Founder Tell-All: The Story Behind the Award-Winning Cleansing Oil Everyone is Talking About

In a world of 10-step routines and "mystery" ingredients, Tekoa Collection is proof that less is actually more. Today, we’re sitting down with the founder of this sensational brand to talk about the power of intentional formulation and the award-winning cleansing oil that is, in our founder’s words, “Pure perfection!” 

Ready to simplify your glow and achieve healthy skin the easy way? Keep reading for the full interview… 

What’s the story behind Tekoa? We’d love to hear about your journey as an entrepreneur and how you landed on that beautiful name. 

I’ve always been entrepreneurial and crafty - even as a child, I was making jewellery at 15 and selling pieces for £3 here, £5 there. This came after seeing a woman selling her handmade jewellery on a trip to San Francisco with my family. My mum saw the  twinkle in my eyes, so when we returned home to Edinburgh, she bought me a beginner jewellery kit and book. I’ve turned a baking hobby into a business, and my once skincare hobby into a brand I adore.  Tekoa Collection was born years before I ever knew I’d have a skincare brand. In 2011, during my final year of university, I found myself at a crossroads of faith and what was next. I dusted off my Bible and came across the name “Tekoa” in 2 Samuel 14. Weeks later, while walking along Frederick Street in Edinburgh, Scotland, I had a passing thought that “Tekoa would one day make a nice name for a business.” Who knew right? 

I started making skincare products and fragrances for myself for several years and received many compliments on my skin, which then led me to start selling skincare products. I made the tough decision to put the business on hold for a couple of years while finishing my Nursing Diploma. As a nurse I’ve been able to get a better understanding of human biology which has enabled me to carefully care for patients, all this training and skills I use within Tekoa Collection. 

What an incredible journey! It sounds like it was meant to be! In regards to skincare, you talk a lot about "intentional skincare." How do you define that, and how do you make sure every single product lives up to that standard? 

“Intentional Skincare” to me is skincare that is used on-purpose, for a purpose rather than a trend. I like to live my life with purpose and with intention and that’s what I bring to all my formulations and business. There is so much noise around skincare and it can get confusing to know what to use and difficult to not be swept up in trends or clever marketing. With Tekoa Collection, I hope to reach those that want uncomplicated and effective skincare that supports their skin goals in all seasons.

That is exactly what we love about your brand! In a world of 10-step routines, you stick to a "less-is-more" philosophy. What’s been the most rewarding (or toughest) part of keeping your ingredient lists so simple? 

The most rewarding part has been seeing my formulations work and improve skin of all types, as well as my customers repeatedly purchasing. Also winning the Vegan Choice Award just amplified that. 

The thing I found tough, especially at the beginning, was resisting adding ingredients, just because of the marketing value. I had to go back to my ‘why’ and remind myself that I am building a business and formulating the best skin-loving formulations because I want to help people feel confident in their skin, not just make sales. So each product I develop is intentional, purposeful and aligned to my ‘why’. 

And for that, you have our highest praise! Also, big congrats on the award-winning Cleansing Oil! Can you take us behind the scenes of the R&D process? What led you to select those specific ingredients? And how did you nail that perfect "milky" emulsion? 

Thank you, I’m still in awe and filled with so much gratitude! 

When I initially started Tekoa Collection, I used one of my products, the Facial Elixir which is oil based, to double cleanse and liked the results, but I wasn’t so keen on the oily residue it left behind. I did more research on oil cleansers with the first step figuring out how to combat the main problem I had; how can the oily residue be avoided? I began researching ingredients that dissolve oil when they come into contact with water, but I wanted to find a version that was plant-based. I finally found what I was looking for and spent a long time testing many formulations until I struck the right balance, leaving me with an oil-based cleanser that penetrates pores picking up dirt, washes off milky and leaves skin feeling soft and supple - not oily.  

I formulated a blend of oils that are gentle, yet effective on skin: Castor oil for its rich viscosity and protective moisturising properties. Grapeseed oil for its non-comedogenic nature, meaning it penetrates without clogging pores. Sweet Almond oil for its ability to soothe irritation and improve skin tone. Once I was happy with the formulation, I used it for a while before sending it out to many of my friends, family and volunteers for testing and feedback.

It really is an impressive formulation, which explains the amazing results! However, many people with oily skin are afraid of oils. How did you formulate yours to clear away sebum without stripping the skin’s natural barrier?  

I get this question a lot. Our skin naturally produces oil, and harsh cleansers can strip it away, causing overproduction of oils - while oils effectively dissolve sebum, makeup and moisturisers that water alone struggles to remove. As our cleansing oil emulsifies, it carries away dissolved dirt, making the skin ready for a water-based cleanser. 

The simple version of the science behind it is that oil attracts oil. So if you have oily skin and you’re looking for a cleanser that leaves your skin feeling nourished and supple rather than dry or greasy, then our oil cleanser is something I’d definitely recommend to try. For those with dry or combination skin, our cleansing oil also works beautifully as it has intentionally been formulated for all skin types. It deeply penetrates the skin to cleanse impurities and remove hardened oils. 

Thanks for making that so clear! So, what’s the best way to work this into a daily routine, and which other Tekoa products make for the perfect pairing? 

To minimise over-cleansing, I suggest using our Cleansing Oil once a day at night as part of a double cleanse. This is because our skin comes in contact with environmental pollutants, buildup of makeup and sunscreen that accumulate during the day. The double cleanse (oil cleansing then water based cleanse) helps thoroughly cleanse the skin. This can then be followed up with our Hydration Boosting Toner, Facial Elixir and lip balm to moisturise the lips. 

Fabulous, noted! We also love that you host DIY workshops. What inspired you to pull back the curtain and invite your community into the formulation process? 

I’ve always loved educating people. I learnt how to formulate through trial and error as well as learning the why behind the basics. I believe knowledge allows us to make informed decisions for ourselves. I use this belief in how I look after myself, what I eat and what I use on my body (I now make a vast majority of what I eat and use). 

I take this love to the community in a relaxed way at my workshops. Each attendee takes a quiz to determine their skin type, I then show the benefits of each ingredient. They get a choice of oils based on their skin type and are guided through making the products which they take home and enjoy using. There is something so special about using what you make.

Agreed, what a wonderful opportunity! Are there any other collections or experiences you think our readers should know about? 

As well as the products I formulate, I’m a certified facialist and offer facials to clients once a week on a Saturday. The products used are exclusively formulated for each client's needs and only available in my treatment room. 

Wow, how impressive! You're really doing it all! Looking ahead, what’s your future vision for Tekoa? 

My future vision for Tekoa Collection is to be established as more than a skincare brand but rather a community where women can gain confidence in their skin, feel empowered as they gain knowledge that allows them to make informed decisions for their beauty and wellness and finally uplifted as they walk through life. 

A beautiful vision. Now, before we end our conversation, for someone sitting on a passion project right now, what’s one piece of business advice you’d give them? 

My advice is that you take the leap, you never know until you try and you have nothing to lose. You also have to be willing to get things wrong, be willing to read and study widely and not only focus on where you live. Do your research and go down every rabbit hole you find. This is important especially when unfamiliar with a topic, it helps you understand both sides before deciding where you stand. 

That's great advice! You're such a source of encouragement. Finally, where can our readers go to get their hands on your products 

I live in Canberra, Australia so locals come pick up my products at Little Trade Co. in Federation Square, Gold Creek. I’m online and ship Australia wide and to some countries internationally (at the moment, I take international orders via email with an invoice sent to clients). Links to my facial services are also available on my website. 

Shop: www.tekoacollection.com 

Instagram: @tekoacollection 

Email: info@tekoacollection.com

And there you have it! A massive thank you to Tekoa’s founder for letting us in on the heart and science that makes this brand so special. 

Don't forget to shop the complete Tekoa line to find the perfect match for your skin.

Thanks for reading!