Meet Tracey – the heart and hands behind Natural Approach
This week in our Meet the Maker series, we’re shining a light on Tracey, the passionate creator of Natural Approach, eco-friendly skincare brand based in Albury, NSW. A mum of two (plus a lively crew of pets!), Tracey's journey has taken her from life as an Environmental Specialist in the mining industry to handcrafting natural deodorants and skincare products that are as kind to the planet as they are to your skin.
Motivated by her own search for a deodorant she could truly trust, Tracey set out to create products that are plastic-free, irritant-free, and full of transparency. What began as a personal solution has grown into a brand that’s reducing plastic waste “one pit at a time”—and building a community of loyal, eco-conscious customers along the way.
Let’s dive in!
1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey?
I’m a mum of two (plus a border collie, two cats, and a couple of cheeky budgies), and we’ve lived all over, from Tasmania and Albury, to Bunbury, Mildura, the Sunshine Coast, and now back to Albury NSW to be closer to family.
Before starting Natural Approach, I spent around a decade working as an Environmental Specialist in the mining industry. These days, I’m happiest hunting for treasures in op shops, pottering around the garden, or exploring nature with my family, and of course whipping up fresh batches of natural deodorant!
2. What inspired you to start your eco-friendly business?
It was borne from my own personal struggle to find a deodorant I trusted with my body, my health, and the planet. I wanted something genuinely natural, plastic-free, and that worked without irritation.
3. Tell us about the products you make. What makes them unique?
My flagship product is a Natural Deodorant Balm made with 100% naturally derived ingredients. It’s aluminum-free, synthetic fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and packaged sustainably in either reusable tins or fully compostable tubes.
What sets it apart? It works - even through sweaty Aussie summers and tropical holidays in Bali! And for those with sensitive skin, my specially formulated range is extra gentle. Every batch is handcrafted with love and complete transparency. I also handcraft natural lip balms, nappy balms, and soothing bath salts, each one made with the same care, intention, and skin-loving ingredients.
4. How do you source your materials?
I partner with ethical suppliers who align with my values, including Kokonut Pacific (Niulife), who donate 100% of their profits back to the villagers who produce their coconut oil, and Deluxe She Butter who are certified fair trade and reinvest in women’s cooperatives in West Africa.
Every ingredient is chosen for both performance and principle. I disclose everything, because transparency matters. I believe people should know what they’re putting on their bodies and who they are supporting. No sneaky fillers, no greenwashing, just honest, effective ingredients from sources I trust.
5. What does sustainability mean to you and your business?
Sustainability is a non-negotiable, it’s embedded in every decision made. From plastic-free packaging to minimal-waste operations, my goal is to tread lightly while delivering products that truly perform. Personally, it means creating a business my kids can be proud of, one that puts people and planet before profit.
6. What challenges have you faced in building a sustainable brand?
Honestly? Plenty. From finding packaging that’s truly compostable and doesn’t decompose before I use it! To competing with big-budget brands. Instagram reach has been a hard too, especially when you’re camera-shy! But every challenge has pushed me to be more creative and resilient.
7. What are you most proud of in your journey so far?
My amazing community. Seeing customers come back again and again (some over 20 times!), reading reviews from people who finally feel confident and irritation-free, and knowing I’ve helped reduce plastic waste one pit at a time. I’m still running this business from my home while juggling family life. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
8. Any tips for customers who want to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle?
Start small. Choose one area like your bathroom and swap one product at a time. Look for brands that are transparent, values-driven, and Aussie made if possible. And remember, it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being conscious and consistent. Progress over perfection always, every little step you take counts!
9. Where can we find you or learn more about your work?
You can find me online at www.naturalapproach.net.au and on Instagram and Facebook @naturalapproach.au.
I also pop up at local markets around Albury NSW from time to time, and you’ll find Natural Approach stocked in select stores across Australia (Just check the stockiest link in the footer of my website).
10. Finally, what does the future hold for your brand?
I’d love to reach more people across Australia, grow the product range, and eventually move production into a dedicated lab space. Most importantly, I want to keep creating honest, sustainable skincare that people feel proud to use every day. Watch this space!
