Suitcase Series: Prue Rocchi Founder of ROOC Naturals
Prue Rocchi loves health and fitness. Yoga, half marathons, triathlons…she’s tried it all – although not always at a record-breaking pace. But looking at toothpaste, Prue saw a problem. If we were getting more conscious about how we fuel our bodies, why were we so relaxed about the ingredients we brush our teeth with?
Prue Rocchi, mum and founder created the most sustainable toothpaste company in Australia. Just 10 months ago, the ambitious 35-year-old has launched her first company, ROCC Naturals – innovative, natural, vitamin-enriched oral care, complete with sustainable packaging including revolutionary, biodegradable tubes (an Australian first).
Growing up in a tiny farming community in Mollongghip, Prue Rocchi ’s passion to protect and promote the environment was intrinsically engrained by her father, and it has heavily influenced her inspiring solution to a challenging global sustainability issue, with the toothpaste industry responsible for 1 billion tubes being thrown away each year.
With a background in PR and sports marketing, Rocchi has worked for rollcall of global lifestyle brands in the USA and Australia, but it was only when she fell pregnant that she first examined the possibility of developing her own brand that aligned with her passion for personal wellness.
Conscious of what she was putting into her body, Rocchi found it difficult to find natural alternatives in cosmetics and everyday essentials, with toothpaste options particularly limited in Australia. So Rocchi decided to fill the gaping hole in the market herself but was determined to make it just as good for the environment, as it was for consumers’ personal health.
And despite being her own boss now, Rocchi still sets her alarm for the crack of dawn on a never-ending pursuit to get the most out of her mind, body, and soul.
In this week’s Suitcase Series, equipped with a tube of ROCC Naturals toothpaste we take a sneak peek into Prue’s travel psyche…
What’s been your most memorable trip and why?
It’s cliché to say this, but it was our honeymoon. Far from cliché however, was the itinerary of countries we visited over six weeks – Rwanda, Iceland, Portugal, and Morocco. It was an eclectic mix of off-the road-adventure, visiting gorillas in the jungle, hiking through a blizzard, absolute beachside luxury, and the jaw-dropping amazement of bustling cities.
What’s your favourite ever hotel?
El Fenn, Marrakesh. An art-filled, décor designed oasis on the edge of the medina in Marrakech. Every corner, every room is a visual delight. Conveniently, it also has an incredible rooftop view of bustling Marrakech, and a great cocktail list.
Where or what is your escape?
In Australia, our go-to weekend away is Byron Bay. It has been for years. We find it has the perfect mix of nature, deserted beaches (if you know where to find them!), incredible food, and a healthy dose of retail shopping.
If you could go anywhere tomorrow it would be…
Portugal. I’d go on our six-week trip we had booked prior to Covid. Portugal is a treasure trove in terms of incredible architecture, amazing food, world-class beaches, and bustling cities. I love its richness in culture. And I love that feels that you can get off the beaten track, but you can also drive a few hours away to check into a beautiful hotel in a sleepy beach-side village, to indulge in great food, and a little bit of luxury.
What’s your idea of a luxury wellness holiday?
It’s all about the destination. A luxury wellness holiday for me would be centered around nature – somewhere I can spend the day soaking up or exhausting myself exploring the outdoors but then retreating at night to enjoy the perks of luxury accommodation.
One of my favourite luxury holidays was Sol Solas in the Ningaroo Reef, Western Australia. It’s a remote glamping site constructed in sand dunes, just south of Exmouth.
It gives you access to swimming with Whale Sharks during the day, the most incredible star gazing at night, and I loved the social aspect of sharing a feast, family-style, with 20 other guests across just two tables.
My top bucket-list destination is…
Mexico with my family. I want to soak up the culture, beaches, and mescal cocktails.
If you could sit next to anyone – dead or alive – on a long-haul flight, who would it be
Amy Schumer. I’d love to laugh my way through a long-haul flight.
What is your jet-lag recovery tip?
I have two.
Hydrate and eat cleanly. I hate feeling slugging, so when I’m on a long-haul flight I never indulge too much.
If there is a time difference at your destination, adapt straight away. I explore on foot as much as possible to keep the jetlag at bay, then I crash out early.
What is your suitcase stalwart?
July. A local Melbourne brand.
What is your number one packing tip?
I hate packing LOTS! I always pack staples that are versatile – a denim jacket for colder days but can also be worn to dinner. Or a pair of heels that can be used day or night.
I never travel without…
Activewear tights. Versatile enough to wear on the plane or the first thing I throw on to explore a new destination on foot.
In my beauty/toiletry bag I always bring…
The first item out of the toiletry bag upon arriving at a destination is ROCC Naturals Vitamin B12 Mint + Coconut ROCC Naturals toothpaste. It gives my mouth the burst of freshness while delivering a dose of B12 via my oral cavity which is super absorbent (and the most effective way to take B12)
The second item is a richly hydrating moisturiser – currently using Sunday Riley.
The third is Ultra Violette SPF. I love a beach holiday, but skin protection is paramount!
