A Little Building, A Little Dreaming & A Lot of Beautiful Chaos
Life lately: creating a natural wellness retreat, celebrating 12 years of Danish design and finding joy in the beautifully imperfect moments.
Well, what a week it's been!
Somewhere between knocking down walls, dreaming up beautiful spaces, launching Danish sofas and cooking up something rather delicious at Eco Diva HQ, I've been reminded that life doesn't always arrive neatly packaged with a pretty bow. Sometimes it arrives covered in dust, with a builder at the door and a very long to-do list.
And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way.
Building Dreams, One Dusty Brick at a Time
We're officially into week three of our new retreat renovation project, Otium by Yellowood, and goodness me, what an adventure already!
The dream? To create a beautiful, soulful little sanctuary where nature, intentional living and natural wellness come together. Five gorgeous retreat suites, designed with slow living, thoughtful materials and a deep respect for our planet at heart.
We've started slowly, with a small team and some rather big dreams. Designing, demolishing, rebuilding, reimagining. And, naturally, a few surprises along the way.
Like discovering asbestos in our very old roof!
Not exactly the kind of vintage feature we were hoping to uncover. So, out it had to come, with specialist removal and a brand-new roof now part of the journey.
Every decision we're making, from building materials to finishes, is guided by one simple intention: earth-friendly, skin-friendly, animal-friendly living. Creating spaces that feel as good as they look, where natural wellness isn't an added luxury but part of the very foundation. We're hoping to welcome our first guests in December. Fingers, toes and paws crossed!
Come follow the dusty, delightful transformation on my personal Instagram @nicole.sherwin, where I'm sharing weekly renovation updates, behind-the-scenes moments and all the beautiful chaos.
A Little Danish Delight — 12 Years in the Making
Meanwhile, in another corner of my rather colourful world...
Twelve years ago, my brother Jonno and I decided to start a little Danish sofa business called SOFACOMPANY South Africa.
The very same year I launched Eco Diva Natural. I mean, seriously. What was I thinking? Two businesses. At the same time. Clearly, I had an abundance of enthusiasm and a slightly questionable relationship with sleep.
And boy, have those 12 years been a ride!
There have been challenges, lessons, moments of absolute madness and some incredibly sweet triumphs. But that's the thing about building something you believe in. The journey changes you just as much as the business grows.
And this week, we celebrated a rather fabulous milestone.
After 12 years of customers asking us for outdoor furniture, our Danish mothership in Copenhagen finally said YES!
Please meet Vincent, our gorgeous new modular outdoor sofa. He's Danish, effortlessly stylish, beautifully versatile and rather good-looking. What's not to love?
You can meet this handsome Dane and explore our new outdoor collection right here.
Good things really do take time. Sometimes 12 years, apparently!
Something Delicious Is Cooking at Eco Diva HQ
And because life clearly wasn't quite busy enough... I've also been working quietly behind the scenes on something VERY exciting for Eco Diva Natural.
Our beautiful, earth-friendly superfood makeup is about to have its moment, and I cannot wait to share what we've been creating. Think conscious beauty, skin-loving ingredients, effortless rituals and a little everyday magic.
We're counting down to a rather gorgeous launch next month, so keep those eyes peeled as we begin revealing all the delicious details. . . After all, beauty should feel good on your skin, good in your soul and kinder to our planet.
A Little Reminder from Two Very Wise Dogs
And through all the dust, decisions, deadlines and dreaming, our furry children, Ripley and Bugs, have continued to provide their usual masterclass in living well.
Their philosophy is wonderfully simple.
Find the sunshine. Take the walk. Enjoy the snack. Love your people. Repeat.
They don't worry about tomorrow's deadlines or yesterday's mistakes. They simply choose joy.
Which brings me back to my favourite little philosophy: Channel One.
Choosing the frequency we want to live in. Choosing gratitude over grumbling, possibility over panic and joy over the noise.
Not because life is always easy or perfect, but because we get to choose how we show up for it.
A Little Calm Amongst the Chaos
With everything happening lately, I've been leaning into my favourite calming and realigning rituals. A few precious moments to slow down, nourish my skin, settle my mind and reconnect with myself.
Because even when life is moving at full speed, we can choose to move through it a little more slowly.
My current favourite products for a calming, realigning ritual are below. Little daily reminders that looking after ourselves isn't another thing on the to-do list. It's what helps us enjoy everything else on it.
My Current Faves: Less Fuss, More Feel-Good
Four little invitations to slow down, glow up and love the skin you're in. Because life is complicated enough. Your skincare shouldn't be.
1. The Glow Ritual Bundle — Three Steps to Gorgeous
Because who has time for a 12-step skincare routine when there are dreams to build and dogs to cuddle? My three award-winning favourites — Natural Face Wash, Superfood Face Serum and Ultimate Face Cream — cleanse, nourish and hydrate in three beautifully simple steps. Less fuss, more glow!
Discover The Glow Ritual Bundle
2. Love Your Body Bundle — Scrub, Butter, Love, Repeat
A little love affair with your entire body! Our delicious Glow Up Body Scrub buffs away the week's chaos, followed by the utterly indulgent Crème Brûlée Body Butter. Think silky skin, vanilla-grapefruit deliciousness and a very good excuse to stay in your bathrobe a little longer.
Discover Love Your Body Bundle
3. Vitamin Body Oil — Slip Into Something Delicious
My post-shower love affair! A silky cocktail of superfoods, vitamins and omegas that leaves skin soft, supple and glowing. Five minutes of head-to-toe nourishment, preferably with absolutely nowhere to be.
4. Hydrating Masque — Do Not Disturb, I'm Doing Nothing
My favourite excuse to disappear for 20 minutes! Baobab, marula and mineral-rich clay help soothe, hydrate and revive tired skin. Step into a bath. Add a cup of tea, put your feet up and let the world wait. The builders can call back later!
A little reminder from me: You don't need a perfectly organised life to practise self-care. Sometimes all it takes is a few beautiful minutes, a little skin food and the decision to put yourself first.
Slow is a skincare ingredient. And so is love.
So, here's to another week of adventure, inspiration, creativity and a little unexpected magic.
May you find joy in the ordinary, beauty in the unfinished and courage to keep creating the life you love.
And remember, beautiful things happen slowly.
With love,
Nicole x
Founder, Eco Diva Natural - #FirstLoveYourself #ChannelOne #SlowLiving #SUNDazeTea
