Recommended by respected makeup artist JoAnn Fowler (see story), Sa Avani is making a name for itself as a locally-created Ayurvedic skin care, boasting clients from A-list celebrities to UBC students. WE spoke with vice president Amy Gopal, whose battle with acne led her mother to create their first all-natural skin care product, based on time-tested family recipes. Three years later, the results speak for themselves:
What inspired Sa Avani?
Sa Avani came to fruition quite organically actually. My mum was using her knowledge-base to mix up a remedy for my acne and it worked so well that people were asking to try it themselves. One by one we began helping people with their stubborn skin ailments and the business simply grew out of that. We decided to name it Sa Avani (which means heaven on earth) because the word we heard most to describe the products was divine.
What is the broader application of Ayurveda? How does it apply to modern life?
The applications of Ayurveda are endless! I really feel it is a great supplement to achieving a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Focus is now shifting towards finding more natural alternatives to address various health issues, so Ayurveda, in this case, is a natural fit. Turmeric, for example, has been gaining plenty of attention lately for its incredible antioxidant and healing properties.
Your mom first made beauty remedies from old family recipes are they used in your line today?
Our very first set of products were exactly these recipes. Our line has evolved over the last few years and we have built extensively on those recipes with the help of several Ayurvedic doctors and biochemists. The end result is a set of products that are much more effective than their initial iterations, while still being true to their origins.
Can you share a really simple beauty remedy women can make at home?
This is a mask I use to this day to keep skin even and glowing. I mix approximately two tablespoons of chickpea flour with half a teaspoon each of turmeric and sandalwood powder. Add either rose water or milk until it forms a paste. Apply for 10 minutes and rinse. I usually do this once a week.
Why switch to natural products?
My reason for switching was my health. There was simply too much information piling up correlating poor health with many of the chemicals found in everyday products. It was an entire lifestyle change and that included my beauty regimen. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and 60 per cent of what you put on your skin is absorbed into the blood stream and delivered to the rest of the body. Unfortunately many of these industrial chemical compounds stay in your systems and are known endocrine disruptors, immune suppressors, carcinogens, etc. To get more hard facts, I suggest reading the David Suzuki report Whats Inside? That Counts and Stacy Malkans Not Just A Pretty Face. The other factor was that many of the chemicals were simply not good for the environment and if I could limit use of them, I would.
What results do your customers see?
Softer, hydrated skin is usually a given when using any of our products, but the benefits go beyond that depending on which issue our clients are attempting to address. Our products are very soothing so ailments associated with inflammation for instance (inflamed acne, psoriasis) will see calming results fairly quickly. Again, it differs for each individual client and I love speaking with them to find a solution that works best for them.
What trends are you seeing in your industry?
The biggest trends Im noticing right now are the use of wonderful exotic oils, an attempt to use locally sourced ingredients, opting for fair trade ingredients, and the increased use of organic ingredients.
What standards do you set for your business?
To be ethical and fair. I am very lucky to have an incredible mentor in my dad. He is a respected entrepreneur with decades of business experience and has always believed in running a clean company. I learn from him and hope to carry on with the same integrity, passion, and attention to detail he puts into his work daily.
What is your most popular product?
Our biggest sellers by far are the Curative Cream and our Neem line for acne skin. Curative is a very soothing cream that helps with a number of skin issues. Due to its versatility, it is a popular staple on many film and TV sets. The Neem line was the first line developed by us and is still the most popular because of its effectiveness.
What other organic beauty companies do you recommend?
Sappho Organics from Vancouver is my go-to for makeup. They have the best foundation formula Ive ever tried (a lightweight liquid mineral that glides on like butter and covers everything). Their eyeshadows are long lasting and perfectly pigmented. Its a line thats fun, glamorous, and eco-chic. Sapphos website is also full of great information about the chemicals in your beauty products and a look at the impressive credentials the line has already accumulated. A must have!!
Where is Sa Avani sold in Vancouver?
We just signed with distributors Prime Potions out of North Vancouver, so youll see us in stores very soon. Otherwise, we are available online and there is always someone available to answer any questions.
WE Vancouver readers will receive 30% off any orders made at SaAvani.ca with the promo code WEVAN.
