I had the pleasure of speaking with this amazing teen (and her mom) about her uber healthy makeup line. She was rushing from an appearance on Fox’s, The Strategy Room, where she passionately shared her reasons behind creating a non-toxic beauty brand. Ths video does a great job of showcasing the line; however, I wanted to share highlights from our phone conversation. Read the interview below. And for my Google Connect Followers, leave a comment and you could win Ava’s skincare line. I’ll choose a winner on August 10, 2010.
HBP: Your brand was the first to demand that every ingredient scores a zero on the cosmetics data base. How were you able to find formulators to answer the call to make this line?
Ava: It was difficult. For the four manufacturers we used, my methods were new. Sometime it takes 4 or 5 times longer to develop our products than mainstream brands. That’s one of the many reasons companies produce products the way they do. If one of my formulators needs a filler or a scent, they can’t go to a chemical. They have to research and go through uncharted territories. And it needs to stay a zero (on the cosmetics data base) to avoid reformulation in the future.
HBP: Most of the big brands argue that you have to sacrifice performance in order to offer a product line that doesn’t contain some of the chemicals you leave out. How do you answer that?
Ava: I would only agree with that in a small amount of products. Mostly makeup products. But for our skincare line, most of our customers prefer it to their previous products. Most of them said they thought they’d be sacrificing, but instead it improved their skin and helped with conditions like eczema. Some are anti bacterial which help with acne. It’s great when you hear it helps conditions they’ve had their whole life.
HBP: Can all skin types use your products?
Ava: Yes, definitely. We didn’t want to make s separate line for each skin type. A lot of times companies will have a lot of different products for marketing. Do you really need a moisturizer for morning, night and anti-aging? I don’t think that’s necessary. Our customers seem to agree with us.
HBP: I love how you explain on your website that “key ingredients” or “active ingredients” on a so-called natural or organic product usually means there’s something to hide. Do you find that your business is as much about educating the public as it is about selling a healthy beauty line?
Ava: Absolutely. That’s one of the reasons we sell our line through reps. The line is revolutionary and putting the products on a shelf wouldn’t sell it. It would get clumped together with the “natural” and “organic” category. And that’s not always truth. Even if they were to buy it on the shelf and take it home and love it, they wouldn’t understand the message about toxic ingredients. The message about cleaning your body and life of toxins is why I do this.
HBP: I was going to ask you about your direct sales business model. How is that going?
Kim (Ava’s Mom): We have about 600 consultants in 42 states since our launch in December, 2009. Direct selling is incredibly rapid growth. Our goal is to have tens of thousands of reps sharing this message.
if you’d like to try Ava Anderson Non-Toxic, hit the Google Connect button to follow this site and leave a comment after this video. You may win the entire skincare line! If you’re interested in ordering or selling her products, visit her website.
Enter me please!! I never heard anything about these products and would like to try. What I liked about the interview is this: "A lot of times companies will have a lot of different products for marketing. Do you really need a moisturizer for morning, night and anti-aging? I don’t think that’s necessary. Our customers seem to agree with us." She is quite right! They do not have perfume, which I love. Thanks!
Ava Anderson Non Tixic is a wonderful pure product line! The less harmful substances we put in our bodies and on our bodies the better!
Keep going Ava…. We love you and all your dreams.
LOVE Ava's products! ALL of them…i was hesitant at first that changing my toxic skin care products out for non-toxic ones as i was concerned that they would not work as well or look as good…they are EXACTLY what my skin needed and has never looked better! There is not one product I don't absolutely love and I do not miss my old products AT ALL! I have been using them for about 8 months now. I like the products AND the message so much I joined the company to help share the important message and amazing products with others! Who knew it would take a teen to create such an important product line! Thanks Ava!!!
I've been using Ava's products since the launch of the line. How awesome we can now look good while still taking care of our health. I've learned so much about the scary stuff in so many of the prodcuts I had been using. They say there is a cost for beauty but my health is just too high of a price.
I have been using Ava's entire line since January 2010. I love how my skin feels and years of rosacea around my nose is gone. My sister uses it too and struggles no more with blackheads. People literally stop me and ask me what I use on my skin. It feels so good to be able to recommend truly non-toxic products that won't break the bank!
I switched to Ava's products back in March and have never switched back. From the first moment of using the cleanser I was in love! I learned that we have to do our own research in our products and have since switched cleaning products, pet products and sunscreen! Thanks Ava!
I love these products and the important message behind them so much I decided to become a consultant to spread the word!
I have been using Ava Anderson Non-Toxic products for 6 months. They are fabulous and my skin has a healthy glow. I am even more excited to finally have discovered a completely toxin free product. Wonderful…thank you Ava!