SINCE launching her organic skincare range, “Chow Darling”, in 2018 Danielle Forster has noticed people making a shift to natural ingredients.

It’s a trend the Palmwoods entrepreneur says has only accelerated through COVID-19 pandemic as people look to trusted natural, local products for their needs.

“Not only are they caring more about what goes onto their skin and what is absorbed into their bodies, but also the lighter impact natural skincare and beauty has on their surrounding environments,” said Danielle.

“During COVID my small business thrived as I could still run Chow Darling from home. Our range only uses ingredients Australian-grown and it’s 100 percent Australian-made.

“I didn’t need to rely on any international shipping or large factories being closed down. We could continue to work with our Queensland manufacturer — who is also a small, family run business — and continue to produce our products the entire time.”

Danielle said people were motivated to buy locally for support and because they could trust shipping would not be a problem.

That’s why she tries to promote a connection with nature with every purchase. “We send out a little packet bag of Genovese Basil seedlings with every skincare order — very Italian! But also it’s important our customers can connect with nature in every way possible.

During quarantine so many customers have sent in photos and videos planting their seedlings with their children or enjoying it by themselves.

“The simple things in life are so important in Italian culture ... family, food, love.”

• Chow Darling is on Instagram: @chow. darling or website www.chowdarling.com.

“Also it’s been nice knowing we could continue supporting Australian farmers and producers of our native ingredients which was wonderful.”

Danielle says her business was inspired by a year she spent in Italy in 2017.

“I fell in love with Italy and their respect & trust in nature, how important a good quality ingredient is to the overall result, the never-ending pursuit to be surrounded by beauty and their inherent need to indulge simple pleasures of life.”