KEY POINTS:
When she was a little girl in Iran, Soraya Hendisi remembers, she gathered a huge bunch of flowers from her mum's garden and tried to make perfume out of them for her mother, using a mortar and pestle. "I think I got a drop or two out of
it," laughs Hendisi, who grew up in Britain and is now married to a New Zealander.
These days, her ways with natural beauty products are much more sophisticated. Early in November Hendisi will launch her own range of skin and beauty products; named Snowberry, the range will initially be available exclusively at Smith & Caughey's. But this is no simple mud and manuka honey-style mixture.
Enlisting the aid of scientists, Hendisi spent four years putting Snowberry's recipes together. As someone who had previously used top-of-the-line creams and potions, Hendisi says that "they're selling hope in a jar. But I think you need more than hope when you're spending your money, you need a guarantee."
Which is why no expense was spared in seeking out rare and efficacious ingredients like neem oil, hibiscus flower extract and even, amazingly, ground-up Mikimoto pearls and ruby powder for the facial scrub.
"It had to be natural and it had to work," Hendisi says about her no-expenses-spared labour of love. "Because for me this is a life-long passion."
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
This winter I got boot fever and bought Pons Quintana and Hispanitas.
What's your biggest indulgence?
It would have to be the Spanish crema Catalan. The French call it creme brulee. Because it's a bit like the Kiwis and the Aussies with pavlova, with both countries claiming ownership of this delicacy.
Who or what inspires you?
My grandmother. Through Unicef and the Red Cross, she dedicated her life to helping others. If you look closely at the Snowberry artwork you will see my grandmother. She holds the lantern which represents the symbol of a guiding light.
Best fashion bargain?
A black Armani cashmere winter coat which I bought for half-price in Dubai in the middle of summer.
What do you really want this summer?
A beautiful hat and a matching dress for Melbourne Cup day. And a holiday with my family somewhere that is sunny, relaxing and maybe includes a little bit of golf. Somewhere like Le Muria on the Seychelles would be perfect.
Your favourite shop?
I love the decor in Trelise Cooper Kids, Nuffield St but my favourite shop is definitely Huckleberry Farm in Greenlane, especially when I feel like being healthy. And if I feel like indulging in a sweet treat then Hearts of Flavour in Newmarket is my favourite place to go.
Your favourite shop elsewhere?
In Paris, Fragonard at Rue des Francs Bourgeois. It is a great place to find jewellery, coats and beautiful gifts. And then the Ancient Bazaar in Isfahan in Iran. It is like stepping into the city of One Thousand and One Nights.
Your best beauty tip?
Be yourself. You are beautiful.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
I would like to go back in time and raid the wardrobe my mum had when I was young. She knew a cobbler who made her amazing shoes and handbags to match every outfit.
If money were no option?
I would have a fulltime fashion designer, tailor, seamstress, patternmaker, cobbler, milliner and a darling to help me choose, all on the payroll of course.
Most cherished item?
My engagement ring. It is a family heirloom; it was my husband's grandmother's engagement ring. And a bracelet made by a master Persian miniature artist. It is made of mother-of-pearl in the shape of tiles. Each has a very fine miniature painting and together they tell a story. The artist made three for the visit of heads of state from around the world for a special occasion in the 70s. One was bought by Emperor Hirohito of Japan for his daughter. The painter kept the other two for years and I eventually bought one. Although not very precious in monetary value, it has high sentimental value for me.
Most underrated item in fashion?
A hat. Apart from making a dress look very stylish, they also protect your precious skin from the sun.
