After 12 years living in Ireland, I became deeply familiar with the toll that harsh climates can take on sensitive skin. Cold, damp winters in the north, followed by New Zealand’s dry winds and intense sun, left our skin constantly compromised - and conventional products never seemed to offer lasting relief.

Guided by a belief that nature holds the answers, and fuelled by a deep passion for health and wellness, I began crafting my own skincare - experimenting, learning, and refining with every batch.

The turning point came when a friend introduced me to New Zealand’s organic, grass-fed beef tallow. I started blending it with healing botanicals like kawakawa and calendula - and everything changed. That first jar of what would become our Soothe & Repair Skin Relief Butter went to friends and family struggling with eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. The feedback was extraordinary: softer skin, calmed inflammation, and heartfelt stories of relief.

That was the beginning of Āhua.

Since then, I’ve created a nourishing face oil and a rich, restorative night cream - each one designed to work in rhythm with your skin’s natural intelligence. Powered by tallow and bioactive botanicals, Āhua products don’t just hydrate and heal - they honour your skin’s innate ability to thrive. In a world full of quick fixes and injectables, I believe radiant skin is best found in the wisdom of nature.

As a mother, this journey is deeply personal. I know the feeling of wanting to protect and nourish your children with the very best - especially when faced with conditions like eczema. Āhua was born out of that instinct, and it continues to be shaped by the rhythms of motherhood, real life, and deep care.

I’m also an artist. My paintings explore light, texture, and our connection with the natural world - echoing the same values I pour into this brand: honesty, beauty, and the deep bond we share with nature. For me, Āhua is an extension of that same creative spirit.

This journey continues to evolve. I’m currently training to become a certified Holistic Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, expanding my knowledge to support women in every season of life.

Because Āhua is more than skincare.
It’s a return to simplicity.
To potent, real ingredients.
And to the ancestral knowing that beauty begins in balance.

With love and gratitude,
Monique Howlett
Founder