commute out of my day in Auckland has given me close to 2 extra hours a day, which is great as a mother and for my business.

6. What does a day in the life of you look life?

It starts with the morning juggle. Getting 2 small children and yourself ready for the day is absolutely no joke. Usually once the kids have been dropped at daycare, I do a quick once over of the house and then head to my office down in Papamoa, with a quick coffee stop at one of my locals. My days are always different but generally I have a couple of meetings and just hustle hard to get through my never-ending to-do list before leaving to get the kids around 3:30pm. I sometimes, and I mean sometimes go to the gym haha. I would like to go more but I am a sucker for always putting work first. Its then all go from about 4pm until 7pm, until kids are down in bed. My husband and I always make an effort to eat together and have a glass a wine. I usually then do some more work (until I get told off), and sometimes I have conference calls at night with people overseas.

I am also starting to travel a bit more now that the kids are older. I have a bit of a love hate relationship with travelling, but I am starting to lean into it more. Plus, my rockstar husband at home doesn’t bat an eye when it comes to looking after both the kids on his own and my parents live just round the corner. I honestly could not have built this business without the support of everyone around me. Very grateful.

7. What is your favourite thing about your business?

I think it’s the fact that PURE MAMA encompasses a part of my life that was so important to me and that allows me to connect with our customers in community in a really real way. I get to show up as I am, live and breathe a brand I love, and work on creating beautiful, effective products. Plus, I LOVE my team. They challenge me and make me laugh every day.

8. How would you describe your personal style in your home?

It has changed a lot of the years. Now I buy more considered pieces and try to incorporate more colour into my spaces. I like to home to feel clam and inviting, even though its usually not with out 2 hectic toddlers running around. I really like using natural fibres for textures and finishings, and I have learnt to invest in quality pieces that aren’t just on trend. If I buy something, it’s because I love it and hopefully will love it for years to come. I also have a small cushion/pillow obsession much to my husband’s horror, but these are the things that can change a space and are relatively low cost compared to buying a whole new couch.

9. Where do you go for style inspiration?

Oh everywhere. I am always looking at design online, in magazines and in stores. On thing I love is going into amazing retail and fashion store (not necessarily furniture stores) that bring to life the retail environment in a different way. Commercial Bay has some amazing stores and so does the NewMarket 277 precinct.

10. What are you looking forward to for the rest of 2023?

Well, I am ready for winter to end and to enjoy some longer days. We live right by the beach so I cant wait to spend a little more time down there now that my kids are a bit older. We also have a lot on the go with PURE MAMA including a trip to Indonesia, setting up a new space at our office for community events, and starting our journey in to North America. It’s all go but I wouldn’t have it any other way.