A couple of months ago I posted a  Q and A and I’m posting another.

I believe our clients have the right to ask and the right to know.

How do we determine the shelf life of our products?
The  product are sent for stability and micro testing. It takes upto three months to test a product. The products go through various phases of testing.

Do you use preservatives?
Yes. We use natural preservatives such as citric acid, cocoa butter and various essential oils.

Do you disclose all of your ingredients on the labels?
Most definitely, it is law. There are rules and regulations that have to be adhered to.

Do you make all of your own formulas?
I do but I have help from a medical lab and an organic skin care manufacturer.  I also have assistance from a chemist.

What do u find most stressful in the industry.
Trying to get exposure in magazines and or product reviews etc. Unfortunately its not about the best product but all about who you know. So many false promises are made and it hurts. Professionalism seems to take a back seat with some I’m afraid. I am however very persistent and will conquer because I believe in our product whole heartedly and in time the editors will too.

Are your products tested on animals?
No! we test only on human beings. I have an endless amount of guinea pigs and I am always looking for more volunteers. My kids make great guinea pigs for our baby and kids range.

Is packaging / branding important.
Hell, yes. I believe simple is better.

Do you dislike any of your fragrances?
Uhmm, I’d be lying if I said no. BUT its not all about me you know but about what our clients want and like.

Do you use your own products?
Uhmm, yes and so does my hubby and my kids. I started the kids and baby range because of my children. I was tired of the crap out there.

Are your products organic?
We may not claim certified organic as we have not registered with the association. We do however purchase some of our ingredients from organic suppliers. Our products are however Naturally Therapeutic and Eco Friendly.

Are your containers biodegradable?
Yes

How do you handle feedback or criticism?
With open arms, hence the reason I have a good product / brand. I am open to change, opinions etc.

What is your most popular product at the moment?
Is that a fair question? They are all popular. Our eczema range booms, I battle to keep up with production at times lol. Sometimes I slave through the night to ensure their are products on the shelf.

Will you TM?
Yes, its in the pipeline but quite a costly and lengthy process.

Will you expand into “big’ retailers?
No! our product is unique and available to select stores only.

What was your highlight for 2011?
Opening our Cape Town and Pretoria store

Do you test your products PH levels?
Yes, it is vital especially for bubble bath and soap products. You cannot just blend away and hope for the best, you are dealing with people skin, their lives.

Do you use colourants?
Yes, natural mica.

Are your products vegan friendly?
Yes, we use to have bees wax as an ingredient but it has been removed.

Where do you see yourself in the future?
On the map with the big boys.

Are you working on any new formulas or products?
Yes, we launched our anti-chafe cream this week (blog post up soon). We are releasing two new products within the next six months and another within nine months or so.

Do you believe that natural is the only way to go?
Hmmm, I only do natural but if there was a need to use a pharmaceutical product I guess I would.

That is pretty much it. I hope I’ve answered some or all of your questions. Should you have any other questions you would like me to answer you are welcome to drop me a line and I’ll answer them in our next Q and A post.