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Q&A with Saben Founder and Designer, Roanne

Q&A with Saben Founder and Designer, Roanne

We chat with Roanne, the incredible founder of luxury accessories brand Saben about her career, sustainability, self-care and of course her skin care favourites!

How did you get your start in the industry?

My background was in art, after studying Fine Art at Uni I spent a few years in New York. It was after I came back to Auckland and started designing and making handbags in my parents garage that Saben began.

What does a typical day look like for you?

They often get so blurred into one it’s hard to tell! After the boys are off to school, I’m at the office, coffee, between meetings, thinking about new collections, treats, getting inspiration for new collections, chatting to the team and getting their input into much of the decision making that happens. Then it’s probably time for a wine?

What rituals do you hold for self-care amongst the busy-ness of life?

As a busy mum and business owner, me time is hard to come by. A leisurely coffee after the boys leave for school and a nighttime cleansing and moisturizing of my skin before bed is about as good as it gets.

What is the career achievement that you are most proud of?

Starting Saben, keeping it going while the kids were young and seeing people wearing our bags is a daily pat on the back.

We love that supporting women is at the heart of the Saben brand, tell us about the women in your life that inspire you

My mum and my grandmother…Saben is named after my grandmother Sarah Levin Neè Saben. She was an incredible woman who taught me not to sweat the small stuff and my mother who is always there supporting her family and anyone in need.

Sustainability is a key focus for us, tell us how Saben are making conscious moves to be more environmentally friendly

Our industry has been highlighted as one of the main offenders when it comes to adding to climate change. We’re proud to not be part of the industry machine that churns out excess products season after season. Saben has always created a limited collections with a focus on longevity. We work with local businesses to help customers bags last a lifetime. Not adhering to seasonal trends means our classic pieces will remain treasures in your wardrobe for years to come.

We’ve been evaluating every part of our business to see how we can be more conscious of our environment. It’s a journey reevaluating every aspect of the business from the tanneries where we source our leather which are LWG gold standard, the toxic silica sachets used to remove moisture, we found an alternative that uses clay in recycled paper. To all our packaging which now is entire created from responsibly sourced FSC paper. Our courier bags that are now compostable. We’re proud to say it’s an ongoing project that will continue year after year.

What are your top products that you will always have in your skin care routine?

Sunblock, a good moisturizer and lip balm – I love Dermalogica’s Invisible Physical Defense Sunscreen SPF30 with their Skin Smoothing Cream for day and night.

What is the best skin care advice that you have ever received?

Sunblock everyday

What is a key skin care ingredient that you look for in your products?

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

What are your top tips for skin confidence

Clean moisturised skin, that fresh out of the shower feeling

 

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