Where did your interest in “skin care” come from or what inspired you to found “Nohabe”?
I have got 3 kids, and all of them were suffering from eczema. We tried out lots of products that doctor gave us, but sometimes the symptoms got even worse... Once my youngest boy was crying after we used a cream the doctor gave us, and his skin became red and hot. We had to wash off all the cream and even then it stayed red for hours. This was the point when I decided to use my diploma and create something which will cure their skin. I am graduated as a biology and chemistry teacher, and I have a MSc degree in biology as well. The first 2 products were Schoko Magic soap and body butter. Since then we do not have any issue with our kids' skin. The name NOHABE is coming form my kids name: NOel, HAnna, BEnce
You are a family business - how is this involved in the company. Or who has which tasks?
I am developing and making the products, I take care of the website and the webshop. My husband is responsible for the graphics. He made the logo, and all the product labels.
How has “Nohabe” changed your life?
Since we founded Nohabe, we only use our own products. We have less garbage, we pack everything environmental friendly. We don't experience skin issues such as eczema or dryness
How do you stand out from the many competing products?
Our products are unique. All the recipes are created by myself. We use only high quality natural ingredients. And also it is unique that I have got a relevant qualification. So the customers can be sure that not only the documentation is ready (certificates and safety documents),but the person who is actually making the product is qualified.
What was your biggest challenge in founding “Nohabe”?
It was challenging to invest into the product developing and the website building. We made everything by ourself.
What are the top 3 most harmful pollutants in skincare products that we should look out for?
SLS
Fragrances
Parabens
+Ingredient driven from petroleum
There exists also a list with real toxic ingredients
As an average rule I would say that it is always very important to read the ingredients. If the product is natural, it is is easy to understand every single ingredient.
We have a free consultation service, where I am happy to help everybody to understand the ingredient list of the existing products.
What problem area do you see in the industry and how do you deal with it?
Nowadays natural cosmetics are very popular. There is no definition for natural cosmetic products, so the best practice is to check with the producers philosophy. I think the biggest problem is that the unhealthy and artificial ingredients cost less... The huge companies can produce the products in lower prices and they have huge budget for advertising...
I cannot win the competition only if I produce something very unique and high quality. I am always honest with my customers.
Which qualities or ingredients have priority in your beauty products?
I buy only from a supplier where all the certificate of analysis documents are available. Where possible I use organic ingredient. Shea butter is one of the key ingredients bit the others are also important. In the soaps I only use valuable butters and oils, for example I am not using at all palm oil, which is cheap but only makes the soap bigger and cheaper, but doesn't add any benefit to the soap.
How do we best care for our skin?
Drinking enough water, good quality sleeping and eating healthy. And last but not least using only natural products, frequent peeling, nourishing your skin with valuable oils and butters.
You write about eczema in one of your blogs. Are your products also intended for problem skin? Do your products also have a healing effect?
This blog article is a 3 part series. Our products are perfect choice for people having problematic and/or very sensitive skin, as there is an option to choose a completely allergen free version. We have received lots of success stories.
What is your personal favourite product from your series?
It is hard to say. I love them all. From the soaps my favourite is Calendula Field, from the butters I love Schoko Magic.
What was the nicest compliment you received for “Nohabe”?
One of our customers was suffering from severe eczema on her hands. And she made a big post regarding how her hands were cured, and the result is amazing.
What are your plans for the future?
We are planning to keep going forward. We will also develope products for man.
