Meet Fabienne Shadbolt

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Fabienne Shadbolt. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Fabienne, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic is deeply rooted in my upbringing and personal experiences. Growing up, I was always surrounded by hardworking individuals who demonstrated the importance of dedication and perseverance. My parents, in particular, were my primary role models. They showed me that success doesn’t come overnight; it requires consistent effort, integrity, and a genuine passion for what you do.
When I started Botā, I knew these values would be the foundation of the brand, especially since it’s a family business I run alongside my two sisters. For us, Botā is more than a wellness brand—it’s a reflection of our shared passion, the values we grew up with, and the joy of building something meaningful together.
I also draw inspiration from other entrepreneurs whose stories remind me that every success starts with a dream and a willingness to put in the work to bring it to life. Nothing is easy and we need to put the work to succeed. Botā embodies that same philosophy: a commitment to quality, resilience in the face of challenges, and also whole lot of fun along the way!
At its core, my work ethic is a blend of the lessons I’ve learned from my family, the inspiration I’ve drawn from others, and the excitement of creating something that truly resonates with people. For me, it’s not just about the destination—it’s about loving the journey and making it as fulfilling as possible.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

With a background in marketing and years of experience working for some of the world’s leading consulting firms, I developed a deep understanding of strategy, branding, and what it takes to build something impactful. However, I always dreamed of creating something of my own—a business that truly resonated with my personal values and allowed me to work with my sisters. So in 2019 we decided to launch our own family business: Botā. For 2 years, the worked together to source the best natural, clean, organic skincare products from all over the world.
What makes Botā truly special is its authenticity and the personal touch we bring to everything we do. Every brand has been carefully selected because of their story, their product and also the founder’s story. We’ve taken our combined skills and experiences to create a brand that prioritises quality and connection. This year, we’re particularly excited about introducing more Asian brands and expanding our product selection to cover every aspect of people’s lives.
At Botā, we’re not just selling skincare; we’re creating a community and a lifestyle that celebrates care—for yourself, your loved ones, and the planet.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1- Resilience and Adaptability
Running a business, especially a startup, comes with constant challenges and changes. Resilience helps me push through tough times, while adaptability allows me to pivot quickly when things don’t go as planned. Whether it’s managing setbacks or embracing unexpected opportunities, these qualities ensure I stay focused and solution-oriented.
2- Vision and Creativity
Having a clear vision for Botā’s future is essential, but it’s the creativity to bring that vision to life that sets us apart. I’ve always been very creative and this is the part that i’m most passionate about. From product development to marketing campaigns, thinking outside the box and staying innovative are skills I rely on daily to differentiate Botā in a competitive market.
3-Passion: Passion is the heartbeat of everything I do. It fuels my determination to create something meaningful with Botā and keeps me motivated even during the most challenging times. When you genuinely care about what you’re building, it inspires not only your own work but also the people around you. Passion is contagious. My father once said that his job as an architect was such a passion for him that he never felt he had to work a day in his life. I now feel the same with Botā!

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Currently, I manage most of Botā’s day-to-day operations on my own while also working full-time. While my marketing background gives me a strong advantage, I often feel like I need an extra pair of hands to keep up with everything.
From managing the back end of the website to writing blogs, creating all the Instagram and TikTok content, responding to client enquiries, and troubleshooting technical issues, I’m juggling a lot of responsibilities. As a result, I struggle to find the time and headspace to focus on the bigger picture—planning strategy and thinking about how to scale the business. It often feels like I’m constantly playing catch-up, and that’s a challenge I need to solve!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bota-care.com
• Instagram: @bota_care
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/botā
• Other: tiktok: bota_care