Interview with Tamanu-Europe

When did you launch the brand and what was the reason behind it?
The brand is already selling around the world and has been for a few years now. We launched the brand in Europe in 2015.  I started with research the moment that I was aware of skin care products which was at a very young age. I was always interested in biochemistry. I have studied for years on all kind of products/brands, investigated ingredients and the benefits of each ingredient.

Why?
The story behind the authentic ingredients (back to basics, the nature)  and the people who benefits (locals). The basic ingredients are located on islands in the South Pacific. Every purchase of a Volcanic Earth product directly assists Oceania island, people in South Pacific, to alleviate poverty.

This gives great satisfaction together with the proven effect for common skin conditions.
Suitable for all skin types: normal skin, dry skin, greasy skin, combination skin
Volcanic Earth basic ingredients :
√ 100% pure Tamanu Oil™   √ 100% pure Coconut Oil  √  100% Volcanic Ash
Our mission: Make a difference to the health of people and the planet.

Whats your background?
Scientist

How many people are involved in the company and what are their roles?
Our company is located in Europe, we have a joint venture in South Pacific. The number of people who are involved is > 190 persons which includes island people, scientist in Europe, production, distributors. 

If you could start over with the business, would you do anything differently?
No, I am a perfectionist. I investigate each detail until I am convinced it’s right. So I would not do anything differently if I could start over the business. 

What is the hardest challenge you have faced since you started the company?
Convincing the end users. We live in a world with popular brands, these brands take over our mindset, even if the ingredients are not that effective, end users still buy them because they believe in the popular brand. In the world of today we see products which contain chemicals, artificial additives. The question is whether they are healthy.

where do you plan on taking the brand?
The ingredients are proven effective and analysed carefully. For example Tamanu Oil is analysed with a Gas Chromatography mass spectrometry for purity and provided with a certificate of analysis. Nature has so much to offer. Like the Volcanic Ash; Volcanic Ash is nature’s natural healer for dry and damaged skin. This very popular treatment celebrates the many benefits of the rich mineral content of natural volcanic ash and clays. The ash is collected from the most active volcanoes worldwide. Special teams collect the ash in bulk. Not everyone can or is allowed to collect this ash from this island, because of land rights.

We would like to take Tamanu Oil into veterinary clinics; Animals, like people can suffer from rheumatism, wounds, scars, pulled muscles, sprains or general inflammation.

To date, what has been the highlight since launching?
The moment our products are used, people are surprised of the short and long-term effects. The feeling on their skin is amazing. Tamanu Oil for example does not make your skin oily and is effective for people who suffer acne. All products have their authenticity. This, for me personally, is the highlight since launching and it still is.

Which city do you feel most at home in, London, Paris or New York?
Sorry, I have no specific city where I feel most at home. I travel a lot and every city/country has its own special characteristics. 

Three beauty products you can’t leave the house without?
Skin Moisturiser, Hand Cream with Frangipani and the pure Tamanu Oil for both skin and hair.

Best thing about London to you?
The style of people and the buildings

Statement shoe or statement bag?
For me it’s statement hair. I am not a woman that has many different shoes or bags..

If you had to, what piece of clothing from your wardrobe would you wear everyday?
I have no answer to this specific question.

Clothes we wear can send powerful signals. I think it does not matter what clothes you  wear. If you are comfortable in it then you will have a natural strong appearance.

Best place for a coffee?

At home, I have my own coffee bean flavour with special filtered water and of course a good coffee machine.

Most memorable piece of advice given to you?
I always give advice to other people. People around me are very important to me. Working together, giving people the opportunity to develop and have their own opinion. Beside that I always listen to the “voice” inside of me, this is my memorable piece of advice which I did not listen to when I was younger. It is a feeling you get inside and its very strong.

Guilty pleasure?
No guilty pleasure.

If you could spent 24 hours in anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I rather had the question what would you like to do if you can change anything in the world. I would make a device where you can control and cure all kind of diseases. People are strong and together (in good health) we can achieve anything.

In future, how do you plan on expanding the company?
Our basic ingredients are delivered to cosmetic, dermatological and the wellness industry.

We will expand our brand in several markets together with our team. Chemical free fair-trade natural skincare products is more than just a natural skin care product. The story behind, the proven effects, the authentic ingredients are unique. A story to tell the world.

Find out more…

► Tamanu-Europe gives back to human, planet and animals
Every purchase of a product helps people on the islands in Oceania directly to alleviate poverty.
Tamanu-Europe products have been compiled with care. If you purchase 15ml Tamanu Oil, a certain amount is donated to our Charity Dierenlot.
Each basic ingredient has been individually tested to prevent hypersensitivity or any kind of irritation to the skin.
During the development, extra attention was paid to the use in several forms of skin diseases, for example eczema, but also allergic reactions, skin irritations.
Free of: Alcohol, Parabens, Perfume, artificial additives, silicones, CAPB (Cocamidopropyl betaine).
Suitable for men, women with different skin types.

Website: www.tamanu.de
Website: www.tamanu.nl