Meet the Powerhouse Behind a Rising Australian-Based Beauty Brand
How Anna Teal’s holistic self-care influences Grown Alchemist.
Formerly an exec at No7 Beauty Company (the in-house line by Boots, a popular U.K. drugstore chain) and more recently at the helm of Aromatherapy Associates, a London purveyor of luxury essential oil formulas, Anna Teal appears a natural fit for her current role as global CEO of Australian-based Grown Alchemist. The gender-neutral line of skin and hair care focuses on the link between health, beauty, and longevity, offering sensorial blends of protective plant-based antioxidants, soothing botanicals, and deeply hydrating nut butters and oils that aim to maximize reparative functions. “I’ve spent over 25 years in the beauty and wellness industry. It’s never really felt like work—it’s been a joy to explore different avenues,” she says. “I am a big believer in biotech and performance skin care.”
Taking a holistic approach has served her well throughout her career spent leading beauty retailers and entrepreneurs to develop their brands and strategy. “My beauty philosophy goes beyond products. It’s not just about what you put on your skin, but also what you put inside your body to maximize your health,” she says. Teal advocates basic measures such as drinking water, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a balanced diet.
Teal’s daily skin-care routine also centres on simple steps. “Healthy skin requires a few fundamentals: a balanced microbiome, a resilient barrier, and adequate protection against oxidative stress,” she says.
Intention and efficiency are key values of her self-care routine. Proper cleansing is non-negotiable. “That ensures that the skin is prepared to receive other products, such as serums and moisturizers.”
Earlier this year, Teal announced a lineup of cleansers, body cream, shampoo, and conditioner landing at over 100 Equinox clubs worldwide, including the Vancouver and Toronto locations. “The partnership is a real meeting of minds. We are both champions of longevity, health optimization, and body performance,” she says, noting that philosophically, the two brands had common ground with their customers. In addition to products now greeting members of the boutique fitness facility, Grown Alchemist spa experiences are set to open in six international locations.
Teal’s appreciation for savvy combinations extends to her down time as well. “I am a strong believer in the importance of exercise. It does not have to be only in the gym,” she says. Instead, she stacks her time wisely. “I love to go out for walks in nature with my two dogs. I find it incredibly therapeutic and calming. I also love to use that time to run through what I’ve got planned for the day so that I feel more prepared and in control of what’s ahead.”
