How She Carries On with Margo Marrone

• The co-founder of The Organic Pharmacy on creating a brand that transforms the way we feel
• How she manages work dramas
• Why she incorporates a spiritual practise into each day

Margo Marrone is the co-founder of The Organic Pharmacy, a skincare and supplements brand that focuses on beauty inside and out. She talks to 35 Thousand about transforming the way people feel, her obsession with detoxing, and how yoga keeps her sane.

Describe yourself in 3 words…

Passionate, calm, caring.

Tell us about your work

The Organic Pharmacy was my dream – to create a place where healing could take place in the hands of experts through, skincare, detox, supplements, herbs and treatments. I had the great privilege to do what I love and to help formulate and create products that help transform the way people feel.

Do you work in a spare room, skyscraper, or other?

I work in our Acton factory right in the middle of all the action.

What parts of your work give you energy?

Visualising a product or treatment and seeing it come to fruition and change the way people feel.

What parts of your work drain you?

Sometimes managing the drama that comes with people and seeing beyond the drama and what is going on underneath.

Most pivotal point of your career so far?

All of it honestly. They say it’s the journey and it really is.

Best piece of advice you received that you now pass on to others?

Listen to everyone but listen to no one. Follow your instincts.

Pets, hobbies, external commitments?

I’m divorced and have 2 incredible children and 2 incredible cats that I am forever grateful for. I love yoga (keeps me sane and is part of my physical and mental wellbeing) and am obsessed with detoxing and healthy living- a passion I share with my children which makes it even more fun. Spirituality is very important to me and I always do something on a daily basis to help myself whether reading a book or journaling or burning incense as a gratitude practice.

Describe your pre-pandemic day-to-day:

Can’t remember what it was like, to be honest. A lot busier, the pandemic certainly bought a lot more balance.

How has your daily life changed, what’s your new normal?

I make more time for myself, something that I neglected before.

Has the Corona crisis impacted you personally and professionally? How? 

Personally, it brought the family a lot closer, we walked to the park together and cooked meals together which was lovely. Professionally it was a challenge but it’s good to learn to navigate challenges and look for the silver lining in everything.

What, if anything, keeps you up at night? 

Not much keeps me up at night.

What have been your best coping strategies over the past year? Do you have any objects, routines or tools that you found particularly uplifting? Gin or Gym? 

For me for sure it’s Gym. Yoga keeps me sane.

What has kept you sane? And kept your family sane?

Cooking and having dinners together- we had a lot more family time.

Did 2020 change your outlook on life in any way?

It changed very little for me in the sense that I knew how important wellness is for us all and what a key part it plays in how well we live. So I always ate well and looked after myself and walked but what it did do was to change the way I shop, so I buy much more local now and less online for food at least. More at the farmers market which I love.

Are you travel ready? Where do you want to go, with who or would you rather stay home?

I am travel ready and have travelled quite a bit since the pandemic. I like both to be honest travelling and staying at home.

Finish this sentence “If you look in my handbag at any time you will ALWAYS find….” 

The Organic Pharmacy sparkle gloss balm (it’s my must-have).

What are your work from home saviours?

Green tea matcha latte, dates.

Name your 5 essential items of clothing? 

Golden goose Slipper trainers  (live In them)
Heroine marvel leggings (I have them in every colour)
Donna Ida Jeans (comfy and chic)
Norma Kamali Jersey T-shirt and leggings/pants
Serena Bute shirt and trousers

How do you see your business or career in two years from now? 

I’ve learnt to live in the now and not the future. I keep reminding myself to live now so I let go of that attachment.

What’s something you haven’t conquered yet but really want to?

Far too many things – the journey is long still.

What could you say to your 20-year-old self that would help her the most?

My 20 year old self was a hot head know-it-all. I’d say don’t be so stubborn!

Do you have a life motto or mantra that really resonates with you? 

Just flow.

Take a look at Margo’s website here.

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