Meet Kat Narelle: The Visionary Behind Gracious Minds
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Time to read 6 min
In a world that often feels rushed and overwhelming, embracing practices that allow us to slow down and connect with our true selves is more crucial than ever. Enter Gracious Minds, a visionary brand founded by Kat Narelle, dedicated to fostering a nourishing relationship between individuals and their well-being through intentional skincare and wellness rituals. We had the privilege to sit down with Kat for an insightful interview, diving into the heart and soul of Gracious Minds and the journey that brought it to life.
Images from Gracious Minds
"We avoid plastic wherever possible, we create products with intention, which are vegan and cruelty free and we contribute to the Australian conservation foundation"
Slowing down and getting to know Kat Narelle, founder of Gracious Minds
So, what's playing on your playlist right now?
I've rekindled my love for electronic house recently; Moby, Faithless, Rufus Du Sol - I also love Ry X and Shima.
Where's the last spot you went on holiday?
Every year in July we go back to my partners home in Mostar, Bosnia and Hertzogovenia to spend slow days with friends and family.
One of my favourite things to do each year is swim in the coldest river in the world with my partner and son which runs through Mostar; The Neretva River.
What culinary delight are you whipping up or ordering in tonight?
My mother in law is making traditional Bosnian Borek - Its the best in Melbourne!
Describe your fashion style in 3 words?
Classic, relaxed, sustainable.
What is your favourite movie?
I have two! Interstellar and The Notebook.
Discovering The Story Behind Gracious Minds
As we delve deeper into the story of Gracious Minds, we're eager to learn more about Kat's personal experiences and insights.
For those who may not be familiar with the brand, could you please give us a rundown of who Gracious Minds is and what the brand is all about?
Gracious Minds is a dedication to cultivating a nourishing and thriving relationship with oneself through slow skincare and wellness practices. We utilise and harness the powerful and soothing botanicals of Australian native extracts.
Images from The Gracious Minds
"Gracious Minds is a dedication to cultivating a nourishing and thriving relationship with oneself through slow skincare and wellness practices."
For those who may not be familiar with the brand, could you please give us a rundown of who Gracious Minds is and what the brand is all about?
Gracious Minds is a dedication to cultivating a nourishing and thriving relationship with oneself through slow skincare and wellness practices. We utilise and harness the powerful and soothing botanicals of Australian native extracts.
Looking back on your journey, what inspired you to start Gracious Minds, and how has your personal transformation influenced the brand?
When I turned 30 I started my life over from scratch. They say you can’t change your destination overnight but you can change your direction and that’s exactly what I did. During my 20s I was very lost, I was an empty shell and I would fill that shell with fast fashion, excess alcohol and unhealthy relationships. Turning 30 flicked a switch in me. I started meditating, practicing slow skincare, yoga and finding my people, this in turn lead me to creating Gracious Minds.
If you could recommend just one product from your range, which do you believe is the most essential for users, and why?
Whichever product you feel your skin is craving the most at this time. If your skin is feeling dry and irritated, Our Hydra marine serum with Australian native sea botanicals really works to plump, soothe and hydrate even the most sensitive of skin types. If your skin is feeling dull and uneven, Vitamin sea luminosity night oil can really brighten and infuse your skin with powerful antioxidants.
Image from Gracious Minds
Can you share your morning and night skincare routine? How do you incorporate Gracious Minds into this ritual?
My bathroom cabinet contains all the left over products from the previous photoshoot so I usually have the whole range on standby. Every morning I say an affirmation to myself whilst doing my skincare (ill reference my Pinterest board) for example: I choose thoughts that nourish and support my physical and emotional well-being.
My morning skincare depends on how much time I have, I will always wear Alpha-berry vitamin c serum and Green genes superfood face cream. At night ill spend a little more time to wind down and reflect on my day, ill incorporate the body oils, our retinol alternative photosynthesis and always Beyond the surface face mist, it makes me feel calm and smells divine.
Image from Gracious Minds
Gracious Minds focuses on mindfulness and self-care. Do you have any suggestions or routines for slowing the mind?
I'm currently doing The Artist's way by Julia Cameron which requests that you do subconscious journaling or “the morning pages” everyday. It entails releasing all thoughts onto paper with no structure; just feeling, listening and then writing. Through this ritual I have learnt so much about myself and find its a beautiful start to my day.
Following this I read, I am currently reading The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari and The Denial of Death. Before bed I'll always mediate, practice slow gracious minds skincare and i'll fall asleep to sound frequencies. In sound healing and metaphysical traditions, certain frequencies are believed to promote openness, balance, and connection to the universe. 432 Hz ; Often referred to as the "universal frequency," is my go to.
How do the values of sustainability and ethical production manifest in the creation of Gracious Minds products?
We avoid plastic wherever possible, we create products with intention, which are vegan and cruelty free and we contribute to the Australian conservation foundation. We believe “What you take from the earth, you must give back. That is nature's way”
Could you tell us more about the healing power of Australian native botanicals and how they are used in your skincare formulas?
Harnessing the power of plants like Kakadu Plum, Banskia flower and Flame Tree, our formulations are rich in natural vitamins, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. These time-honoured remedies have been used for centuries by Indigenous Australians for their healing and protective properties.
We are committed to protecting our environment and supporting local communities. By sourcing our ingredients responsibly, we ensure sustainability and purity while celebrating Australia’s unique biodiversity. Our products are free from harmful chemicals, cruelty-free, and designed to work in harmony with your skin. Every product is carefully formulated to deliver visible results.
How do you envision the future of Gracious Minds in the realm of skincare and wellness?
We see gracious minds more in community. We understand that true success goes beyond just creating exceptional products; it's about fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. Central to our growth is the connection we share with women and the communities they build. Women have always been at the heart of our brand, and it’s their strength, passion, and resilience that inspire everything we do.
Finally, what message would you like to share with others who are going through a tough time and looking to connect more deeply with their holistic selves?
Find your community. Find the right women with beautiful hearts - this will help guide you in the best direction forwards. Be open to trying new things and meeting new people; from joining a women yoga class to attending a women's wellness retreat. When we embrace vulnerability and share our stories with other women, we ignite a powerful spiritual flame within us, unleashing a light that can illuminate and empower others.
Our conversation with Kat delves deeply into her life transformation, from being adrift in her 20s to creating a brand that epitomises mindfulness and self-care. Gracious Minds is more than just skincare; it’s a celebration of connection, self-expression, and community—a testament to the strength and resilience that Kat herself embodies, inspired by the indomitable spirit of women.
Our interview with Kat shines a spotlight on her commitment not only to sustainability and ethical production but also to uplifting those around her as we all journey together towards holistic well-being.
