IWD: A Q&A with the founders of MV Skintherapy and Oio Lab
To commemorate International Women's Day this year, we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate feminine empowerment than a Q&A with two of our female-led brands; MV Skintherapy and Oio Lab.
So beauties, sit back with a cuppa, and enjoy the beautiful wisdom that lies ahead. Happy reading!
Meet Joanna Ryglewicz, founder of Oio Lab
I'm Joanna Ryglewicz, Founder and CEO of Oio Lab, based in Poland where we formulate in our in-house Laboratory led by six women-scientists and produce our advanced botanical skincare.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women's Day reminds me that our collective feminine strength has the power to move mountains. Surrounded by talented women, I feel my mission is supporting them while continuously raising the bar higher. It's also a reminder that female teamwork creates unprecedented space for growth and innovation.
What is the best part of your job as a brand founder?
I'm passionate about uncovering incredible ingredients, studying their traditional applications across cultures, and applying advanced botanical science to create our formulations. The greatest joy of being a brand founder is being able to express this vision - from conceptualising innovative products to creating our colourful, art-inspired designs, to receiving feedback from customers whose skin has been transformed.
How can we encourage future women leaders to follow their dreams?
We must create environments where young women see themselves reflected in leadership positions, while actively mentoring them and demonstrating that determination, resilience, and authenticity are foundations of growth (which for me means success). For me, it's still challenging to see myself as a leader since I always feel like a student with so much to learn. Perhaps the key is embracing both identities - leading confidently while maintaining an eternal student's curiosity and openness to growth.
Describe a time in your life when you have felt the most empowered as a woman.
I feel most empowered when I have the courage to speak my truth. After years of being overly gentle, I realised my message was often lost when I spoke between the lines. Finding my voice to communicate clearly yet respectfully brought a sense of empowerment - even when accompanied by fear or rejection. Being truthful but kind is my motto, though it remains challenging to express myself authentically while recognising the validity of different viewpoints.
What's the most inspiring piece of advice you've been given?
Follow the sense of childlike curiosity. This advice reminds me to pursue what genuinely excites me, especially when I find myself becoming too serious. I try to stop and reconnect with joy in everyday moments - morning coffee, strolls in nature, or diving deep into something fascinating.
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
Trust your instincts more and embrace life's lessons – there is no absolute failure or success, just experiences that shape you. Your path doesn't need to look like anyone else's. Building something meaningful takes time, so enjoy the journey as it unfolds with each step.
How do you stay grounded and take care of yourself in this fast-paced world?
Regular walks with my dog in nature, evening baths with salts, and reading help. I'm still learning about balance and working on my mindset to allow myself to relax, even in the midst of emotional intensity. Creating moments of stillness in a busy day remains my ongoing practice - something I'm continuously improving rather than perfecting.
And finally, what's the one Oio Lab product that you absolutely can't live without?
O-MEGA MILK Cleansing Facial Milk & Moisture Mask is my absolute essential. It features our proprietary botanical extract derived from Polish linseed oil - a true Slavic beauty secret. I use it daily for cleansing and weekly as an overnight mask to wake up with fresh skin, and it works wonderfully even on blemish-prone skin.
Discover Oio Lab
Meet Sharon McGlinchey, founder of MV Skintherapy
I’m Sharon McGlinchey—a self-proclaimed Beauty Rebel, Holistic Facialist, Sensitive Skin Advocate, and Founder of MV Skintherapy. I live where MV is made, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches—just four minutes from our factory. No commute. Life-changing!
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It’s a day to acknowledge the immense struggle and sacrifice of women worldwide—giving selflessly while often being denied an equal platform to work their magic. In other words, it’s about standing in solidarity with 50% of the population, many of whom have little to no voice. And for those of us who do—it’s about using it to praise and uplift the women navigating life with one hand tied behind their back.
Twenty years ago, I would have answered this differently—measured, calm, and sweet. Today, I know female solidarity isn’t just important—it’s essential if we are to evolve as a species. As long as older men remain at the helm, we’re heading straight for the abyss!
What is the best part of your job as a brand founder?
Hearing from customers whose skin has transformed—especially those who’ve struggled for many years with difficult skin conditions. That kind of impact brings me pure joy.
How can we encourage future women leaders to follow their dreams?
The younger generation holds more power than they realise—driven by inclusivity, social responsibility, and a deep understanding that the current system is failing them. They are the change the world needs. As mothers, mentors, and allies, our job is to remind them: we have your back.
Describe a time in your life when you have felt the most empowered as a woman.
During a business seminar meditation (of all things!), I was taken to my own funeral. I emerged with absolute clarity: the only person I ever need to please is myself.
What’s the most inspiring piece of advice you’ve been given?
A post-it note from a friend in the late '90s, just as I was starting MV. It read: ‘What anyone else thinks about you is none of your business.’ I still have it!
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
I would have given myself the serenity prayer but tweaked to fit my beliefs ‘My inner-god, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference’.
How do you stay grounded and take care of yourself in this fast-paced world?
I meditate daily—sometimes in stillness, sometimes by observing the things around me; shadows on a window, moving clouds, ripples in water. I also feel grounded every single time I give treatments, with the unique Touch Technique method I created almost three decades ago. There’s profound peace in that connection."
And finally, what’s the one MV Skintherapy product that you absolutely can’t live without?
Given my menopause journey and constant travel, it has to be the 9 Oil Radiance Tonic. Multi-functional, deeply luxurious, and an instant glow-giver—it’s my non-negotiable.