THE EYES HAVE IT
This Kiwi mum’ sf al si es are fur real
Sharee Wilkinson always felt at home in nature as a child, exploring the swathes of remote bush behind her mother’s 100-year-old Northland home and finding all kinds of treasures.
Among her discoveries was harakeke, flax that produces a natural glue, which Sharee used for crafts. Coming from extreme poverty, Sharee and her two sisters lived off the land where they could, using a nearby river to bathe with a bucket and soap.
Now, the Upper Hutt beauty therapist and mum-of-six has tapped into her childhood to create an innovative beauty product, Moka Premium Eco-Fibre Lashes.
Sharee handcrafts the eyelash extensions from home, using locally sourced possum fibres. The first of their kind in New Zealand and likely the world, her prized lashes will soon be accompanied by a non-toxic eyelash glue – made from harakeke, of course!
“It’s pretty exciting because I feel like my childhood has really aided me,” says makeup lover Sharee, 38, who first dreamed up the idea of an eco-conscious eyelash extension seven years ago.
“When a family member suggested I try possum fibre, I agreed it was possible, but there was one condition – it had to be cruelty-free.”
Growing up around horses and wild chickens, Sharee was taught by her elders that everything has a role in the ecosystem and if an animal has to die, every part of it should be used for good.
“I researched local possum suppliers and found a company that doesn’t use traps or cause slow deaths, and is a member of the Fur Council.” As she experimented with the lightweight fibre, the busy mum found it created lashes that were delicate but thick, as well as gentle on the eye area. It also worked well with her gum-like harakeke glue. “I discovered many false lashes are imported and the chemical content is really high, which is worrying as the eye area is so sensitive,” explains Sharee, whose lashes take more than an hour of meticulous work, including knotting each individual strand. When it came to naming the sustainable lashes, Sharee’s late nana Mereana Harris came to mind. She named the brand Moka, her nana’s maiden name.
Passionate about te reo, Mereana brought Maori language into South Auckland schools, teaching poi-making and songs at local primaries. “She received an award from Sir Edmund Hillary for 30 years’ service to her community and was so humble about it. When I think of her, I think of strength,” says Sharee.
For Sharee, whose dream is to take her one-woman empire to the world, the name will hopefully bring good luck as she seeks funding for development.
“I want them to be at that stage where I’m happy for them to be exported,” says the entrepreneur, whose partner Trevor will take on the role of stay-at-home dad this year so she can get cracking.
“I’m absolutely convinced that I’m on to something awesome,” she says.