Andree is co-founder of Pure Fiji, a family owned cosmetic manufacturer in the Fiji islands that sources its sustainable ingredients from local communities. From humble beginnings around the kitchen table, Pure Fiji now has a total of three factories employing 180 staff. She is also responsible for pioneering and establishing the production of virgin coconut oil using a cold-pressed method in rural communities. Pure Fiji is the first company globally to use virgin coconut oil in cosmetics. Andree also revived the lost art of using dilo oil and established the production of dilo oil on a remote island. She also established the Hand-made Paper Project, a women’s project with nearly 100 women producing paper. In addition to opening the Pure Fiji Spa, Andree also established ongoing education, which provides complimentary training to therapists in Fiji so they can earn a living without the burden of paying tuition. Because wellness is so important to the Austin family, a group fitness and yoga studio was established onsite for use by staff and the public. Sharing has always been a way of life in the islands, and Andree and her mother, Gaetane, are involved with assistance to rural communities, which includes providing upgrades to schools, boarding facilities, libraries, computer labs, and more.
