Eliza is a Naturopath, working for Nutra Organics as a research and development manager. Her favourite things to do are eat, dance around the house to any kind of music, sing in the car (badly), spend time with girlfriends, snuggle up in bed with a book, frolic in fields with cows whenever the opportunity arises, and practice on the piano (also badly).
Throughout the progression of Elizas career despite having a formal job that she loves, she is continually defining where she sits within the space as a practitioner, finding that the passion really lies within the lesser publicised nuances of Naturopathic treatment such as lifestyle and mental wellbeing. One of the ways Lize expresses this side of herself is through her Instagram blog @etc.naturopathy, which she uses as a small creative outlet to contrast her science driven day job. She feels these two outlets combined rounds her out as a Naturopath.
As close friends of Eliza, we are constantly inspired by her passion for merging science with tradition within the field of Naturopathy, which we believe is why Nutra Organics products stand out as clean, quality and well thought out formulations.
Here Eliza answers our questions, uncovering more personal titbits and wisdom behind the woman who brings us some of your favourite Nutra Organics products.
What is your full name and star sign?
Eliza Beatrice Matas,
Sun- Taurus, Moon- Taurus, Rising- Libra (add me on co-star hehe)
How do you spend your working days?
Everyday is so different - which is part of what I love most about my job but technically.. my role is research & development manager so my main “duties” if you will, are to design/create innovative health food products, conduct research around the latest & greatest of what we eat & new ways of producing foods, project manage and support my cute little team whom are so amazing and don’t really need “managing” haha.
What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
The idea that there’s always something new to learn.
In life and in work, where do you draw most of your inspiration?
In life - I’m most inspired by my family, each with their individual quirks, inspire & challenge me to see life in a different way to my (sometimes painfully) practical outlook. In work, funnily enough (as in the next q) it is our daily rituals that inspire me the most to create around - they’re the sacred little routine or habits that we all do, often without even thinking but they’re a daily essential just for us.
Rituals are something we are drawn to in our daily lives. Do you have something you do everyday for yourself?
I love making a hot cup of cacao or matcha every morning. I take my time and enjoy every little bit. I find it grounds me so I’m ready for whatever the day ahead brings.
If you could change one thing about your industry what would it be?
I would love to temper down the ego’s (which I guess are present in any industry), and bring it back to the roots and the ‘why’ we do what we do. I think it’s infinitely important to hold onto the ‘why’ with a firm grip and not let ego or competitiveness get in the way of or dictate the goal/vision. Genuinity means everything and can be the maker or breaker of businesses in this field.
Who is your favourite artist, and why or how does their work move you?
Hmm, that is a very very tough one. I think I have too many to pick just one but I will say my favourite artist(s) are all musicians, the reason being that music for me is the ultimate transporter. Wherever I want to go in my head or whatever I want to feel in my heart - I can listen to a song and be there. It can be completely nostalgic, healing, or even transformative. I think music is very special in that way.
Product development is a lesser-known career path for a Naturopath, what motivated you to walk down it?
To be honest, I feel like I kind of fell into it - at the time I was worried about what to do after uni because I didn’t feel like going into practice was for me right away, so initially my plan was to just bail overseas and magically figure it out later (aka. the no-plan plan). However fate kinda stepped in and an opportunity for an interview with a health food company working in product development came up. It was the craziest thing because I’d always loved cooking and always got so much joy out of creating new healthy food in my home life - I just never ever thought it could be any kind of actual career - but luckily it turns out it is and I’m so grateful.
Where did your passion for natural medicine come from?
My mum, growing up my family went through some very challenging times with health issues and it got to a point where my mum just decided enough was enough with the allopathic route. She changed our whole diet at home - and I saw not only hers and my brother’s health improve physically, but all of us benefitted emotionally as well. It influenced my whole understanding of what health was and how the way we eat and conduct our lifestyle is the foundation of what keeps us well, not only physically but mentally too.
We know no mother will ever admit to having a favourite child, but is there a product that you are most proud of?
I daresay that my favourite child isn’t released yet hehe but for now, I think I’m most proud of my reformulation of Collagen Beauty, Nutra Organic’s cult product. That product has always been amazing, but now that it contains nutrients that are solely derived from organic food sources - it might sound self indulgent - but I see it as the embodiment of how I approach my work in general, just one happy marriage of science and tradition.
What is the best piece of health advice you have been given?
The simplest advice is usually good advice no? “You can’t pour from an empty cup” always.