Common Ground: In Conversation with Sian, Co-Founder of Pleasant State

Common Ground was created as a space to share thoughtful conversations with founders who are navigating business, wellbeing, and conscious living with intention. For our first edition, I reached out to Sian, whom I met over ten years ago during our early careers in Public Relations. We weren’t especially close, but we shared the same fast-paced industry before moving in different directions — eventually finding ourselves, separately, drawn into the world of natural living and more intentional ways of working.

For Sian, that evolution led to Pleasant State — a beautifully considered home-care brand she co-founded with the goal of transforming traditional cleaning into something safer, gentler, and more sustainable. Pleasant State reimagines home care through toxin-free formulations and waterless, refillable products, turning an everyday task into something that supports both the home and the planet. Their mission aligns closely with SIHA’s values of conscious formulation, thoughtful design, and daily rituals that honour wellbeing.

When shaping Common Ground, I wanted to begin with a founder whose philosophy naturally aligned — not because of shared history, but because of their clarity, integrity, and the way they embody their values. Sian’s approach to conscious living, her grounded presence, and her commitment to family and purpose made her a natural starting point.

Below is our conversation.

How has your perspective on self-care and wellness been shaped by your experiences?
In my 20s, wellness and self-care were really tied to how I looked. It was all about appearances. But these days, it’s about feeling powerful, healthy, and carving out time for me. Self-care isn’t about having a bikini body, it’s about nurturing my body and mind so I can show up as my best self for me, my friends, and especially my family. As I get older, I’ve realised how important it is to look after myself now so I’m healthy and strong in the long run.

What self-care ritual always grounds you and brings you back to yourself?
I’ve got a few that I rotate depending on what I need. A run with pumping tunes is always my reset button, it clears my mind and brings me back into my body. A long bath followed by a full-body skincare sesh always makes me feel refreshed and revived. And on Saturday mornings, nothing beats a deep clean of the house with my favourite crime podcast playing. Sets me up so nicely for the week ahead.

What does your daily or weekly skincare routine look like — are there any tools or techniques you consistently return to?
I’d love to say I’m low-maintenance, but honestly, I’m just a bit lazy with my skin routine! Up until recently, I was one of those people who didn’t even wash their makeup off (not that I wear much these days). I’ve got really dry skin, so I’m a big fan of a full-body moisturiser after my shower.
In the mornings, I do a gentle cleanse — I’m obsessed with your Gracious Minds cleanser at the moment. Followed by a serum (the Wildcrafted Organics serum literally brings my skin back to life), and then a moisturiser with SPF.
At night, I switch to a heavier moisturiser before bed.

How does nature influence your rhythm, creativity, or rituals?
After living in Noosa for six years, I really understood the power of sunshine, the ocean, and living mostly outdoors. I was so happy and energised there. When I found out I was pregnant, we decided to move back to Victoria to be close to family.
Now we’re on the Mornington Peninsula, so I still get the beach... But I do miss that Noosa sunshine!
The rhythm of those early mornings — waking with the sun, surfing, coffee with friends — it’s something I still crave. Having a baby has shifted that rhythm, but now when the sun’s out, I grab my little one and head outside. Watching him explore the world grounds me. It’s also when my best ideas for Pleasant State tend to come — usually mid-walk with the pram!

Is there a person, philosophy, or place that inspires your approach to self-care and wellbeing?
For me, it all comes down to your why.
If your reason for self-care is rooted in image or beauty standards, that’s when it starts to feel heavy. But when it’s about vitality and becoming the best version of yourself, that’s where the magic happens. Self-care should feel like joy, not a chore.

What are your top three products that support your daily skincare rituals?
As someone with dry skin and eczema, the Yours Only range has honestly changed my life. I use their body wash and moisturisers every day, morning and night.
And right now, I’m obsessed with the Wildcrafted Organics serum and Gracious Minds cleanser (thanks to you for the intro!). My postpartum skin was dull and tired, and these have brought it back to life — bouncy, hydrated, glowing (most of the time!).

What small, intentional actions in a skincare routine do you believe have the most profound impact over time?
SPF, always. Years of surfing have definitely left their mark, so a daily SPF is non-negotiable. Beyond that, I think it’s about turning your skincare into a ritual, not a routine. Put some music on, light a candle, take a deep breath — make it a moment that’s yours. You deserve it.

What’s one piece of guidance you’d share with someone looking to create a more intentional ritual of care?
Keep it simple. Focus on your why. Make it enjoyable, not strict — something you genuinely look forward to. The more it feels like a treat rather than a rule, the more consistent you’ll be.

How do you see the link between caring for yourself and caring for the planet?
It’s all connected. When we love and care for ourselves, we’re in a better place to care for others — and that includes the planet. We need a healthy Earth to be healthy ourselves. It’s a beautiful circle of co-dependence that we have to respect.
For me, that connection deepened when I became a mum. I want my little boy to grow up enjoying the same oceans and waves I do, so protecting this planet feels deeply personal.

What does conscious living mean to you right now?
Progress over perfection. Having a baby has completely changed my perspective. There’s so much newness, so many things to learn and sometimes worry about — toxins, plastics, climate change, health... The list goes on.
Conscious living for me now is about being present, doing my best without needing to do it all perfectly, and enjoying the ride. It’s a constant learning process — and that’s okay.

Sian's SIHA Ritual

Gracious Minds Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
A gentle, nourishing cleanse that supports dry and sensitised skin without stripping.

Wildcrafted Organics Bakuchiol Serum
A restorative, plant-based retinol alternative that helps bring life, bounce, and luminosity back to the skin.

Mechi Face & Body SPF 50
A lightweight, everyday protection essential — especially for someone who has spent years in the sun and surf.