Breaking Through Trauma to Creating a Conscious Brand with Jeanne Retief

In this episode of Visionary New Earth Leaders, I welcome Jeanne Retief — a former human rights lawyer who turned her own experience with panic disorder and complex PTSD into a mission-driven skincare brand, Figgi Beauty.Jeanne's story is one of radical realignment. After building a respected career in international law, she faced a personal reckoning that brought her to the edge of burnout. Instead of pushing through, she chose to listen. What followed was a journey of healing, one that led her to create Figgi — a minimalist skincare line designed for sensitive, reactive skin, grounded in science and inspired by her South African roots.In our conversation, Jeanne shares how her health crisis became the catalyst for building something deeply restorative — not just for herself, but for others navigating similar silent battles. She speaks to the connection between mental health and skincare, the intelligence of the body, and how Rooibos, a native South African tea, became the heart of her formulations.This episode is a powerful reminder that your breakdowns are not the end of your story — they can be the beginning of a more honest, embodied path. Jeanne’s calm strength and devotion to integrity shine through in everything she shares.If you’re a founder, leader, or changemaker who has ever questioned what’s next, this conversation offers solid ground to stand on.00:00 | Introducing Jeanne Retief02:19 | Panic disorder and the unravelling of an identity03:07 | The founding story of Figgi Beauty04:54 | The intersection of mental health and skin health09:10 | The principles behind Figgi’s minimalist skincare16:09 | Product overview: what makes Figgi different22:14 | Where to find Figgi Beauty and stay connected https://www.figgibeautyuk.com/ @figgi.beauty (IG) @figgibeauty (TikTok)