Ava Matthews has been on our radar for quite some time, and it’s not just because we have major brow and skin envy. Former Brand Manager at Mecca and now the co-founder of cult sunscreen brand Ultra Violette, Ava is one beauty entrepreneur that deserves to have the spotlight on her.
Ava was kind enough to join us for our Woman Crush Wednesday series to speak about her career path, the cant-live-without beauty products in her routine, and some nifty advice that we’re sure will spark inspiration for you, as it did for us.
What’s your everyday approach to beauty?
Minimal. Skin above all else (I use 6 skincare products every morning including SPF) and then brows and blush.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t bother trying to be all things to everyone. Focus on your strengths and being the best at those. Also, don’t accept ‘no’ for something you REALLY care about – that’s advice I’ve given myself.
What is the biggest challenge in your job?
Being able to prioritise the important over the urgent. I.e. big picture strategies and work that will propel Ultra Violette forward vs the small-but-time-sensitive menial stuff.
Are you a goal-setter? If so, what influences you to set them?
Yes and no – I’m more of a big-picture goal setter rather than a day-to-day.
How do you stay focused and centred when you’re in a stressful situation?
Lol. Don’t know that I do. Try to remember that ‘this too shall pass’. Call my business partner? She’s usually the calmer of the two of us.
What mistakes have you learnt from, and ever benefited from in your life?
I’ve made loads. My advice? Don’t stay stuck. Give yourself a short window for the inevitable “what the F have I done??” and then get over it and move on.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what are 3 beauty products you’d take with you?
Queen Screen (i.e. SPF), cream blush, More Brows!
When you’re meeting someone knew, what’s the first thing you notice about them?
Their skin and general aura/ confidence.
If you could have one night out with anyone living or dead, who would it be?
Lizzo
What would tell your younger self about confidence?
Not everyone will like you so get over it and try to give less of a shit about the opinions of people you don’t care about!