Our co-founder Matt on his fitness routine (and favourite facial oil)
A Kiwi who has made his home at Bondi Beach, Rare by Nature co-founder Matt is a busy dad, entrepreneur and fitness enthusiast.
1. Matt, you’re known for being very fit. What’s your morning routine?
I wake at 6am and walk across the road for a swim at Bondi Beach. I actually like it when the water is cold; it makes me feel alive. Our two boys are up at 6.30am. I take baby Charlie to Porch Cafe to pick up coffees.
No breakfast for me - my first meal is lunch. We make a wholefoods breakfast for the boys and take it into daycare. I sometimes sit with them while they eat. It's a nice moment of extra connection.
Then it's across to the gym and on to the shared workspace where I work.
2. And your workout?
I try to get to the gym three mornings a week for stretching, callisthenics and weights. I also train at an outdoor gym 400m from home. I'm there every Saturday with a group of friends. Many of the guys are dads and our young kids play there together.
3. What about taking care of your skin? What do you look for in natural skincare?
Nourishment. My partner Michelle has beautiful skin so it is important that I do my best!
Every morning, I apply Prickly Pear Seed Oil. It absorbs really well. I like that it gets into my skin to do its work rather than sitting on the surface. It leaves my skin a lot healthier and fresher. I tell my friends its the best oil for mens skin! It will soothe any knicks from shaving and will hydrate the skin.
4. You’re tireless about sourcing. Where does the Prickly Pear Seed Oil come from?
It took us over a year of searching and trialing different organic skincare oils to find the best Prickly Pear Seed for use as a facial oil. Prickly Pear is native to the Americas, but we found that the best Prickly Pear Seed Oil comes from Morocco. We discovered our source in Sbouya at the southern end of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. It has the perfect climate and soil, producing an exceptional Prickly Pear Seed Oil.
Harvesting the oil is a slow, artisanal process. We partner with a local women's cooperative. They remove the seeds and extract the oil with a cold press.
5. You used to work with whiskey brands. What did you learn?
I worked with high-end master distillers who create exceptional whiskies. I apply their philosophy to Rare by Nature and our natural skin care, focusing on single origin sourcing and small batch production. We don't do generic.
6. What is the most inspiring business advice you have ever received?
My first job in Auckland was working under a fearless entrepreneur. He was gutsy. He took on large established companies, found their weak spots, outflanked them and beat them. Many years ago he told me that when you put everything on the line and have skin in the game you are creating the best conditions for success.
7. Networking, yes or no?
I meet people pushing the pram, spending time at the beach, ducking into the coffee shop. I wouldn’t say I am the best networker but I have met some wonderful people on my journey. I don't attend networking events or anything like that! I have never set out to build a list of contacts and I am not pushy. There seem to be plenty of kind people who are willing to help with advice and introductions.
8. Last question! Which Rare by Nature capsules are you taking right now?
The natural Marine Collagen Capsules. We source from wild fish so its better than farmed organic collagen powder. The capsules provide an amazing boost to the skin. Like the Prickly Pear Seed Facial Oil, the capsules are single origin and 100% pure. I use them both to get a really powerful concentration of active ingredients that deliver results.
