As we move through the heart of winter, things have felt a little slower, a little softer - the perfect season for reflection, deeper conversations, and cosy rituals. This month’s update is something special. Kirsty is sharing a piece of her personal story that goes far beyond skincare... a glimpse into the experiences that shaped her, long before Hark & Zander was born. It’s raw, honest, and beautifully human. Alongside that, we’ve got winter musings, book recs, TV finds, and a few wellness gems from the team to help you stay warm, well, and grounded this July. Let’s dive in.
Kirsty
I’m sharing something a bit different this month. I’ve been carrying these stories with me for a long time.
Long before Hark & Zander, I was a nurse. And at 19, I found myself volunteering in a remote hospital in central Africa. It was raw, confronting, beautiful, and completely life-changing. Over the past year, I’ve started writing some of those memories down for my daughter. But this month, I shared a few drafts with a close friend and the H&Z team, and they encouraged me to share them.
Some of the memories made me laugh, others had me in tears. But they brought back people and situations I’ll never forget! People who deserve to be remembered, and moments that shaped me, and why care is still at the heart of everything I do.
So I’ve decided to start sharing them… a little at a time, as I write them.
It will have its own blog for those who want to find updates. We’re calling the series Founder’s Footsteps: True Stories From Another Life. It’s not about skincare, but in many ways, it is, because those early experiences shaped who I am and why Hark & Zander exists today.
To protect privacy, names and places have been changed (including my own) but these are all true stories.
If you’re curious, you’re so welcome to read along. It feels a little vulnerable to share something so personal, but these stories have stayed with me for years - and I think they might stay with you, too. I’d love to hear what you think. I will pop in Chapter update links in future posts 🙂
Here’s a short excerpt from Chapter One:
The baby lay on the old metal bed, her tiny body stiff as a board, her back arched like a bow drawn to breaking point. Jaw locked. Eyes wild. The signs were all there, tetanus. Again.
We had no anaesthetist. No ventilators. No incubators. Just a single IV line, a saline bag, and the kind of medical courage I hadn’t grown into yet...
Keen to read more? We’ve added the full chapter link at the bottom of this update - take a moment when you’re ready.
With love, Kirsty
Cushla
This month, I’ve been in full hibernation mode thanks to the chaotic mix of icy cold snaps and wild, windy storms. Think hot cuppas, thick socks, and the kind of nights that call for your fluffiest blanket and zero guilt about not leaving the house.
To cosy things up even more, I’ve added a white noise machine to my nighttime routine – I’m currently loving the soothing sound of ocean waves (or a gentle thunderstorm when I’m feeling dramatic). That said, some nights I don’t even need it thanks to my natural sleep aid: one of my snuggly cats purring and curled up beside me.
Another little winter upgrade? Magnesium spray - it’s my new nightly go-to for helping me unwind and get a deeper sleep. Highly recommend if, like me, your brain tends to whirr long after your head hits the pillow.
TV-wise, I’ve been enjoying a mix of dark drama and thrillers. We Were Liars on Prime was both mysterious and atmospheric with a twist that had me staring at the screen in shock. I’ve also just finished the latest season of Criminal Minds: Evolution (still creepy, still addictive), and I’m currently watching Little Disasters on TVNZ – a British miniseries that’s equal parts gripping and emotionally raw.
Also: Go the ABs! Loving having the All Blacks back in action … it’s the perfect excuse to settle in for a Saturday night with snacks and a good game.
Behind the scenes, we’re working on some exciting updates to the Hark & Zander website. Without giving too much away … soon you’ll have even more flexibility when shopping and managing your skincare, and we cannot wait to share more with you.
Cushla x
Charlotte
Over the past month, I’ve fully embraced the ultra-cold weather, spending cosy evenings indoors tucked up with a good book. Right now, I’m halfway through The Compound by Aisling Rawle, and it’s an absolute riot - imagine Love Island crossed with The Hunger Games! This month’s reading stack is a real mix, featuring the introspective prose of Clarice Lispector, the ever-relatable Sally Rooney, and gothic literary queen Shirley Jackson.
To make the most of these final winter weeks, I’m diving headfirst into my “heated workout era” with bi-weekly visits to RedRoom Wellness. These thermoworkouts are followed by red light therapy. An indulgent combo that supports both body recovery and skin health (and a great way to get in some red light therapy if you don’t have a mask at home!).
On the work front, I’m in the middle of organising a trial for an exciting new project that we hope to roll out later this year. It involves H&Z community connection through the skincare and wellness space! Also on the horizon: new long-form blog content is coming your way! Expect deep dives into what non-comedogenic skincare really means, and a look at what it actually takes to be a truly “clean skincare” brand, for both the planet and your skin.
Charlotte x
