Local business, The Essential Way, has been named a finalist in the prestigious 2025 Spa and Wellness Awards in the Wellness Product category and founder Sophie Harvey is beyond excited.
These awards are regarded as one of the highest honours in the global spa and wellness industry, celebrating excellence across Australasia and the entire Asia–Pacific region.
“To be considered is extraordinary, but to now be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the biggest and most iconic wellness brands in the world is nothing short of surreal,” Sophie said.
“For a founder-formulated product, created right here in the Gippsland Lakes, to be recognised on this stage truly is such a proud, and humbling moment. Our finalist product, the Sleep Tight Pillow Spray, is a 100 per cent natural Australian-made blend that has already become part of the guest experience in leading hotels and wellness retreats nationally.
“To now have it recognised on an international level feels like a huge leap forward, and proof that world class innovation and quality can grow from regional beginnings.
“And the timing could not be better as we have just completed our full rebrand and launched our new website. This next chapter feels like the beginning of something even bigger, from small batch markets to national partnerships, and now, to global recognition,” Sophie said.
The Essential Way was founded in 2019 when Sophie, a mother of three children, wanted to replace harmful products in her bathroom and kitchen with cleaner and safer products for her family. What started as a hobby quickly grew into a passion. She obtained her certification in natural skincare formulation and began selling at local markets. The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, leading her to establish her own lab and begin employing others to help meet the growing demand.
Sophie takes a hands-on approach meticulously formulating each product, blending her knowledge of natural ingredients with innovative techniques to craft high quality skincare and home products. Her dedication to sustainability and commitment to providing toxin free options for her family and community are at the heart of every product she creates.
Sophie and her husband Jarrod both bring their expertise to walk The Essential Way path. Sophie with formulation and strategy, while Jarrod oversees logistics, quality checks, and every refined detail.
It is a credit to the Harveys that they have been nominated and all their hard work is now starting to
pay off.
