The Inspiring Woman Behind La Mav: Tarj Mavi

Tell us a bit about your professional background?
Though I am qualified Vet by trade, after I graduated, I spend about 20 years in the science field working on a lot of different projects, researching a great variety of topics, related to chemistry and health. The way we, as humans, interact with chemicals is a very complex matter and it takes a lot of time to understand the mechanisms of the processes that take place in nature and in our bodies. I am grateful for all these years and all the experience gained, because my scientific background, as well as being conscious of how chemicals can affect our overall quality of life, helped me immensely in creating Lamav.

What made you decide to develop your own skincare line?
Following the birth of my second son, Jay in 2000, I developed severe postpartum melasma. I used concealers and heavy make-up to hide the hyperpigmentation, but it was obvious and messy. I consulted a dermatologist who prescribed Hydroquinone, a skin bleaching agent that while effective in the short term, makes skin hypersensitive to the sun and may cause inflammation and redness. I experimented with a battery of cosmetic procedures – facials, peels, whitening products – all expensive and most of them painful, and then returned to slathering on concealer. I was desperate to find a natural, safe and effective way to restore the health of my skin. That was when I decided to take my knowledge in science and my passion for healthy living and create my own skin care line - to help not only myself, but all other women who were struggling with the same issues and were looking for effective solutions that are good for their bodies, good for the planet and good for generations to come.

What are the core values of La Mav?
Our values underlies how and why we make decisions in all aspects of business. It encompasses what we want our brand to be, and how we want our brand to run. Our top priority is to create clean products that deliver results without compromising consumer safety/having a negative effect on the environment.

What makes your products so effective and what sets La Mav apart from the rest of the organic/natural brands on the market?
We use 100% plant-based, naturally derived, certified organic ingredients – bio-actives, antioxidants, vitamins, essential fatty acids, therapeutic grade herbal extracts, carrier oils and very gentle and soothing essential oils, all of which are combined in a unique Three Tier Formula™.

Tell us a bit more about the science behind the three-tier formula (TTF)?
Most natural & Certified Organic products on the market only include what we build in our tier one - base ingredients (herbal extracts, vitamins, hydrosols, carrier oils, essential oils etc). Our products are formulated in a different way.

Tier three consists of active constituents, followed by tier two – specialty oils, and finally tier one incorporating the base ingredients. Tier two is exclusively formulated with potent natural oils, including Sea Buckthorn oil, Acai Pulp oil, Raspberry oil, Tamanu oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil, etc – excellent sources of potent antioxidants, to protect the skin from external damage and prevent premature aging.

Finally the most potent ingredients in our Three Tier Formula are the active constituents (the so-called bio-actives) that have been clinically proven to have outstanding anti-aging properties. The best thing about our product line is that thanks to the revolutionary formulation process, all active constituents are transmitted to the areas of the skin where they make the most difference.

What is your favourite La Mav product?
I am in love with our Antioxidant Rich Nightly Repair Nectar! The Nectar is lovely and rich yet absorbs easily into the skin. Another favourite of mine is the Daily Vitamin-C Brightening Serum. It truly does help lighten my pigmentation and gives my skin a beautiful, healthy glow.

Tarj's Favourite Product: Antioxidant Rich Nightly Repair Nectar

What helps you stay positive?
There are two things that help me stay positive. One being my family – they are a HUGE inspiration for me. I want to be a good example for my boys and I like to do my best for them. The second is PASSION! I have a passion for what I do – if I am able to help someone in some small way with their skin or self-esteem without compromising the integrity of their health then that makes me stay positive and focused.

How do you unwind after a busy day?
I practice Bikram Yoga nearly every day as I find this is a good form of exercise but more importantly it helps me breathe, relax and have some ‘me’ time.

What was your proudest moment as a brand creator?
Seeing so many people using our products and sharing their positive skin-transformation stories. It makes me incredibly happy to know I’ve managed to help so many women feel more confident in their own skin.

What is the most important lesson you've learned along the way?
I learned that going down the road of having your own business is not always easy but if you keep focused on what it is you want to achieve, you will get there – it will take time, many mistakes, high, lows, you name it, but you will get where you are meant to be, eventually.

What does the future hold for La Mav?
We’ll continue being focused on innovative approach to formulation, in order to ensure maximum efficacy. We are on a never-ending quest for new bio-actives. We have some new product launches planned, but we’ll keep this a secret for now. We want to surprise you. Stay tuned!