Ava Chandler-Matthews is a visionary entrepreneur and the co-founder of Ultra Violette, a pioneering skincare brand that has redefined the relationship between sun protection and skincare. Ava’s journey into the beauty industry has been fueled by her lifelong passion for innovation and a commitment to making effective SPF accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Early Life and Family Background
Ava grew up in a creative household, deeply immersed in the fashion and beauty worlds, thanks to her parents’ careers in the industry. Her mother worked for prominent Australian publications like Cleo and BAZAAR, which instilled in Ava a sense of aesthetics and entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. Always the “bolshy and cheeky” child, she often found herself pushing boundaries and experimenting with her creativity, whether by selling handmade bracelets or exploring various avenues in beauty and style.
Personal Life
Ava is married to Dion, a dedicated hotelier, and together they are parents to their spirited 14-month-old son, Artie, along with their beloved dog, Ladybug. The family dynamic is characterized by a strong partnership, with both Ava and Dion sharing domestic responsibilities. Ava often manages the mental load of family life while Dion takes a hands-on approach to childcare, especially during weekends and work travel.
Living in Melbourne without family nearby has led Ava and Dion to employ a full-time nanny, Lou, who plays a crucial role in their daily routine. Despite the challenges of balancing work and motherhood, Ava emphasizes the importance of their support system, including their cleaner and nanny, allowing them to navigate their busy lives with relative ease.
Professional Journey
Ava’s professional background is rooted in public relations and marketing, where she honed her skills in the beauty sector through significant roles at Rationale and MECCA. It was during her time at MECCA that Ava recognized her passion for the sun care category and began to envision a brand that would transform consumers’ perceptions of SPF.
In 2019, alongside her co-founder Rebecca Jefferd, Ava launched Ultra Violette. Their goal was to create skincare-infused sunscreens that were not only effective but also enjoyable to use, breaking away from the sticky, thick products traditionally associated with sun protection. The initial direct-to-consumer model fostered strong customer connections and feedback, which helped the brand gain traction rapidly.
Achievements and Brand Philosophy
Under Ava’s leadership, Ultra Violette has blossomed into a global sensation, now available in over 25 countries. The brand’s innovative approach has positioned it in the higher-end market of prestige beauty, and it has gained partnerships with major retailers like Sephora and Net-A-Porter. Ava believes in the importance of creativity and strategic thinking as cornerstones of their success, highlighting that their relationship as co-founders has been vital to navigating the demands of building a brand from the ground up.
Ava is particularly passionate about educating consumers on the significance of sun protection and hopes to change societal attitudes toward SPF, aiming to reduce skin cancer rates through appealing product offerings.
Work-Life Balance and Personal Philosophy
Despite her ambitious professional goals, Ava places immense value on work-life balance. She advocates against hustle culture, believing that true success is not measured by perpetual busyness but by meaningful time spent with loved ones. Her daily routine reflects this ethos; she prioritizes her mornings with Artie and is intentional about logging off work by 7 PM to ensure quality family time.
Ava also practices self-care by scheduling regular activities that nourish her well-being, from pampering sessions to social outings with friends. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining her identity outside of work and motherhood, understanding that personal fulfillment contributes to her overall effectiveness as both a business leader and a parent.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Ava and Bec are poised for significant growth, particularly in the North American market, with plans to expand further into Europe and Southeast Asia. Their ambitions remain lofty, driven by a desire to establish Ultra Violette as a leader in the skincare industry, recognized not just for its products but also for its commitment to customer education and community engagement.
Ava Chandler-Matthews is more than just a successful entrepreneur; she is a dedicated mother, a passionate advocate for self-care and sun safety, and a driving force behind a brand that is changing the face of skincare. As Ultra Violette continues to thrive, Ava remains committed to her mission: to make SPF a staple in everyone’s beauty routine while fostering a culture of kindness, candor, and innovation within her team.
