Sensitive issues raised 💓
Love Notes bonus episode is part of our series of Love Stories - short, quiet episodes from The Australian Women’s Weekly. With small reminders that love is something we practise, not just something that happens to us.
In this Love Note, Charmaine Caldwell, CEO and founder of VIXIN returns to discuss with Deputy Editor Tiffany Dunk the part of midlife we rarely see: a decade‑long menopause journey, running a business through what she calls “100 mental breakdowns,” and the quiet work of learning to be kind to herself again. She talks about choosing a mostly natural path through perimenopause, why education and connection sit at the heart of her brand, and the messages from women saying “you saved my skin” that helped her keep going.
Charmaine also opens up, for the first time publicly, about surviving domestic violence and what it took to build a new life on the other side. You’ll hear her best practical advice on self‑love starting with how you speak to yourself, putting your own mask on first, and letting small acts of care snowball into something bigger.
If you need a gentle reminder to keep going, or permission to start talking to yourself like someone you actually care about, this Love Note is for you.
Thank you for listening ❤️
before you leave...
🗣️ Get in touch
What did you think? We are a brand new podcast and would love to hear from you as we build this together. Join our friendly Love Stories community and visit us at womensweekly.com.au
Email us your love stories (and any feedback) at awwlovestories@aremedia.com.au
If you share your love story on social media please tag us – we’re @womensweeklymag – and use the hashtag #AWWLoveStories.
Subscribe to The Australian Women’s Weekly at subscription 👈🏽
See More:
Menopause Symptoms No One's Talking About
Naiomi Watts 'Menopause It's Not The End'
If you loved hearing about Charmaine, you can follow her on Instagram and learn more about her products :
🙏 Our special thanks for making 'Love Stories' our home:
Today’s episode is brought to you by VIXIN Beauty, high performance, Australian Made skincare built for real skin and real results. No complicated routines, no watered down formulas, just powerful actives that support your skin at every stage.
Explore the range at vixin.com.au and enjoy up to 30% off bundles
Credits:
Edited by Phoebe Zukowski -Wallace
Production by Thomas Crnkovic
Our wonderful Australian Women’s Weekly team
Learn More: Womens Weekly Website
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The MeatEater Podcast
Building on the belief that a deeper understanding of the natural world enriches all of our lives, host Steven Rinella brings an in-depth and relevant look at all outdoor topics including hunting, fishing, nature, conservation, and wild foods. Filled with humor, irreverence, and things that will surprise the hell out of you, each episode welcomes a diverse group of guests who add their own expertise to the vast world of the outdoors. Part of The MeatEater Podcast Network.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.