Sodashi products and spa treatments have become renowned the world over for their luxuriousness, as well as their effectiveness, but when founder Megan Larsen set up the company over a decade ago her idea of creating a chemical-free range was met with scepticism.
However, Larsen, who had a background in aromatherapy and biochemistry before setting up the natural skincare brand, proved that it is possible to create a chemical free range that provides fantastic anti-aging skincare results.
We caught up with the driven and enthusiastic natural beauty advocate to talk about setting up Sodashi, find out her top beauty tip, and see what her desert island beauty products are!
Sarah McIntyre: Sodashi treatments are 100% chemical free, what was the top priority for you when you set up the company?
Megan Larsen: My vision was always to create effective skincare products that deliver results. In 1996 I began developing chemical-free skin care products because I couldn’t find any effective natural products for my skin – my skin is very sensitive. I had tried many natural skincare ranges, and whilst they were lovely to use I did not personally see great results. I wanted to create a range that was really worth investing the time in using and would provide real anti-ageing benefits.
SMI: Did you find it hard to get the company off the ground in the beginning?
ML: Yes, establishing a brand is very challenging – especially a skincare brand as it is a very competitive market. Also, when we launched Sodashi in 1999 the concept of “chemical-free” skincare was unheard of. We were pioneers in effect, breaking down barriers about the efficacy of natural skin care products.
SMI: Sodashi is now available in spas across the world, are you proud of the achievement you have made since setting up the company?
ML: Yes, I am very proud of Sodashi. We’ve proven that skin care can be chemical-free and effective. Sodashi is stocked in over 60 spas in over 25 countries worldwide, and we are continuing to spread our global footprint. By harnessing the potent power of plants, we have created one of the world’s most effective yet entirely chemical-free skin care lines, available at many of the finest spas internationally, including Four Seasons Hotel Dublin.
SMI: What is your favourite product from the Sodashi range?
ML: Sodashi Facial Concentrates are very special. They are therapeutic plant essence blends that gently exfoliate, regenerate and retexturise the skin. When we first released these liquid exfoliants 11 years ago no one could understand how compressing your face with a few drops of our concentrates added to a bowl of warm water would give such great results. But they have stood the test of time and are now amongst our most popular and talked about products. I use the Rejuvenating Facial Concentrate every day. And of course our newest released product Samadara Age Defying Crème is simply divine!
SMI: Apart from a passion for skincare, do you also love makeup?
ML: I don’t use many make-up products as my Sodashi products keep my skin looking radiant! I use Jane Iredale lip glosses and Nvey Eco products.
SMI: What’s your number one beauty tip for our readers?
ML: Always, always, always remove your make-up before going to bed, and use a good quality moisturiser.
SMI: What are your desert island beauty products?
ML: Samadara Ultimate Age-Defying Creme – our most powerful anti-ageing formula. It’ll keep my skin glowing until I’m rescued! Samadara dramatically boosts skin cell renewal to tone and smooth the skin. Containing a blend of antioxidant rich plant oils Centella, Rose, Everlasting and Rosehip, it deeply nourishes and protects the skin whilst the vibrational properties of rose quartz crystal water alleviate stressors from the body that cause cellular ageing.
To support cellular regeneration, Sodashi Skin Boosts are also a must. They are powerful gel formulas containing essential oil blends that penetrate in to the deeper layers of the skin, balancing, rejuvenating and firming the skin.
And I can’t live without Sodashi’s luxurious moisturising Vanilla Body Butter. It deeply nourishes, softens and protects the skin. Ylang Ylang, Patchouli and Vanilla soothe the senses, while Mango Butter and Coconut Oil provide long-lasting hydration. Perfect for a desert island escape!
SMI: How do you like to relax outside of work?
ML: Quality time and fun with family and friends. Taking nice walks along the river, Yoga, and enjoying the ambience of the relaxed environment of Fremantle in Perth, Western Australia where I live.
SMI: What is your top career ambition?
ML: To continue to build the Sodashi brand globally and educate people that high quality chemical-free products can be results driven.
Sodashi treatments are available at the Four Season Hotel Spa, Simmonscourt Road, Dublin 4, Ireland. For reservations ring (01) 665 4602.
For further information visit: http://www.sodashi.com/
