Getting to Know > Lover of Adashiko - Zoe Sanders

Banking Consultant, Makeup Artist + Mama ~ Zoe is a special soul.

You might recognise Zoe as a friendly-face of Adashiko. Often gracing the images on our social media with a radiance that shines from the inside out.

But, it was during our chat with Zoe that we learnt the beauty we see today has been a personal journey that she’s battled with since her early-teen years. Proof that the words people say to us can shape the way we see ourselves.

Learning that Adashiko has played a part in how Zoe puts her best self forward today, truly warms our heart. It’s stories like Zoe’s + many Friends + Lovers of Adashiko that helps us remain committed to carefully crafting the world’s finest collagen powders + skincare.

We took 5 minutes with Zoe to talk about her can’t-live-without products, wellness + skincare rituals, health + beauty advice + some of her favourite things.

This is the 7th piece in our series > Getting to Know the Lovers of Adashiko. We hope you enjoy the read as much as we loved the chat.

Current role: Banking Consultant + Makeup Artist

Star Sign: Pisces

Age: 30

Must-have Adashiko Collagen + Skincare: So tough! But I’d have to say the Ultra Collagen Powder, Collagen Cleanse bar + the Collagen + Noni Gel. Dramatic, but I feel like I actually couldn’t live without those 3 things.

What benefits have you noticed since using / taking Adashiko? Oh my goodness, so many things. Bear with me, I’ll try to keep this short… After using the Ultra Collagen Powder, aside from the glorious nail + hair growth, I’ve noticed the stretch marks on the inside of my legs become fainter. I couldn’t quite believe it. I’ve had these stretch marks since I was a teenager + they’ve always made me feel self-conscious. So that was huge. I also used to get knee pain when running, which I cannot remember having in the longest time - such a relief. 

But the biggest benefit for me is my skin… Adashiko Ultra Collagen Powder has helped immensely with the overall texture, plumpness, tone + confidence to rock my bare skin, which I would’ve NEVER done before.

I’ve been a full-on makeup wearer since I was about 13 years old. It’s been a very hard habit to break not wearing makeup daily, but also I never loved my skin enough to feel confident without it. I’d often use makeup as a mask - not only visually but emotionally + mentally.

Years ago, someone made a hurtful comment to me on the one day I decided to be brave + not wear makeup… a part of my soul died that day + my confidence sunk into its shell. It still hurts thinking about myself in that moment as it was a defining point that shaped the way I felt about myself going forward. It might seem insignificant to some, but it crushed me. Now look at me. It’s been such a journey + I can’t thank my skincare + collagen powder more for giving me the confidence I never thought I could have.

Aside from Adashiko, what can’t-live-without products might we find in your bathroom / kitchen: As a makeup artist, there’s makeup galore in my bathroom. But also coconut oil + body scrubs.

In the kitchen you’ll find olive oil, garlic, lemons, sour cream + chili as my staples. I’d add chocolate + biscuits, but they barely make it into the cupboards before I’ve smashed them all - sweet tooth toxic trait!

Daily Skincare Ritual: Quick cleanse in the morning using my fav collagen cleansing soap bar, it makes my skin feel unbelievably fresh, awake + ready for further skincare application. Then I use the Adashiko Silk Repair Eye Cream, using the Quartz Spatula is so soothing + cool under the eyes. Followed by the Collagen + Noni Gel. After massaging the products into my face I’ll go in with the Quartz Spatula over my cheekbones + along my jawline. Makes me feel super snatched getting the blood flowing + pushing any puffiness away. And lastly, SPF. Never go a day without wearing your sunscreen. 

Do you have any wellness rituals you practice daily? Absolutely! The moment I wake, that coffee machine is on with a scoop of my collagen powder. This is a must before I do anything else. It’s my moment of peace before the day starts. Moving my body - whether that’s taking my son for a walk after school drop-off or doing Rise Enpointe Pilates from home - a new found love. I also take the time to find 3 things I am grateful for each day.

What does health + beauty mean to you? I’m a big believer in input vs. output + look good / feel good. So consuming anything or doing anything that makes you feel genuinely happy + your beautiful self - because you absolutely deserve it. This in return will allow you to hold + carry yourself in a way that gives you the confidence to conquer the world. Love yourself in abundance + neve settle for anything less. When your mind is free, it feels light to breathe + walking feels like floating - it’s going to be a good day.

What’s the most timeless health or beauty advice you’ve been given? My Mum told me to mix my foundation with moisturiser as “less is best”, it was her bid to try + get me to stop caking dream matte mousse on my face like it was going out of fashion when I was a teenager. But she was on the money with that one. I didn’t do it back then - but it’s something I’ve remembered + I sure as heck do it now. I even mix my concealer with eye cream.

Who is your biggest inspiration? I have many people who inspire me in numerous ways for different reasons. However, I do have a solid top 4. My Mum - who sadly passed in 2011 but continues to inspire me daily + her 3 siblings who I’m extremely close to. So much so that they feel like my own siblings at times. I could talk about all the reasons until the cows come home, but in a nutshell I feel like a little puppy walking behind their footsteps! They make me feel like nothing is impossible, like the universe is mine for the taking + they bring out the best in me. I have them to thank for so many things. I love them beyond words.

Currently > 

Reading: Martha Stewart’s Organising. So many fab tips + tricks.

Watching: I’m a severe binge watcher so I try not to start anything as it consumes my life + by the time someone asks me what I’m watching, I’ve finished it. But the last series to watch was, of course, Stranger Things.

Favourite >

To cook: I love cooking one pan wonders! Like frying up leftover veges in butter, salt + pepper or finding whatever few ingredients I have left in the cupboard or fridge + making a banging pasta dish. So satisfying.

To dine: Too many! My husband + I are such foodies, we love trying as many places + cuisines as possible. But my ultimate fav spot to go to + eat would be Birdswood Gallery. The food is wholesome, staff are so lovely + the overall ambience is next to none. It’s carefree for the kids + I just love seeing not only my kids' faces, but others beam with happiness with all the fun things to look at, space to roam + of course the wee lolly shop stop afterwards. I had two baby showers there in one week when I was expecting my son.

Favourite New Zealand location(s): Hawke’s Bay. Genuinely. There was a time where I lived in Scotland for a good chunk of my life. I’d come back to Hawke’s Bay + couldn’t wait to leave. Now I never want to leave, ever. The quality of life here is everything I’ve ever wanted for my children.

Bucket-list location anywhere in the world: Mexico.

Favourite way to move your body? It’s a love / hate thing but… running! I’ve used it as a form of therapy since a teenager + it remains my go-to tool to manage what I have going on. Gets those feel good endorphins pumping!

Favourite quote to share with Friends of Adashiko: I’ve got two that I actually say to others, often.

“You do you boo!” and “Don’t you let anyone ever dim your light… no matter what.”

Life is far too short to not be anything other than your true authentic self.

How do you want to be remembered by your closest family + friends? I would really love to be remembered as their sunshine on rainy days, someone who generated energy + had that domino effect to make someone feel good about themselves + happy. 

What brings you peace? A few things + I often use them as tools when feeling overwhelmed. Being close to the ocean, hearing the waves + breathing in the air. Allowing time to stand still. Sitting up with my Mum looking over the views where she is when I need her most. Being in church, my mind is set free. And lastly… Watching my children sleep knowing they’re safe + beyond loved (plus the quietness).

Want to know more about Zoe? Join her on Instagram >

Curious to read our Lovers of Adashiko Q+A series? You’ll find the Q+A with Korrin Barrett here, Tāne Tomoana here, Bex West here, Carena West here, Lou Heller here and Holly Estelle here.