Interview with Katie Mant of Bon Charge

I first discovered Bon Charge in 2019 through The Expanded Podcast by Lacy Phillips. I was amazed to learn that the brand was originally based in Osborne Park - right in my hometown of Perth! Since then, you've grown so much - moving operations to Sydney, if I'm not mistaken? Can you take us back to the beginning? How did Bon Charge come to life? 

Yes, what started as a side hustle out of our back bedroom in Perth quickly expanded to a global brand with offices now in Perth, Sydney and a remote team globally.
It really started with a personal health journey. I was feeling constantly fatigued, not sleeping well, and just not performing at my best, mentally or physically. I tried all the usual things: eating well, exercising, cutting out the obvious stressors but something still felt off. That’s when I discovered how much modern lifestyles, things like artificial light, screen time, and EMF exposure were messing with our biology in ways we don’t always realise.

I started researching and experimenting, and I became fascinated by how light, especially, affects everything from our sleep to our mood and hormones. That curiosity turned into a bit of an obsession. I couldn’t find products that were both effective and stylish. Most looked super medical or techy so my husband and co-founder Andy and I decided to create them.BON CHARGE was born out of that blend of science, wellbeing, and design. The idea was simple: to create wellness tools that actually work, are backed by research, and integrate seamlessly into people’s lives. What started as a few pairs of blue light glasses has grown into a full ecosystem of products designed to help people feel their best naturally.

Your products are grounded in science and research. From your perspective, what benefits are resonating most with your customers today? 

One of the biggest things people are telling us is how much better they’re sleeping. It sounds simple, but quality sleep changes everything from energy, focus, mood to metabolism. Our blue light blocking glasses, for example, are a small shift with a big ripple effect. People are using them in the evenings and noticing they’re falling asleep faster and waking up more refreshed and that’s huge in a world that’s constantly “on.”

Beyond sleep, a lot of our community is also really focused on energy, recovery, and feeling mentally sharper. Products like our red light therapy devices and PEMF mats have been a game-changer for that, helping with things like muscle recovery, cellular energy, even boosting mood. What’s resonated most, I think, is that these aren’t just wellness “trends”- they’re backed by science, and people feel the difference.

At the end of the day, it’s about giving people practical tools that actually support how they live, whether that’s better sleep, deeper relaxation, or just feeling more balanced in their everyday lives.

For those new to the concept - why is circadian rhythm so important? How do Bon Charge products help support or reset it?

Your circadian rhythm is basically your body’s internal clock. It controls when you feel awake, when you feel sleepy, when your hormones are released, even how well you digest food. When it’s working properly, everything just feels easier, your energy is more consistent, your sleep is deeper, your mood is more stable. But when it’s out of sync, which is really common with all the artificial light and screen time we’re exposed to, it can throw everything off.

At BON CHARGE, a big part of what we do is help people reconnect with that natural rhythm. Our blue light glasses are a great starting point as they block the kind of light in the evenings that tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime, so you can wind down properly and produce melatonin naturally. On the flip side, our red light and light therapy devices (in particular the Near Infrared setting) can help signal to your body that it’s morning or time to feel more energised.

It’s really about working with your biology, not against it. When you give your body the right light at the right time, everything else like sleep, focus, mood, even metabolism tends to fall into place more easily.

Congratulations on your 40 Under 40 win - what a milestone! What’s been your biggest 'pinch me' moment since launching Bon Charge?

Thank you, it really is such an honour. There have been a few moments that made me stop and go, “Is this real life?” But one of the biggest has to be getting featured in Forbes. That was a serious pinch-me moment. I remember reading Forbes for inspiration when I was first starting out, so to be recognised there was incredibly surreal and humbling.
More than anything though, it’s those everyday moments that keep me grounded and inspired, like getting a message from someone saying they’re finally sleeping well again after years of struggling. That’s when I know we’re doing something meaningful.

Katie with partner Andy Mant, Co-Founder and CEO of Bon Charge

For someone new to red light therapy, where would you recommend they start? Do you have a go-to product or daily practice that’s a non-negotiable for you?

Great question. Red light therapy can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t need to be. I always recommend starting simple and consistent. Our Red Light Face Mask or Mini Therapy Lamp are great entry points as they’re compact, easy to use, and you can start seeing benefits with just a few minutes a day.
For me personally, red light therapy has become a daily ritual. I use our full-body panel in the morning while I’m meditating, stretching or having a quiet moment before the day kicks off. It helps with energy, mood, and recovery and it’s become a bit of a non-negotiable in my routine. It’s not just about the physical benefits (which are amazing); it’s also that quiet, grounding moment I carve out each day. The key is to think of it as a daily habit, like brushing your teeth. Start small, stay consistent, and your body will thank you for it.

Naturel Haus was born from my own journey with infertility, and everything we share is rooted in supporting reproductive wellness. Are there Bon Charge products that can support fertility or hormonal health - whether through stress reduction, detox support, cellular repair, or improving circulation?

Absolutely, and first, thank you for the work you’re doing. Fertility and hormonal health can be such a delicate and deeply personal journey, and I really believe in the power of holistic support along the way.

At BON CHARGE, we’ve seen our products play a supportive role in a few key areas. One big one is stress reduction, which we know has a direct impact on hormone balance and reproductive health. Our PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) Mat, for example, is a go-to for calming the nervous system. It helps promote deep relaxation, and that shift from “fight or flight” into “rest and repair” mode is so important when it comes to hormone regulation.

Red light therapy is another powerful tool. It supports cellular energy, mitochondrial wellbeing, and vitality, all of which can play a role in overall hormonal harmony..
Even simple changes like blocking artificial light at night by using our blue light glasses help can make a difference in wellbeing. Melatonin isn’t just a sleep hormone; it also an antioxidant. Supporting your natural circadian rhythm is a gentle but impactful way to bring the body back into balance.

It’s not about a magic fix, but about creating an environment where the body can do what it’s designed to do. We always encourage people to listen to their body, work with their health practitioners, and explore these tools as part of a bigger picture.

There’s growing concern around EMF exposure and its effects on reproductive health. What are some of your go-to EMF-blocking tools or products that you believe make the biggest impact?
 
EMF exposure is something more and more people are becoming aware of, especially when it comes to sensitive areas like reproductive health. At BON CHARGE, we focus on practical, everyday solutions that help reduce unnecessary EMF exposure without adding stress or complexity.

Our blue light blocking glasses are a simple but powerful tool. They not only help regulate your circadian rhythm but also shield your eyes from high-energy visible light, which is a part of the EMF spectrum. Beyond that, our community really loves our EMF Radiation blocking Laptop Mat, Blanket and Air Tubes designed to reduce exposure from the tech we use every day.

I also recommend creating “EMF-free zones” where possible like a tech-free bedroom or workspace and using grounding techniques to help balance the body. It’s all about layering protections that fit into your lifestyle without feeling overwhelming.
The goal is to give people effective tools that make a real difference, so they can feel more in control of their environment and their wellbeing.

Holistic wellness seems to be at the heart of Bon Charge as much as it is for us. How do you integrate this mindset into your everyday life—both personally and professionally?

Holistic wellness isn’t just a buzzword for me, it’s really the foundation of how I live and work. Personally, that means prioritising balance in all areas: sleep, movement, nutrition, but also mental and emotional wellbeing. I make space every day for things like mindfulness, gentle movement, and time in nature,  all of which feed into my energy and creativity.

Professionally, that mindset drives everything we do at BON CHARGE. We don’t just create products; we create tools that fit into a broader lifestyle of wellbeing. It’s about recognising that health is multi-dimensional, it’s not just physical, but mental, emotional, and even environmental.

One thing I love about running BON CHARGE is that it gives me the chance to live those values daily, from how we design products to how we support our community. It’s a reminder that true wellness is a journey, not a destination, and that every small step counts.

What are your top non-negotiable wellness practices—the things that keep you grounded and energised?

For me, it all comes down to a few simple, consistent habits that really make a difference. First up, quality sleep is non-negotiable. I’m a huge believer that everything else starts there. Using blue light glasses in the evening and keeping my bedroom dark and tech-free helps me wind down and get restful sleep.

Getting natural light first thing in the morning is another must. It’s such a simple way to reset your circadian rhythm, boost your mood, and set the tone for the day.
Movement is also key, not necessarily intense workouts every day, but things like yoga, walking outside, or stretching to keep my body moving and my mind clear.
I carve out time each day for mindfulness, whether that’s journaling, meditation, or just a few quiet moments with a cup of tea. It helps me reset and stay focused, especially when life gets hectic.

And finally, I make space for red light therapy. It’s become a grounding ritual that supports my energy and recovery. These aren’t complicated or time-consuming, but they add up to keeping me balanced and energised.

If you could advise a friend to eliminate just one thing from their life to support their wellbeing, what would it be?

Without a doubt, I’d say cutting back on artificial blue light after dark. It’s something we often don’t realise is messing with our sleep and overall wellbeing, whether it’s from phones, laptops, or overhead lighting. Even just a couple of hours of exposure after dark can throw off your circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep and feel rested.

If I had to pick one simple change for anyone’s wellbeing, it would be to unplug from those screens at least an hour before bed, switch to circadian friendly lighting and use blue light blocking glasses in the evening. It’s a small tweak with a huge payoff for your sleep, energy, and mood.

If you could advise a friend to add just one thing to their life to support their wellbeing, what would it be?

I’d say adding a simple daily ritual of getting natural light first thing in the morning. It sounds basic, but it really sets the tone for your whole day,  boosting your mood, energising your body, and helping regulate your sleep cycle.
Whether it’s going for a walk first thing in the morning or just stepping outside with your morning coffee, that small moment can have a big impact on how grounded and balanced you feel throughout the day.

Walk us through your morning routine - how do you set yourself up for a good day?

My mornings are all about creating calm and focus before the day really kicks in. I start by getting outside to soak up some natural light as soon as I wake up.
Then, I usually spend a few minutes meditating or doing some light stretching to wake up my body and mind gently. After that, I spend about 10–15 minutes with red light therapy. It’s become a grounding ritual that helps energise me and support recovery.
I keep things simple but intentional, a few quiet moments, natural light, and movement to set the tone. It’s not about rushing or cramming in a million things, but about showing up for myself in a way that feels good and sustainable.

Check out Katie's Guest Edit and the products she recommended.