Robyn Smith really wanted people to find a haven in our hectic world where they could shop in peace . . .
Please tell us the story of how Faithful to Nature came into existence and how it has impacted your life.
Faithful to Nature was birthed when I returned from London to South Africa, hungry to make a positive impact in the world. I was 26 years young so really had all the positives of naivety on my side. I had recognised that while there was a substantial cottage industry on the ground of natural and organic products, that the distribution of these was poor and that there was a lot of confusion around ingredient integrity. It was my vision to create a shopping platform that customers could genuinely trust that their health and that of their environment was being respected. I wanted to do the “worrying” for my customers by procuring products according to strict ingredient criteria, and I also wanted to reward my customers for their discernment by creating a luxurious, convenient and world class shopping experience.
Let’s get to know Robyn Smith a little better!
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“Fear will stop your loving and love will stop your fear” by Morcheeba
What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
I threw absolutely everything I had into a business that didn’t make a profit for 7 years – every day felt like my biggest risk!
If Mars was liveable, would you accept a one way ticket there?
Absolutely not, I am an elemental girl – I love the elements on earth way too much!
If you were given one thousand acres of land what would you do with it?
I would protect it and allow it to thrive in its most natural and pristine state. And I would certainly live on it!
Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer?
My Goddess Archetype is Diana who is always seen with a bow and arrow! I am not afraid to dream big and to go after what I want, so I’d say I am more of a huntress!
How many pairs of shoes do you own?
A few – but I really only wear 3! My boots, my thongs and my slippers!
If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?
My signature dish is a roast butternut, shitake mushroom, cherry tomato salad with dark green leaves and plenty of roasted nuts and seeds sprinkled on it! Washed down by some home brewed kombucha!
How would people communicate in a perfect world?
With words, but from their hearts
When you have 30 minutes of free time – how do you pass it?
Well I have young kids so I’d be lying if I said I had any free time, but my favourite way to pass 30 minutes just for me would be a run and a swim along the beach.
If you woke up to 300 unread emails, how would you prioritise which ones to answer?
I’d start with the quick wins, followed by the emails I could have the most impact with.
Where do you go and what do you do to find peace and recharge?
I live by the sea, which I love, but I always retreat into the wilderness of the mountains when I feel I need to recharge.
If you could write one new law that everybody had to obey, what would it be?
Meditate for one hour a day, each and every one of us, and let’s enjoy the shifts that happen on our planet. I started out Faithful To Nature thinking that if we healed the planet we could heal the man, but now I understand – we heal the man, and we heal the planet!
What, if anything, have you ever re-gifted?
Plants, crystals and clothes
What is the most interesting thing you have seen or read this week?
The story of David Goggins, dubbed a the toughest man on the planet, sharing his life story of how he healed himself from a past of abuse to get to where he is now. The key was forgiveness and self discovery.
What skill or craft would you like to master?
I’d love to master a musical instrument
What would you say are some small steps that people can take to improve their relationship to the environment?
To commit to having more loving relationships with ourselves – all healing starts with self. Truly!
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