Tuesday February 2nd, 2021
We love chatting with talented women and learning about their journey and expertise. We had a virtual coffee with Daniela Pelonara, founder of Native Essentials, and she shared with us some insights of her brand, such as how they overcome challenges during this pandemic.
When and why did you start Native Essentials?
It all started in late 2011, after I moved back to Hong Kong from New Zealand. I am an aromatologist and professional aromatherapist and I created Native Essentials as a wellness brand for families, with natural botanical products. I sourced high quality organic ingredients to create the products that I previously tried and tested on my own family and friends.
The business quickly shifted more towards spa supplies and 100% natural skin care preparations for the face and for the body; when I started receiving the first orders from overseas, I realised I needed to focus more on one category. This led me to go back to study for a few years Natural Skincare Formulations. Finally, in late 2019 I relaunched a new collection as you see now, 8 clean beauty essentials for face care.
How would you describe your brand in 5 words?
Plant-based, high-performance, multitasking, sensorial and conscious.
What is the most important thing about your business for you?
I try my hardest to be transparent, ethical, sustainable, eco-friendly yet maintaining high standards.
What inspires you to create Native Essentials products?
Firstly, I think like a busy mum, because I am a busy mum. I start by formulating products that work fast, are fuss-free, and that are multi-tasking, so that your beauty routine is to the point, essential, fast, efficient. In terms of product inspiration, I think of combining natural ingredients that work in synergy and that create a sensorial experience with the textures, colours and aromas.
In which countries can people find Native Essentials products?
We ship worldwide. We currently have partnerships in Hong Kong, China (without any animal testing involved), Thailand, Sweden and Italy.
What are the challenges that you have had during this time with Covid and how did you manage them?
During Covid, as many businesses are reliant on suppliers all over the world, the main challenge was to be able to source all ingredients for our products as the supply chain and shipments were substantially affected. We had to pause production for a few weeks and temporarily limit delivery to clients in some locations. We can see now that things are getting back to normal, but shipping fees have increased a lot.
Why is it important to go natural and eco-friendly on beauty products?
I believe that choosing natural skincare that is also eco-friendly, is a conscious choice that goes hand in hand with a healthy lifestyle and respect for our planet.
In terms of being ethical, natural skincare brands tend to be more diligent than mainstream brands. Take for instant the use of mica, always linked to child labour issues (there is a natural mica alternative available), or buy some ingredients directly from the source (often small cooperatives or fair trade) and not from layers of middlemen.
In terms of being sustainable, not all-natural products are made with ethical and sustainable ingredients, like plant extracts obtained from the endangered species ad Brazilian Rosewood.
In terms of being eco-friendly, too many skincare products are still packaged with plastic or too much useless paper. At Native Essentials we minimize packaging and use exclusively 100% recyclable materials.
Having said that, it is important to know that not all natural skincare works well and is 100% hypoallergenic unless it is professionally formulated and tested, like Native Essentials. And not all non-natural skincare is bad for you. Well formulated natural skincare and skincare made with synthetics both deliver results. Would you taste the difference between an organic apple and a GMO apple?
What do you think clients like the most about your business?
Besides their appreciation of the quality and efficacy of the products, they love Native Essentials minimalistic beauty routine: fast, fuss free and good value for your money. I also receive appreciation for being an honest and conscious beauty brand.
Share a beauty tip
Having a healthy and glowing skin is not just down to using great products, but it’s a whole lifestyle interconnected. My tip: self-face massage with Guasha.
Your favorite product from your brand
I cannot live without my oils SHAANT and AZUR. I alternate them every night..
Your perfect gift
A spa treatment without hesitation!
Laura
love this, thank you for sharing.