Named the "Queen of
Green Skincare" by Forbes Magazine, Tata Harper is the founder of 100% natural
and non-toxic skincare brand Tata Harper Skincare. Originally from
Barranquilla, Colombia, Harper now lives and works on a 1,200 acre farm in
Vermont where her company is based as part of her brand’s farm-to-face philosophy. Here we catch up with Tata...
Tata Harper Skincare is founded on the idea that women no
longer have to sacrifice their health to look and feel beautiful. Where did this inspiration come from?
After my stepfather was diagnosed with cancer and went thru
his treatments, we realized how important lifestyle is to your health and
wellbeing. I went with him to all of his
doctor visits and through each step of the process, I committed myself to implementing
change in my lifestyle as well. At one
point, they asked him to bring in all of his personal care products, which is
when I thought, wow, if I had to bring in all of my personal care products, it
would be an entire cabinet!
I searched for natural skincare products that would deliver
the results I was used to and provide a luxurious experience. But, I was not able to find anything outside
of the standard supermarket brands. So,
I set out to do the research myself.
How does your vision compare now to when you started?
I think that it is still the same. My vision is to create real anti aging
solutions for modern women, who want results without compromise. The one thing that has changed over time is the messaging of
the brand. When I launched the brand,
the message was focused on the active ingredients. Now, it is more about the technology and the
science. We are focusing more on the
benefits of the ingredients, as well as the other parts of the formula. These are the things that other brands don’t
want to focus on: preservatives,
emulsifiers, stabilizers, thickeners, etc.
These are the things that make the products function. For us, these things are not a secret. We are putting our “open lab” out there for
everyone to see. The quality behind our
formulation is something that we want everyone to know about and see for
themselves. But, for synthetic brands,
these parts of the formulation are where they cut corners. They do not want their customers to know
about what they are using for these ingredients.
What are the key benefits people can expect when using your
range?
It really depends on the product. Each one has specific benefits with
customized ingredients to deliver those benefits. But, in general, when someone is using our
line, they will notice a natural and healthy complexion, improved tone, and an
amazing glow. The other incredible
benefit of using our products is the experience of the application and the
ritual that comes from using the products.
The therapeutic benefits are a result of the high quality essential oils
that we use in all of our products. I
find that when women enjoy the ritual, they
are more motivated to spend time using the products consistently.
Do you have a favourite, or a soft spot, for any particular
product?
I have a real soft spot for Elixir Vitae and the
Regenerating Cleanser. I cannot live
without them! And my newest crush is
the Concentrated Brightening Essence. The additional brightening benefits that come from using this booster
along with the serum are incredible!
Every process involved in creating your products, from
research, formulation, packaging and distribution is done in house - what is
your favourite part of the whole process?
My most favourite part of the process is definitely the
creation and conceptualization of each product.
I am inspired to find alternatives for products that only exist in a
synthetic form in the industry. Each
product goes thru many formulations.
They are truly a labor of love for me! I get so excited once a new product is complete, especially because each
one of them is so amazing!
What would you say is your number one beauty essential?
Apart from producing sumptuous, safe and beautiful products - what else are you passionate about?
A really good serum.
Apart from producing sumptuous, safe and beautiful products - what else are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about fashion in general. I actually thought
that I was going to be a fashion designer when I was young. I had my own fashion company for a short time
and I loved it!
I also love antiques and antiquing trips. I really enjoy decorating the atmosphere that
I spend time in every day, whether it is my home, office, or guest house.
What is the best advice you have been given?
The best advice I ever got was from my grandfather. He taught me to always finish whatever it is
that you start. I think that advice has
stuck with me throughout my entire life.
What can we expect from Tata Harper Skincare in the future?
You will continue to see us deliver the highest quality
natural products in the world, using the latest anti aging technology and
ingredients. As we grow, we will
continue to expand the range of skin issues that we address and fulfill our
customers’ needs in a pure way that delivers real results.
Tata Harper line has grown quickly in just
five years, and is coveted by celebrities like Jessica Alba Lake Bell and Gwyneth
Paltrow who summed it up as “Pretty much everything I use is Tata Harper.” If you are looking to upgrade your skincare routine...check out the full
range here: Tata Harper Skincare.