In honour of International Women’s Day, we sat down with OPTY.NC Co-founders Cate Lilja and Karissa Mather to learn about their inspiration to start the brand and champion a new standard in ingestible beauty and the nutricosmetics industry.
The story of OPTY.NC began when Cate and Karissa met in 2019, bonding immediately over their shared passion for gut health, wellness and the occasional glass of wine.
Having spent decades working for some of the largest health and beauty companies, Cate and Karissa dreamt of developing their own natural, food-based ingestible beauty supplement. Products that genuinely reflected their sustainable values and desire to empower people with scientifically backed results and their own wellness journeys.
"We have a complementary skill set, are almost always on the same page and feel we’re in such alignment with the direction of OPTY.NC ,” says Karissa.
Meet Cate Lilja
"Your skin is like a mirror to your internal health. I hope people start to recognize that what’s going on inside is reflected outside.” ~ Cate.
Cate, the Head of Product Development, Research and Development, Supply Chain and Logistics at OPTY, is a accomplished professional with over 15 years of unparalleled expertise in product innovation and development for nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and health foods. With a passion for natural health, Cate has a degree in Naturopathic Studies and sophisticated knowledge of using scientifically validated alternatives to synthetic interventions.
Her vast knowledge of the nutraceutical category has enabled her to explore the incredible healing power of nature combined with scientific breakthroughs to provide high-quality products. She is a seasoned formulator with a profound understanding of gut health, utilizing nutrition and herbal medicines to affect positive change in individuals.
"I'm passionate about helping people feel well, and empowering our community to understand the science behind their skin and embracing healthy aging," she says.
Cate's commitment to the highest quality standards in product development has earned OPTY a unique competitive advantage in sourcing ingredients from the best possible sources, resulting in expertly formulated proprietary blends that deliver exceptional results. She is a true leader in the nutraceutical field, a passionate advocate for natural health, and continues to inspire her team with her professional attitude and innovative outlook.
Meet Karissa Mather
Karissa is a wellness enthusiast with a lifelong passion for health and wellbeing. Having been brought up in a family with a history of bowel cancer, Karissa has always been aware of the importance of gut health and has made it a priority from an early age.
With over 20 years of experience in global brand marketing and sales, Karissa has worked in both the luxury and mass cosmetics categories. However, it was her transition to the wellness and health food sectors that truly ignited her passion for creating and promoting products that contribute to improving people's well-being.
Following extensive study of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic healing modalities, Karissa became a specialist in the connection between gut and skin health. This expertise led her to envision creating her own brand that would address the needs of people who are looking for effective and safe products that are rooted in ancient knowledge but seamlessly blend with today's modern lifestyles.
“It’s okay to use external skincare and cosmetics, but it’s important to realise whatever we’re trying to mask is an indication of our overall health. That’s why ingestible beauty is really changing the way we think about skincare. Skin health is a longterm goal and it starts in your gut,” says Karissa.
Our Difference
Both Cate and Karissa see OPTY.NC as an innovative, beauty wellness brand committed to advancing skin health and overall wellness through natural, science-backed, and multi-benefit ingestible products. With our seasoned co-founders leading the way, we are revolutionizing the skincare industry by bringing ingestible beauty to the forefront.
"We believe that skin wellness is a process that starts from within, and we are dedicated to providing innovative products, educational resources, and ethical and transparent standards, all with the goal of boosting your skin health and confidence," says Cate.
By choosing OPTY.NC, you can trust that you are investing in a brand that truly cares about your skin and overall well-being. So join us on this journey towards healthier and happier skin, and experience the transformative power of our products today.
