By now, you've probably caught on—Golden Hour Chats is where things get real. It's our relaxed, behind-the-scenes series that dives into candid conversations around beauty, conscious choices, and all things sunless tanning. Think of it as your front-row pass to the thoughts, routines, and everyday moments of inspiring women who've mastered the art of glowing confidently while caring for their skin's future.
This is more than just talk — it's an exclusive window into the authentic lives of those who've embraced a more mindful approach to beauty.
Curious about how a community-minded mother incorporates self-care and sunless tanning into her purposeful life? Keep reading as we sit down with the effortlessly inspiring Rhiannon.
Self-care rituals and what matters most
Q: It's Thursday, which means it's self-care night here at Sontse, and our sunless tanning ritual is high on the agenda. We know self-care is a deeply personal thing—what does it look like for you?
A: For me, pilates 2-3 times a week @mvmnthub.pilates and a weekly wash and blow-wave is my self-care ritual.
It’s important to find time for yourself especially since we all live such busy lives.
Q: We'd love to get to know the heart behind everything you do—can you tell us a bit about yourself and what matters most to you beyond the roles you play?
A: Family and friends are most important to me. I am extremely lucky to have close relationships with all my family and friends. We all play an active part in each others' lives, which extends to our children.
It’s so easy to get caught up in being busy or constantly saying ‘yes’ to things. Since Covid, I have really prioritised what I say yes to these days to ensure I spend time doing what is important to me.
Beauty with purpose
Q: When it comes to your beauty routine, what do you look for in the products you use?
A: "I look for non-toxic products, and I always try to support Australian-owned. It is important to make intentional choices about what we put on our skin—considering both the impact products have on our bodies and the broader ripple effects of supporting local, ethical businesses is something I encourage.
Community impact and the St Vincent’s Journey
Q: You're such a driving force on the Werribee Fundraising Committee. Can you tell us how you got involved and what drew you to this important work?
A: It all started when a good friend of mine, Amanda, had the idea to host a long table lunch to raise money for St Vincent's Private Werribee and asked me along with three others, Brei, Sue, and Michelle, to be involved. Due to the success of the event, I was invited by St Vincent's Foundation to join the Werribee Advisory Committee.
It was the work of the existing Committee members that inspired me. Seeing how far St Vincent's Werribee Hospital had grown in such a short time since its opening due to the work of the Advisory Committee inspired me to accept and get involved.
What began as supporting a friend's initiative blossomed into a significant commitment that's making impactful change to local healthcare.
It's a lovely reminder that sometimes saying 'yes' to that initial invitation can lead us to meaningful work we never anticipated.
Q: You also play a big role in bringing the annual Long Table Lunch to life – most recently held at the stunning Shadowfax Winery in Werribee. Can you tell us more about the event and what people can expect if they attend?
A: Absolutely. This event has gone from strength to strength in the three years it has been held. Think an afternoon of delicious catering, music, live and silent auctions… all for the purpose of raising money for a good cause.
Its success is due to the local community coming together and understanding the importance of having a fully functional private hospital in the Western Suburbs.
Q: A cheeky ask, but can you give us a sneak peek into what’s in the works for next year’s event?
A: Planning for next year's long table lunch has already commenced with a theme set and learnings from past events taken on board to ensure a great day. We are working hard to secure a very special guest for our next event. This has been a long-term dream of mine, and I believe this is the year to pursue this dream…. so watch this space!
Q: The Advisory Committee is celebrating an incredible 10 years! What has the journey been like, and what impact has the foundation had on supporting patients and their families?
A: The Committee have done an amazing job since it started, raising close to $5,000,000.00 for the hospital.
We have seen the purchase of the Mako Robot, Scalp Cooling Machine for Chemotherapy patients and the opening of both the Oncology Day Stay Unit and the In-Patient Rehabilitation Ward just to name a few.
Honestly, being able to see such amazing improvements to patient care during this time has been humbling. There's something particularly special about community-driven fundraising, and I feel so honoured to be a part of it, witnessing how it impacts real people in the most challenging and, at times, heartbreaking situations.
Q: What’s one thing about St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee that more people should know?
A: There are a wide range of specialists consulting out of the St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee who provide extremely high-level care and who are dedicated to alleviating the need of having to travel to the city. You can find out more about St Vincent’s specialist service here.
Q: For anyone reading this who feels inspired—how can they get involved or support the amazing work you and the team are doing?
There are many ways people can get involved and support our cause whether it be attending an event, donating a raffle prize or auction item or sponsoring the event. We are grateful for any support, no matter how big or small.
On a personal note…
Q: What does success mean to you, personally?
A: There are two ways I view success personally. The first is to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of others, and the second is the example I set for my children and those close to me. Leading by example to be selfless and give back is very important.
I’m quite big on guiding the next generation through our actions, not just our words – which is why I appreciate Sontse’s sun-safe approach to sunless tanning, I often hear young girls discussing the ‘UV’ levels which is extremely concerning so I feel thankful there is a brand out there considering how we combat unsafe beauty standards and hopefully creating some form of change for the next generation of girls.
Q: Everyone's path to purpose and fulfillment is unique. Was there a defining moment in your journey that helped shape your view of success?
A: Yes, it was when we read out the amount raised at the end of the very first lunch.
Sometimes, it's these unexpected moments of collective achievement that bring clarity and understanding of what matters. It's a powerful reminder that when we direct our energy toward something greater than ourselves, the rewards run deeper than we might have imagined.
Q: And lastly, do you have a life mantra or piece of advice—business or personal—that you live by?
A: Life can be short so it is important to cherish family and friends, stay true to yourself and always choose happiness above all else.
Our final thoughts
Rhiannon's approach to life—balancing family priorities, community service, and thoughtful self-care—beautifully embodies the sun-conscious, purposeful ethos we celebrate at Sontse. Her story reminds us that genuine beauty radiates from the inside out, nurtured by meaningful connections and choices that honour our future selves.
As your sunny sidekick, we're passionate about creating products that complement this intentional approach to life—offering you a sunless way to glow confidently while protecting your skin's future. Because how you choose to glow today sets an example that ripples far beyond yourself.
Ready to embrace your own sun-conscious glow? Explore our Australian-made, non-toxic, sunless tanning collection and join a community of women who are choosing to go sunless without compromising on that beautiful, confidence-boosting radiance.
DISCOVER MORE GOLDEN HOUR CHATS
Loved this conversation with Rhiannon? Our Golden Hour Chats series features inspiring women who are redefining beauty on their own terms. From entrepreneurs and creative minds to wellness advocates and busy mums who've mastered the art of the sunless glow, each conversation offers a fresh perspective on mindful beauty and purposeful living.
Who would you like to see featured in our next Golden Hour Chat? Let us know in the comments below or reach out to us on Instagram @sontse_aus
Written By Liana Pantalone – Beauty & Skincare Copywriter at Climbing Vine Co.
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