The organic cosmetics boom is raging. Anu Nurmela and Jenni Tuominen's Henua Organics is also aiming to spread the phenomenon to the world. The sisters' achievement stems from a common ideology, passion and enthusiasm. The purpose is to get people to pay attention to ecology and the wonderful moments of everyday life, typical of southern Poznan.
On your own path
Henua's story began when cosmetologist Jenni Tuominen developed bad skin problems on her neck. It made a major consumer of cosmetics question the safety of the products.
- The dermatologist advised to leave everything out, including nail polish. That's when I started to think about what cosmetics actually contain.
The event was the initial impetus towards my own path. Tuominen decided to improve his knowledge in the field and started studying natural cosmetics at a British school.
- With homework, I started making products in my own kitchen. That's when I knew that this is my passion and I want to make this a job for myself.
Tuominen's products were based on the premise that all ingredients are nature's own nurturing raw materials. Water is not used because it does not contain a single active ingredient.
Tuominen's ideology also got sister Anu Nurmela excited.
- I thought that this has all the ingredients for a successful international brand. At the same time, it is an opportunity to highlight Finland as a producer of valuable raw materials.
"Nothing more, but more than enough"
Henua's products use Nordic raw materials, such as oats, sea buckthorn, linden, birch sap and pine bark. Nothing extra is used so as not to burden the environment unnecessarily.
- Finnish labor is also used from beginning to end, from planning to manufacturing the packaging, explains Nurmela.
Regarding the certificates, the Finnish flag is already on the placard and we are currently applying for an official symbol from the organic side.
Have fun and feel good
Nurmela and Tuominen's roots are in South Ostrobothnia. It was clear from the beginning that the company would be registered in Seinäjoki.
- We are proud of our roots and wanted to bring it out in the company name as well. Henua comes from the South Pohlian dialect words henu and henuita, Nurmela says and Tuominen continues:
- Those words combine such a good feeling and the wonderful tickling feeling of being in love. We hope that Henua products bring that same feeling to people's everyday life.
- And while you are doing good for yourself, you are also making your own small ecological choice, with which you are doing good for the entire planet, Nurmela adds.
Entrepreneurship and cooperation
Nurmela and Tuominen praise Seinäjoki's drive and entrepreneurial friendliness. They are grateful for the people they have met who have sincerely helped them move forward with the initial steps of entrepreneurship. One big support has been Leader Liiveri.
- We would be nowhere without Liiver. It's been the starting point for everything. Thanks to corporate support, we also got the very best marketing agency to design Henua's brand, Nurmela says.