LOVE LETTERS
Melitta Adam
Can you tell us a little about who you are and what you do?
Kia ora! I'm Melitta and the founder of MELITTA SKIN. My heart has always been in skincare. I started my journey on the shop floor as a skin specialist at MECCA, which gave me invaluable, hands-on knowledge about what people really needed and what the market was missing. After growing up in South-East Asia, where sun care wasn't top-of-mind, then moving to New Zealand, I saw the harsh reality of sun damage firsthand. My mission became clear: to create an SPF that wasn't an afterthought, but a beautiful, non-negotiable step in your routine. That's why I created GLOWGUARD to offer innovative, high-performance sun protection that feels like skincare.
As a business owner, do you have any advice for someone wanting to start their own business?Â
I'd say, focus on authenticity and filling a genuine gap. Don't just launch another product; launch a solution you are deeply passionate about. For me, it was that undeniable frustration that 96% of SPFs in New Zealand only offered two hours of protection. That challenge became my four-year journey of innovation. Also, don't be afraid to pivot. I pivoted from a hair care brand to sun care because that's where my expertise and the market's need intersected. Trust your gut and test with lots of data!
What’s something in your wardrobe that always makes you feel comfortable and confident?Â
As much as I love my wardrobe staples, I feel happiest when I'm wearing colour, especially red. It’s a total mood booster and reflects the confidence I want to bring into the world.Â
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What’s your skincare philosophy?Â
Less is more. We're seeing an incredible influx of accessible active ingredients, which also increases sun sensitivity. My philosophy is to build a beautiful, simple foundation: cleanse, hydrate and listen to your skin and always, always use SPF. It's the one step with the most extensive research behind it; it’s the ultimate investment in your long-term skin health.
Period pain:Â
My best ritual is to prioritise self-soothing by allowing for a conscious pause and warmth, which helps me stay centered on hectic days. I try to start treatment early and actively distract myself. Taking pain relievers like Ibuprofen and applying heat to your stomach helps relax the muscles. Distract your mind by engaging in an activity like watching a movie or calling a friend. Remember to be kind to yourself by reducing stress and even just taking a short walk to "touch grass." If the pain is ever too severe for normal life, seeing a doctor immediately is important.
Where does your Els Heatpack live? OR What’s your go to ritual when using your Els Heatpack?Â
Oh, my Els Heatpack is my favourite comfort item; she lives right in my bedside drawer, always ready! My ritual is pairing it with a face mask. I light a candle to set the scene for relaxation, heat the pack, and curl up with a big mug of peppermint tea, placing the warmth right where I need it. It’s a purposeful moment of heat therapy that melts the physical tension and ensures I truly relax.
Lastly, how can people connect with you and follow along with your work and journey?
That’s lovely that you want to keep up. I love hearing from people and sharing what we’re up to at MELITTA SKIN. The best way to follow my journey and see what new things we're cooking up is through our Instagram @melittaskin. That's where you'll find me (and the whole team!) most active, we share quick tips, behind-the-scenes moments, and all the latest beauty news.Â
And seriously, don't be a stranger. If you have any skin questions, want to chat about start-up life, or just feel like sending some feedback, please contact me directly at melitta@melittaskin.com. I love chatting about all things skincare, sun care and beauty!
