Samea Maakrun has turned her love for essential oils and a holistic lifestyle into a successful business that exports to 18 international markets.

How do ConnectedWomen successfully juggle the challenges of work, home, and technology that’s evolving faster than ever before? We’ll reveal their secrets in regular interviews with women who are doing it all.

In this issue, we speak with Samea Maakrun, who at the age of just 33 is managing director of her own lifestyle and wellbeing company, Sasy n Savy Pty Ltd. The Sydney-based enterprise has won a slew of awards, including the 2008 City of Hurstville Business Excellence Award.

Maakrun tells us how she lived on a shoestring for four years, why she can’t do without her digital camera, and that it’s OK to admit you’re tired.

CW:  Tell us a little about your company.

SM: We manufacture natural and organic bath and body products. They are made here in Sydney and distributed across the globe. My customers range from individuals through to gift stores, pharmaceutical companies and hotel chains. We also offer aromatherapy courses and day-spa consulting services.

CW:  Why did you decide to start this business?

SM:  I previously worked as an accountant, consulting for national and international firms. I was forever hearing people complain about their lifestyles; that they were feeling tired and burnt-out. Yet financial constraints and a lack of time prevented them from doing anything about it.

I was myself a frequent user of essential oils, and believed in a natural and holistic lifestyle. It made me feel good, balanced and mentally healthy. So I had the idea for a lifestyle and wellbeing company. I realised I wanted to make the world a better place.

CW: So you left your job?

A sample from Maakrun's range of organic bath and body products.

SM: Yes, but that wasn’t a difficult decision for me, because I felt so passionate about what I wanted to do. On the day I resigned, my boss had decided to promote me. Even that didn’t change my mind.

CW: How long did it take to get your business off the ground?

SM:  Four years in total. I couldn’t just suddenly open a wellbeing company. There were thousands of questions that had to be asked and answered. I had to research things like competitors and manufacturing processes.

CW: How did you survive financially?

SM:  On a shoestring. I moved back in with my mum and dad, and lived off my savings. It’s been worth it, though. We now export to 18 international markets, sell into nine different industries, and employs a total of 20 people.

CW: What’s the story behind the name?

Maakrun purposely mis-spelled the words in her company's name to "make people think outside the square".

SM: Everyone at home calls me “Sas”, and around the time I was looking for a name, I was asked to present at a women’s group called Girl Savvy. My brother suggested “Savvy and Sassy”. I thought it rolled off the tongue better the other way round. We purposely spelled the words incorrectly to make people think outside the square.

CW:  How does technology help you run your business?

SM: It’s absolutely essential. We communicate with the entire world via our web site; our office runs smoothly with all the latest equipment and software; and I can always stay in touch with my staff and customers no matter where I am.

CW: What gadgets could you not live without?

SM:  I 100% can’t live without my HP iPAQ smartphone. I bought it a few years ago, and it does everything. I also take my Canon digital camera with me everywhere I go, because I sometimes bump into famous people when I’m travelling for work. I also love my HP notebook and my iPod.

I am a gadget girl from way back. My friends call me the “IT critic”.

CW: Has there ever been a time when technology let you down?

SM: Sure. On my first trip to Japan, I organised global roaming for my phone, only to discover it wouldn’t work there. I also have occasional problems with email and my web site, but doesn’t everyone?

CW: Do you ever switch off from work, or are you constantly “connected”?

SM:  I’m connected most of the time, but I also listen to my body. When it needs to rest, I rest. If someone tries to contact me during those times, I don’t make excuses. I just tell them the truth: I was tired.

CW: What’s next for your business?

SM:  I have recently launched a new company called Samson Foods, which manufactures organic freeze-dried fruit and vegetables. This is my new focus.

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