Twelve years ago, Felicity Evans began IMBIBE in her Byron Bay kitchen. An alchemist of sorts, she has grown it, girlfriend to girlfriend, into a globally recognised brand built on the belief that true beauty begins beneath the surface.
To celebrate the re-launch of Bianca Spender Bridal, we’ve partnered with IMBIBE on a gift with purchase, a small ritual for the bride as she steps into her next chapter. We sat down with Felicity to talk through stillness, bridal beauty that lasts long after the day itself, and the moments she feels most entirely like herself.
To step further into her world of slow rituals, coastal light and beauty that begins within, follow Felicity at @thefelicityevans and IMBIBE at @imbibeliving.
CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF?
"I’m Felicity, Founder and CEO of IMBIBE, a clean, clinically driven beauty brand I started from my kitchen 12 years ago. What began as a personal passion has since grown into a globally recognised brand, and IMBIBE continues to expand internationally as demand for the range grows.I live by the beach in Byron Bay, and when I’m not at IMBIBE’s Byron HQ, you’ll usually find me seeking out little moments of stillness wherever I can.
The most precious parts of my life, and the things that make me feel most like me, are my three beautiful daughters and my husband, who keeps me grounded and calm amid the wonderful chaos of it all.It’s funny, as I’ve gotten older and life has expanded so much, what I actually crave now is stillness, so I can properly absorb everything that’s constantly going on in my weeks.That said, stillness is something of a luxury at the moment.
We’re in an incredibly exciting chapter at IMBIBE as we expand into the US market, and the pace of life is more intense than ever. It’s busy, beautiful, occasionally chaotic and incredibly full, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!"
IMBIBE WAS BUILT GIRLFRIEND TO GIRLFRIEND. WHAT HAS IT MEANT TO GROW A BRAND THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH?
"It’s certainly the harder way to build a brand, but I believe it’s also the most rewarding and fulfilling! IMBIBE has always been discovered organically. Women often come across the range in a girlfriend’s fridge, in her bathroom or at the table over dinner, and there’s something incredibly special about that.
When a woman recommends something to a friend, it comes from a place of genuine trust and personal experience. You simply can’t manufacture that kind of connection!In the early days, we didn’t have a marketing budget for social media or advertising.
Our growth was entirely organic, driven by women experiencing real, transformative results and feeling compelled to share them with the people they loved.That’s why I have such an incredibly loyal customer base, and it’s not something I take lightly. It’s also why I take our formulations so seriously. Every product we create needs to deliver on its promise, because ultimately, our customers are putting their trust in us."
WHAT DOES BEAUTY FROM WITHIN MEAN TO YOU?
"To me, beauty from within is the understanding that our skin reflects what’s happening inside our bodies. What we eat, how we sleep, our gut health, stress levels and hormones all play a role in the health and vitality of our skin.I’ve always believed that true beauty begins beneath the surface.
Collagen provides the structural scaffolding of our skin, while gut health and overall wellbeing can have a profound influence on how our skin looks and feels. Topical skincare is incredibly important for protecting, nourishing and refining the surface, but I believe the foundation of healthy skin is built from within.
For me, this isn’t about vague beauty promises or fleeting wellness trends. It’s about science-backed formulations, carefully considered ingredients and clinically meaningful doses of actives that genuinely support the body and skin.
That has always been my philosophy with IMBIBE, and it’s a promise I take incredibly seriously. But there’s also a softer, more human side to beauty from within that I think is equally important. It’s about taking deep care of yourself and giving your body what it needs, when it needs it: rest, fun, joy, pleasure, sunshine, laughter and movement.All of these build a beauty from within that shines on the outside."
HOW DO YOU THINK ABOUT BRIDAL BEAUTY, BOTH INNER AND OUTER?
"I feel like modern brides are under so much more pressure to be perfect for their big day. When I got married 20 years ago, I don’t think I even did a home facial beforehand!I don’t subscribe to the idea of getting bridal ready over 12 weeks and then letting it all fall away after the wedding. I’d much rather focus on achievable, consistent daily practices that are sustainable and have longevity.
I think it’s wonderful for a bride-to-be to use her big day as the impetus to kick-start a long-term wellness routine, but I don’t endorse quick fixes. I’m here for consistency and longevity.
What a bride ultimately wants is confidence, clarity and a luminous presence that shines through on her big day, and I believe that should stay with her long after the day itself. Using your wedding as the start of your wellness and beauty journey is a wonderful way to begin."
IS THERE A RITUAL OR ROUTINE YOU RELY ON TO STAY GROUNDED DURING A BUSY WEEK?
"Every week feels busy, so over the years I’ve developed a collection of daily rituals that have become completely non-negotiable! They’re not just about wellness or beauty anymore; they’re fundamental to how I function, both personally and as a Founder and CEO.
Meditation is a big one for me. I’ve built a really consistent practice, and I genuinely notice the difference when I miss it. Movement is equally important, whether that’s Pilates or yoga, which I try to fit into most days.
Then there are my daily wellness rituals. I take IMBIBE’s Miracle Collagen and Beauty Renewal every single day, and my Recover Rest Magnesium Hot Chocolate has become such a beautiful evening ritual. I quite literally never skip these. They’re small moments of nourishment I look forward to, no matter how full my day becomes.
I’m also incredibly committed to my skincare rituals: beautiful, hardworking formulations and daily facial massage. I love the process of caring for my skin, and there’s something quite grounding about those few minutes of attention to myself.I’ve learnt that consistency matters far more than perfection. It’s about finding little pockets of time for yourself, even when life feels impossibly full."
BIANCA SPENDER BRIDAL IS ABOUT FEELING ENTIRELY LIKE YOURSELF. WHEN DO YOU FEEL MOST LIKE YOU?
"I feel most like myself every single day. If I’m not, it usually means I’m out of alignment with my mission and probably just need some rest to reset. Mostly, I feel happiest when I’m relaxing with my daughters and husband."
CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? WHAT DESIGN ELEMENTS ARE YOU DRAWN TO?
"I’ve always been drawn to long-line silhouettes and beautiful draping. I love the ease of a flowing dress or a beautifully tailored, high-waisted, wide-leg trouser. There’s something incredibly powerful about a garment that has structure and presence, yet still feels effortless to wear.
My wardrobe is a collection of pieces I’ve discovered over the years, often on my travels around the world, and many of them remain just as relevant and loved today as when I first found them.
Fabrication is also incredibly important to me. I’m instinctively drawn to natural fibres: silk, linen, cotton, merino wool, cashmere and mohair. I love their texture, the way they move against the body and the beautiful energy they bring to a garment. There’s a richness and sensory quality to natural materials that’s hard to replicate.
I’ve always gravitated towards pieces with personality and a little flair, but never anything that overwhelms the person wearing them. I believe you should wear the clothes, rather than have the clothes wear you."
WHAT ARE YOU DRAWN TO ABOUT THE BIANCA SPENDER BRAND?
"The heritage, the craftsmanship and the draping. It’s classic yet very modern, feminine and mercurial.I’m obsessed with everything about the brand and find myself drawn to its new collections season after season."
