Sometimes a beauty brand makes you leap for your phone for instant social media alert; I felt like this after attending ECO DIVA Natural Products launch last week where we got to sample some of the lovelies and meet owner Nicole Sherwin who shared her view on living a healthy balanced lifestyle, and her passion for her organic brand. I caught up with Nicole to find out more about her passions, inspiration and her future plans for ECO DIVA Natural Products:
Where did your inspiration come from to develop your own range?
Nicole: During my time as editor of Simply Green magazine, I was invited on to SABC3’s Expresso Morning TV show to chat about my work in Los Angeles, where I produced an eco-event & expo, The Green Lounge Experience,interviewing celebrities about their healthy lifestyles, the charities they support, and their health and skincare regimens. I was then invited to demonstrate the recipe for a home cleaning product on the show, and ended up creating over 80 recipes for 2 years as "The Eco Diva cosmetic chef." Viewers kept tweeting to ask where they could buy the products of my recipes & 5 years, 2 biochemists, countless human trials, eco-laboratories later…… = Eco Diva Natural.
My inspiration continually comes from my upbringing. My father, a Homoeopath, Naturopath and Acupuncturist was dedicated to a holistic way of living, where I spent many hours mentored by him.
Where are your products developed and sourced ?
Nicole: Environmental consciousness is the core of our brand ethos; our products are developed in an eco-friendly, cruelty-free laboratory in Cape Town. We source locally, although some of our organic, anti-oxidant ingredients are imported.
Your Bestseller product
Nicole: Definitely our ‘Double Diva Glow’ – Face Cream & Face Serum. When layered together, create the ultimate radiant, healthy glow, hydrating your skin completely.
Tell us about the refill station
Nicole: Our refill station allows customers the chance to bring their empty Eco Diva jars and bottles to be refilled, saving on excess waste and packaging and a 5% off the price.
Are you big into recycling yourself
Nicole: As much as one can here. S.A is about 5-8 years behind Europe and the USA in terms of recycling; Government and chain stores need to get behind this area for real change to begin.
Are your labels and glass recyclable
Nicole: Our packaging is either recyclable, up-cyclable or re-usable; we use recycled PET or glass; printing is eco-friendly and we never use single-use plastic.
What would you recommend as a hair mask?
Nicole: Definitely our Crème Brûlée Body Butter. It has so many delicious, healthy uses besides being genuine skin food for your body. Other multi-uses include: Hair Repair Treatment (to feed the scalp and hair follicles for healthy regrowth); a leave-in repair treatment ( for healthy shine); Eczema relief (use as needed); Scar Relief &Prevention and also great as a Baby Bum Cream (prevent nappy rash).
You've launched travel bags; tell us more:
Nicole: We’ve just launched travel size products for face and body, designed to re-energize, re-hydrate, re-invigorate and rejuvenate your skin while globe-trotting. The Travel Kits come in a Limited Edition #FLY First Love Yourself travel bags.
Your range is not only for men & women, but household and babies too; what else is in the pipeline?
Nicole: Our Eco Diva Home range is 100% eco-friendly, non-toxic, biodegradable, cruelty-free, vegan-friendly and safe for the whole family including pets. All products are biodegradable, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial and safe for grey water use. With our delicious signature scent of vanilla, bergamot & grapefruit essential oils, your clean home will uplift your mood and create fresh energy. We’re developing new products all the time so watch this space!
Are products vegetarian and vegan friendly?
Nicole: Our products are vegan and listed with the SA Vegan society as well as Beauty Without Cruelty.
Available www.ecodiva.co.za and in store 115 Waterkant Street, Cape Town
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