As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mandy Hawtin.
Mandy Hawtin is the founder of Seadragon Organic, a certified organic cosmeceutical skincare brand created to support women through the changes of midlife and beyond. A qualified cosmetic chemist, Mandy returned to study in her late 40s with a determination to learn how to formulate technically complex products that were both sustainable and effective.
Her inspiration came from a deeply personal place: as she experienced hormonal changes herself, she saw how many women were overwhelmed by confusing routines and let down by natural products that failed to deliver results. Mandy set out to change that by creating a collection that blends the wisdom of science with the purity of nature, using clinically proven marine bio-actives and organic ingredients to provide visible results.
Since launching in December 2024, Seadragon Organic has already attracted loyal customers drawn to Mandy’s honesty, transparency, and passion for sustainability. She speaks openly about the realities of formulation, ingredient sourcing, and the beauty industry, building trust by sharing knowledge rather than marketing spin. Her philosophy is rooted in balance: mornings devoted to her wellbeing and reflection, afternoons dedicated to creating products that honour the uniqueness of every woman’s skin.
Mandy’s vision extends beyond skincare. She hopes to spark a global movement that reframes midlife as a season of renewal rather than decline. By guiding women with kindness, integrity, and expertise, she is redefining what it means to age with beauty, confidence, and grace.
In this interview, she reflects on the pivotal moments, hard-earned lessons, and defining wins from her journey in building thriving online ventures.
What inspired your leap into entrepreneurship, and what personal experiences sparked the idea behind your current venture?
In the beginning, I wanted an interesting career that blended well with being a mother of three young children. My current venture followed from seeing a need for organic products that were as high performing as synthetic products, married with a low carbon footprint. Seadragon Organic grew from that passion.
What core problem does your business solve, particularly for women or underserved communities—and how does your approach stand out in today’s competitive space?
I simplify skincare for people who want visible results without the overwhelm. Many women feel let down by natural products that do not perform, or brands that promote five or more skincare products morning and night. I’ve focused on formulating organic skincare that works at a cosmeceutical level, and two multipurpose products, both morning and night.
What were some of the toughest obstacles you faced early in your journey as a woman entrepreneur, and how did you navigate through them?
My former business partner left our business and I felt forced to sell. Starting over on my own meant rebuilding my confidence and facing the financial challenges of not having an income for 2 years. I took the time as an opportunity to become a qualified cosmetic chemist and create new and technically more advanced skincare than I could have done previously.
When the going gets tough, what keeps you grounded and motivated to keep pushing forward?
I come back to why I began: the joy of creating products I love and the vision of supporting women through midlife changes without the greenwashing and deceptive marketing tactics. Delivering products that have the correct input of active ingredients to give customers the best skincare results without compromising on sustainability is a huge driver, and honestly I love being my own boss.
What daily habits or non-negotiable routines help you stay focused, creatively energized, and balanced as a founder?
Morning self-care is non-negotiable. I’ve recently added meditation as soon as I wake up, which has helped me manage anxiety and stay present. That calm focus carries into my work and fuels my creativity. I also try to walk or exercise most days too.
What’s been the most effective growth lever for acquiring new clients or expanding your customer base?
Seadragon Organic is still young, with our first products released last December. Organic sales from my former customers have been a strong starting point, and we’re now on track to reach my previous business’s sales levels. With social media ads starting next quarter, I expect growth to accelerate.
What branding or marketing decision had the biggest impact in elevating your business and building trust with your audience?
Choosing to share the truth about ingredients. Customers value transparency, and by explaining exactly what is in my formulations and why, I build trust and set Seadragon Organic apart.
How do you personally define success—not just as a business owner, but as a woman living a purpose-driven life?
Success to me isn’t large sales figures, it’s being acknowledged by my peers through the awards I have won. Personally, success is when I experience the perfectly balanced day, with mornings dedicated to my wellbeing and growth, and afternoons devoted to my business – sometimes the other way around!
Can you share a mistake or misstep that taught you a lesson you still carry with you today?
Early on, I underestimated how long it takes to bring products to market. It taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of allowing space for innovation to unfold at its own pace. Rushing can result in costly errors. Take your time and get things right.
What’s your best advice for women just starting out—especially first-time entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed or unsure of their next steps?
Start with what you know and trust yourself to learn the rest. Focus on progress, not perfection, and remember that the journey itself is part of your growth. When you make a mistake, which will happen, don’t dwell on it. Instead, take the lesson and move on.
How do you approach risk and innovation, especially when breaking new ground in a male-dominated or fast-changing industry?
Innovation is less about following trends and more about creating what is truly needed, even if that means doing things differently. Even though I am a solopreneur, I lean on experts around me, such as my ingredient suppliers and marketing agency. Ask for advice and opinions, as innovation is rarely a solo venture.
If you lead a team, how do you foster a culture of trust, inclusivity, collaboration, and growth?
I currently work solo, but when I collaborate with other agencies, distributors, and suppliers, I focus on respect, open communication, and most importantly, shared values. People can learn your culture and brand, but if you are not values aligned, you are bound to have problems at some point.
What are the top 5 mindset shifts or personal practices that helped you overcome self-doubt and grow your confidence as a woman entrepreneur?
- Seeing setbacks as part of the process and an opportunity to learn
- Trusting the science and my education
- Valuing progress over perfection – sometimes you just need to move forward
- Building community instead of competition – it’s also more fun, and you will be amazed at how you can benefit each other
- When feeling overwhelmed, such as not having enough time, that is the time to step away for a few hours or a day and take a break.
If you could spark a global movement through your work, what would it be—and why is that mission meaningful to you?
I’d love to show the beauty industry that sustainability isn’t just about packaging selection, it’s about every ingredient that goes into skincare products and the manufacturing processes, too. I’d love to show them that reducing our carbon footprint might cost a little more, but it’s a direction we need to move into and one that many customers will embrace.
What’s a quote, philosophy, or guiding belief that shapes how you lead, create, and live every day?
“There is only one way to learn. It’s through action.” – Paulo Coelho. This reminds me to keep moving forward, even when things feel uncertain.
Where can our audience connect with you, explore your work, or follow your entrepreneurial journey online?
You can discover Seadragon Organic or follow my journey on Instagram.
