My City Series | Courtney Kirby
No one knows a city better than its people. Consciously Connected Travel shares with you our global fam and friends through our My City Series. Unmasking some of the coolest places and it’s people and giving you a deeper more connected insight.
After the birth of her boys, she felt like she had lost herself a little. With frequent hormonal breakouts she developed a love for making her own products using only natural ingredients and found clay masks to be super beneficial. “I loved creating my own perfume blends which lead to the mists. I’ve always collected crystals so incorporating the oils was a given. I’ve always been creative so designing the original C+B logo and labels was a fun experience for me.” What started as a hobby has now grown into a full-fledged business, recognised and respected by a conscious community.
Courtney loves being able to combine pure essential oils, natural ingredients and crystals to embody the natural environment within our bodies and homes. All of the products are hand made by Courtney, with love. While this girl boss continues to thrive and grow, she does it all with such an effortless grace, remembering what motivated her to start it all in the first place.
Born and Raised or Expat?
Born and raised in Melbourne right by the ocean! I’m a creature of comfort, I’m not sure I could ever leave but that doesn’t mean I don’t love to travel.
How did the idea of C+B come about?
C+B came about 4 years ago after the birth of my second son Safi. I’d been feeling a little lost after becoming a mama and wanted something for myself. I’ve always been interested in holistic beauty and self care. As I was already creating products for my family and friends I thought I’d give the whole “small business” thing a go. C+B took off via Instagram when I started selling my essential oil roller blends and Cleanse mist. It’s been a very organic journey since, I feel pretty lucky I haven’t had to push anything. Although it’s been a lot of hard work mentally, physically and financially, it’s paid off.
What are your fondest memories of Courtney + Babes when you started your business?
The relationships I’ve formed with my customers, many of which are now friends. I’m an open book and don’t shy away from sharing my own personal struggles with prenatal depression, anxiety and recently becoming a single mama to two little boys. People relate well to these subjects and it’s allowed bonds to form and I’ve shared many beautiful moments with people who are in similar situations.
4. On your Day-to-Day routine?
I awake to my two boys jumping on my bed asking for breakfast. I have to stretch first thing otherwise I can’t shake my sleep fog, I like to apply a citrus oil to my pressure points too as they’re uplifting and energising. I’ve recently started on the celery juice bandwagon, that’s a must each morning. Once the boys are at school I head home to the studio and check my to do list for the day. Music is always playing in the studio, it keeps me motivated. A work day generally consists of making products, packing orders, responding to emails, ordering ingredients. I try to fit in a gym session or walk the dog to clear my head and get my body moving. I end the day with my partner who is a chef, cooking me a meal and chilling out on the couch listening to music or watching Netflix.
5. Tell us some of your favourite spots in Melbourne?
The ocean, it’s therapeutic and cleansing for the mind. Melbourne has a brilliant food culture, we have countless bars and restaurants with great food. Some of my favourite restaurants/bars are Rosetta for modern Italian in Southbank, Hawker Hall for fresh Asian cuisine in Windsor, France-Soir for the best steak and fries in Toorak, Galah for cocktails in Windsor, Lover for great food and cocktails in Windsor and i Carusi ii for pizza in St Kilda.
6. Where do you go to escape?
My gym is located right on the beach in a suburb called Brighton. I’m there a few times a week for cardio, boxing, meditation, yoga and pilates classes.
7. You can’t take a vacation, so you decide to have a staycation, what do you do, where do you eat, where do you stay and why?
There’s a beautiful country town just one hours drive out of Melbourne called Daylesford. With many beautiful airbnbs to choose from, a gorgeous, little strip of shops and cafes and one of my favourite bookstores. It’s also known for it’s Mineral Spas and Lavender farm where they make fresh lavender scones and lemonade. I’ve got fond memories of my trips to Daylesford. A must for anyone visiting Melbourne and wanting a peaceful break away from the hustle and bustle.
8. What local brands do we have to know about?
Clothing label Primness for luxury staples and natural fabrics - 1054 High St, Armadale. Osun Sparkling is a dear friend of mine. Osun Sparkling is positively charged, botanically infused, sugar free carbonated spring water in delicious flavours like Jasmine, Rose and Lavender.
9. Where’s your next adventure?
I’m off to Johannesburg, South Africa late Feb to meet my partner’s family. I honesty don’t know what to expect. Lions and elephants? I’m very much looking forward to it.
10. Does Travel breed creativity?
Absolutely! Its a beautiful thing to discover new cultures, what people are wearing, shopping, different food, beautiful scenery and architecture. Whenever I travel I find myself constantly taking photos for inspiration and jotting down notes for new ideas. I’m planning on traveling a lot more in 2019 and taking C+B all over the world.
11. The ultimate dancing feet reliefs post liquid courage?
I can’t say I’m a cocktail connoisseur as I’ve never been a big drinker. My drink of choice would either be an Aperol Spritz or Mojito. If I do end up having one too many I like to recover the following day by a long walk along the beach and an Acai Bowl or a massage and facial at Skin Day Spa in St Kilda. Retail therapy always helps too! My go-to clothing store is Salt in Church St, Brighton. They stock some great labels like Bassike, Anine Bing, Hunza G, Anni Lu, Matin Studio, M.i.h, Les Coyotes De Paris and American Vintage.
12;. Where to shed those kilos, detox the body or protect the temple?
Brighton Baths Health Club - gym, steam room, ocean swims, yoga, pilates, meditation and personal training. I also love using the Insight Timer app (free app) on my iPhone for meditation, highly recommend Sarah Blondin.
13. Are there any philanthropic programmes or projects that you’re passionate about or would like to shed some light on?
My mama was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis after I was born. Each year I try to raise as much awareness for the neurological disease. I participate in the 10km fun run.
14. Entrepreneurs, Tastemakers and Trailblazers, Where do people like you hangout in your city?
I love a good meal so it’s all about trying new restaurants that are continually popping up here in Melbourne. Windsor, Southbank and St Kilda seem to be popular at the moment. I keep tabs on the new food, fashion, entertainment and art via Broadsheet. Melbournian’s love to socialise , you’ll find all the hot spots full of people sipping cocktails and wine, playing music and ordering one of everything off the menu on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
15. Give a shout-out to someone in your city that is doing groundbreaking things, and what is it that makes them a trailblazer?
Someone I would like to call a friend after meeting recently is Lily. Lily from The Sonder Sphere is in the early stages of creating a printed journal to promote time offline, to control and filter a sometimes toxic environment. The journal series will be a connection. A connection between the reader and the people sharing their stories inside. A conversation, a relationship, a community. A taste of issue #001… Inspired by an Australian Summer, a time that seems to reconnect us with our innocent youth. This issue will have you exploring ways to create a slower space for self growth, dreaming, playing and living. Lily has a beautiful energy and a very laid-back, natural style. Her aesthetic is dreamy and calming. After meeting with her, I felt straight away she’d go places. I can’t wait to have the first issue of The Sonder Sphere in my hands. Lily posts behind the scenes goodness and inspiration.
16. A locals-only, off-the-radar, black book spot?
Fresh baked goods like custard doughnuts, chocolate croissants and apple crumble at South Melbourne Market. It’s a foodie’s heaven. The best handmade dim sum, spinach and ricotta borek and paella you’ll ever taste.
17. What’s the next big thing when it comes to Courtney + Babes in 2019?
I’d like to say I’m working on an interactive scratch and sniff option for the website but I’m lacking in the technology department unfortunately. You’ll be stumbling across my products in different locations all around the world. As the brand grows I’m finding owners of beautiful stores tucked away in the suburbs asking to stock the C+B range. I’m also dipping my toe into the makeup pond. I love the idea of cream based eye, lip and cheek tints using natural pigment and ingredients.
18. Currently working on?
I can never sit still for long! I’m working on new products for the C+B range. Perfume rollers, oil cleansers, essential oil diffuser blends, new mists. The options are endless when it comes to blending and concocting skincare, perfumes and wellness products.
19. Advice for budding entrepreneurs?
Create a beautiful aesthetic. Be relatable. Learn how to edit your photographs. Be consistent. Be different.
20. We’re living in a world where our attention to new innovation doesn’t seem to have longevity, how do you find your inspiration to make new waves with long-term prosperity?
My customers and followers on Instagram know I’m a sharer. My ups and downs, life behind the brand. I’ve found people like to relate to the person behind the products. I’m also seeing the small business industry take off, people are wanting to spend their money on products made with love and good intentions.
21. Your ultimate playlist?
A little like me, very eclectic!