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 : 

Learn More About Vixin

VIXIN Instagram

🙏 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