What would you say is the essence of NINI Organics?
Alex: So, the essence of NINI is definitely all about the ritual. Taking your time, for you, and connecting back to nature. NINI actually cares about you, the environment and most importantly your skin!Nicole: For me, it is the story behind NINI… Alex suffered from acne growing up, which was hard for him, and even for me to watch. So seeing him fulfill his dreams and put his soul into creating each product is amazing to witness. He is the essence of NINI Organics!
What does your production process look like?
Alex: It’s a creative mess… I can’t make a product without being inspired; I have to really connect with a thought process or a moment to create something truly amazing. I’m not just making something because of trend or for the sake of it. NINI will always have its core line, and from that we will develop limited edition products, which for me is so much more fun and loving. It also takes me a hot minute to make sure everything is sourced to the highest organic grade – there’s no cutting corners here, as I never want to insult my skin or my customers. A product normally comes to me in my sleep, so I keep my little product dream book by my bed and write anything down that I think could be a hit – like our famous Natura Detox Oil 🙂Nicole: What he said, lol!
Which of your products has become your most trusted companion?
Alex: It has to be our Detox Oil – the results we’ve seen from this product have been just incredible. It’s super effective at healing and balancing the complexion, and the aroma is irresistible! BUT I’m constantly falling back in love with our Coffee & Cacao Face Scrub, because with every use I’m still always so amazed with the results – it’s soft and gentle, yet super brightening 🙂Nicole: Omg, where do I start!? I am not being funny when I say that I love every one of our products, because I truly do. What I use the most and couldn’t live without would have to be the Natura Detox Foam and Detox Oil, as I use them everyday. But it is very closely followed by the Coffee & Cacao Face Scrub and Coco Melt. They are just amazing, and I couldn’t be happier that Alex created this range – as I never have to worry about skincare again ?
Who would you say can benefit most from using NINI Organics? ?
Alex: Oh, well literally everyone and anyone. I think the sooner we get people using truly organic products, the better – so let’s get them whilst they’re young and willing to learn. But anyone with acne-prone skin really would benefit from our Natura range, 100%. The Natura range looks at the complete alternative approach at helping to heal & protect your skin. Acne-prone skin types will benefit massively from this treatment – and normal to combination skin types can use it for skin maintenance. Nicole: Again, what he said 🙂 The range is suitable for everyone and anyone – but seeing as Alex has come into this industry from a particular background, he has developed a range that really works well with acne-prone skin.
Do you have a rule of thumb when it comes to picking the right skincare product?
Alex: It’s all about the story behind the brand and the ethics. If the INCI list contains any questionably ingredients, then its a massive “no-go” for me! Also I’m not about gimmicks or promise products. I want something with integrity, charm and love.So I created the I.N.S.U.L.T. guideline for whenever I look at any new brand/product —
— so if the brand/product has question marks over any of these, I just put it down and it’s onto the next one. Let’s never INSULT our skin again ♥Nicole: I have to be honest and say that no, I didn’t have any rule of thumb. I used to use anything from shampoo to shower gel – whatever was in my bathroom, that was my face wash, and moisturiser… well, any body cream I had would do! Now though, I am far more conscious about what I put on my skin – and from what Alex has taught me, now I’m always on the lookout for any insulting ingredients… and if I see any, then back on the shelf it goes!
Where might you pull inspiration from when coming up with new product ideas?
Alex: Oh, literally anything! I recently created the Siempre Viva Body Elixir – which was inspired by the iconic potion scene in the fab film Death Becomes Her! That was an amazing product to create and I loved the whole process. I literally get inspired by anything; it can be a high note in a song, or a memory from the past, or a leaf falling on the ground. I just love life and I allow it to organically inspire me 🙂
Which cosmetic ingredient is a must-have in your skincare routine?
Alex: Cacao, neem oil & jojoba oil. I love these ingredients so much, as they offer an abundance of love, vitamins, minerals and healing benefits for the skin. It’s all about the food and the ritual for me, so I need to feel that from an ingredient. That power really excites me and makes me take notice, especially when it’s just that sole ingredient and not some crazy high tech one. I love the effortlessness of these ingredients.Nicole: I love cacao butter and jojoba oil. I find these both work so well on my skin and keep it really moisturised without blocking my pores or making them congested. I also love lavender and blue tansy – mainly for the scent, but I also feel a wave of calm when I use them on my skin.
In what ways does sustainability play a role in the company’s production process?
Alex & Nicole: It’s a constant learning curve for us, and we try our hardest to be as sustainable as possible. Like we might need to put our products in boxes at some point soon, so the hunt is on for the best environmentally friendly box manufacturers. Like I said before, cutting corners is not really a thing we do. We like to be as transparent as possible and as healthy as we can with our processing. Our main packaging is clear glass, and most local recycling plants will accept it.
What lies in the near future for NINI Organics?
Alex & Nicole: We will be concentrating on developing a new store in an area where conscious minds are rife, so we can offer treatments and that “total swap-out” concept – where customers can come and shop the best in truly organic green beauty that delivers on a 360 of skincare. Oh, and we also have a mist and perfume in development 🙂
Any final words you’d like to share with our readers?
LOVERS! We hope you fall deeply in love with NINI’s magic! It’s been such a journey, and we can’t wait to see what happens in the future. We’re loving every minute of the process and can’t wait to share with you all the new creations and super festive tips & tricks we have up our sleeves – to optimise your NINI EXPERIENCE ♥
Tags: Behind the Brand, Skin Care
J. R. Thesis Smith is a mixed-race millenial in the dawn of their 30s & a wordsmith of sorts. They've spent most of their waking life in the U.S. – in the urban sprawl of NYC that is New Jersey, in the depths of its suburban echoes – but always dreamed of making their way across a bigger pond, to a place where opportunity would knock a little more often. After completing their training at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts (effectively spending three poor years in NYC) as a dance major, they gifted themselves a semester of studying abroad in Berlin, and in doing so kept a vow made in early adolescence – thereby inciting a metamorphosis of promise into full-bodied intention: to eventually fully emigrate to Berlin, the first space that had ever allowed them the freedom to find their own breath, their pace of existence. Now that they finally live there, they're learning how to breathe again – striving to become a more active member of the Undercommons as they continue on the odyssey that is their self-realization as an artistic being. Their most resonant hope is that they will be able to say what is true & necessary & kind; that people will find the time to listen, to themselves and each other; and that their voice will inspire other voices to speak out in turn.
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