Meet Suzanne Davis, founder of Ava Botanicals
Q: Can you tell us about your journey and what inspired you to create AVA Botanicals?
Suzanne Davis (Founder): My journey towards creating AVA Botanicals began with a personal quest for healthier skincare options. It all started with a simple desire to find skincare products that offered the benefits of high-end brands but without the hefty price tag. I was frustrated by the exorbitant costs associated with many well-known beauty products so I set out to discover affordable yet effective natural alternatives.
This eventually led me to the Advanced Diploma in Natural Skincare from Formula Botanica, one of the world's leading institutions in botanical skincare education. This decision marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation in her career and the birth of AVA Botanicals.
Q: What do you believe are the key benefits of natural skincare products compared to conventional ones?
Suzanne: Natural skincare products have several key advantages. Firstly, they tend to be gentler on the skin because they are free from harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients that can often cause irritation or exacerbate skin issues. Secondly, they harness the power of natural, plant-based ingredients that are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. These elements can nourish, hydrate, and protect the skin in ways that synthetic alternatives often cannot. Lastly, natural skincare is often more sustainable and eco-friendly, which is something many consumers are increasingly conscious of today.
Q: AVA Botanicals is known for using a variety of natural ingredients. Could you highlight some of these ingredients and their specific benefits for the skin?
Suzanne: I have spent a lot of time researching and take great pride in the ingredients we use in our formulations. Here are a few of our star ingredients and their benefits:
1. Sweet Almond Oil: Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, it nourishes and soothes the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin.
2. Rosehip Seed Oil: High in vitamins A and C, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, it helps improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
3. Hyaluronic Acid: This powerhouse hydrator can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it superb for plumping and moisturizing the skin.
4. Green Tea Glycerite: Packed with antioxidants, green tea helps protect the skin against free radicals and reduces inflammation.
5. Essential Oils (Frankincense, Ylang Ylang, Sweet Orange): Beyond their calming and aromatic benefits, these oils can help reduce inflammation, promote relaxation, and improve overall skin health.
Q: Who are AVA Botanicals products suitable for, and do you have any recommendations for different skin types?
Suzanne: AVA Botanicals products are suitable for a wide range of skin types, but they are especially beneficial for those with dry and mature skin. Our formulations are designed to provide deep hydration and nourishment without leaving a greasy residue, making them perfect for individuals in dry climates like Australia. However, many of our customers with sensitive or combination skin have also seen positive results. We always recommend starting with a patch test to ensure compatibility with your skin type.
Q: Sustainability is a growing concern for consumers. Can you tell us about AVA Botanicals' approach to sustainability?
Suzanne: Sustainability is at the core of AVA Botanicals' values. We are committed to minimizing our environmental impact in every aspect of our business. Wherever possible our packaging is designed to be recyclable and reusable, and we use glass bottles and jars to reduce plastic waste. We also prioritise sourcing organic and ethically harvested ingredients to support sustainable farming practices. Ultimately, our goal is to create skincare products that not only benefit your skin but also contribute positively to the planet.
Q: What's next for AVA Botanicals? Do you have any exciting developments or new products on the horizon?
Suzanne: We are continually researching and developing new formulations to expand our range of natural skincare products. Our focus remains on providing effective, gentle, and sustainable skincare solutions for our customers. While I can't reveal too much just yet, I can say that we're excited about the future and are always looking for innovative ways to enhance our products and contribute to the well-being of our customers and the environment.