Goly Natural
A Simple, Honest Approach to Skincare
by Victoria Mayo
inspiremepr.com
Welcome to InspireMe, a new section of Places and Faces Magazine, created by me, Victoria at InspireMe PR. In this space, I’ll bring you stories of incredible people, inspiring ideas, and discussions that challenge the status quo. From inspirational men and women to places that inspire change and ideas that provoke thought—it’s all about sparking conversation and inspiring action.
This month, I’m delighted to bring you the story of Steph, the founder of Goly Natural, a brand that’s rooted in authenticity, simplicity, and a deep love for natural skincare. Her story will make you think twice about the products you use daily and the impact they have on your skin—and your health.
The Truth About Your Skincare Routine
One of the most eye-opening aspects of Steph’s journey has been uncovering the hidden truths about the chemicals we apply to our skin.
“According to a survey by the Environmental Working Group the average American woman applies over 168 chemicals to her skin every day. Many of these are absorbed into the body and can have long-term effects,” says Steph.
“This is one of the driving forces behind Goly Natural’s ethos, encouraging people to scrutinise ingredient lists and really consider what they’re putting on their skin.”
Steph is passionate about helping people become more aware of what’s in their skincare. “If you can’t pronounce it or need to Google it to know what it is, ask yourself if you really need it.
We’ve normalised skincare routines with 10, 15 steps—but it’s overwhelming and unnecessary.”
“Less Is More”—How Goly Natural Began
For Steph, Goly Natural is more than just a brand—it’s a reflection of her upbringing and values.
“I was born and raised in the mountains, using natural remedies
and old wives’ tales,” she shares. “I used to experiment and make my own rose water as a child. It’s part of me; it’s not just a passion. It’s the norm I grew up with.”
Steph spent her childhood on her grandparents’ small farm in Portugal, where she was surrounded by nature. Her connection to the earth was forged through simple, everyday experiences—harvesting strawberries, gathering peanuts and herbs, and even helping prepare animals for meals.
“When I moved to the city, people didn’t understand my connection to nature. They’d say, ‘Food comes from the supermarket,’ and I’d think, No, it doesn’t. It comes from the land. That shaped the way I see the world—and skincare.”
The Birth of Goly Natural
Steph’s journey to creating Goly Natural wasn’t linear. After years of working as a care coordinator and later training as a barber, she found herself at a crossroads during the Covid-19 lockdown. With more time on her hands and a desire to build something meaningful, she turned to her love of natural remedies.
The result was Goly Natural—a brand focused on 100% natural, cruelty-free skincare. The name, inspired by her Polish partner, means “naked” or “bare” in Polish, reflecting the brand’s ethos of simplicity and transparency.
“I started making products for my children in 2010 because I didn’t want to use products with harsh chemicals on their delicate skin,” Steph explains. “Even natural brands weren’t as pure as I wanted, and they were expensive. So, I made my own.”
Her first creation was the Rose Salve, originally developed as a nappy cream. “That product is still my bestseller today,” she says proudly. “It’s been featured in Tatler Magazine and can be used for so much more than nappy rash—it’s a fantastic body lotion and soothing balm.”
What Should You Avoid in Skincare?
For those trying to decipher the confusing labels on skincare products, Steph offers clear advice.
Avoid:
• Petroleum-based ingredients (like PEGs).
• Parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and phenoxyethanol.
• Long, unrecognisable ingredient names—often a red flag for synthetic chemicals.
Look out for:
• Simple, natural ingredients that you can pronounce.
• Products with no water as a primary ingredient. “If water is the first ingredient listed, you’re essentially paying for tap water,” Steph explains.
By following these guidelines, consumers can make better choices and avoid wasting money on unnecessary additives.
Personalised Skincare Consultations
Steph’s passion for helping others extends to free personalised consultations.
“I offer free consultations because I want to be sure people are getting the right products for their specific needs,” she explains. “I don’t want people to just buy what’s on the shelf.
I ask questions like, ‘What is your skin doing right now?’ and, ‘What’s bothering you about it?’ so I can make recommendations based on their answers.”
She takes a holistic approach, often encouraging clients to look beyond skincare products to their diet and gut health. “Your skin is a reflection of what’s happening inside,” Steph says. “If you’re breaking out, it might not be the cream you’re using—it could be your diet, stress, or sleep habits.”
Educating Through Experience
Steph’s mission goes beyond products. She’s become a vocal advocate for natural skincare, hosting workshops and writing books to empower others. Her debut, Natural Apothecary: Create Your Own, is available on Amazon and offers practical guidance on crafting your own skincare.
She’s also working on a second book and has been a guest on several podcasts, sharing her expertise on holistic health and the beauty industry.
“Skincare is just one piece of the puzzle,” Steph explains. “Your overall health is connected to what you eat, how you sleep, and how you manage stress. I want to help people see the bigger picture.”
Passion for Business and Empowering Others
Starting a business isn’t easy, especially during a global pandemic. But for Steph, the leap to entrepreneurship was born out of a desire to create something meaningful. From her humble beginnings to now running a growing skincare brand, her journey is an inspiration to those looking to take control of their own destiny.
“My advice to anyone thinking about starting their own business is simple: stop being scared and just do it,” Steph says. “You don’t have to know everything from the start. I didn’t. But the key is to keep moving forward. Start small, learn as you go, and most importantly, trust in your passion.”
Follow Goly Natural & InspireMe PR
Steph’s journey is a testament to the power of following your passion and staying true to your values.
Whether it’s her bestselling Rose Salve, her free consultations, or her insightful public speaking engagements, she’s making a real impact in the skincare world.
Follow Steph on Instagram @_goly.natural to learn more about her products, upcoming book, and podcast appearances.
And if you’re looking to bring your own inspiring story to life, reach out to me at InspireMe PR. Follow @inspireme_pr for more stories like Steph’s—and if you’d like to work together, let’s connect!