For this week’s #MondayMotivation, our new series profiling inspiring entrepreneurs, we’ve caught up with Viola Radomsky, founder of cruelty-free and vegan beauty skincare brand Lani, who is passionate about animal welfare and the environment. We chatted to her about her brand’s commitment to supporting charities, veganism and the inspiration behind Lani: 

What were your reasons for going vegan in 2013, and how has it impacted your life?

Viola Radomsky, Viola Radomsky interview

I’ve always preferred following a vegetarian diet and I soon realised that not only does the meat industry exploit millions of animals every year but it also has a devastating impact on our planet. I went vegan in 2013 and launched Lani shortly afterwards. 

Lani is one of the few beauty brands that uses its voice to campaign for animal rights and highlight the reality of animal exploitation. I am very passionate about helping to put an end to the use of animals for products, food, entertainment and experiments and I use Lani as a platform to inspire people to choose ethical products in general – not just beauty products. Our Instagram content is varied and aims to encourage people to make fairer purchasing decisions. 

How involved were you in the original creation of the products?

Very. I did everything myself from creating the formula and packaging design to hand filling the products. It’s still the case to this day.

What is your current role within the company?

I’m the Director and I also handle absolutely everything from production to marketing and customer service. I do outsource packing orders and my partner helps with the technical side of things such as website maintenance. There’s only so much time I have, especially since that I have a young daughter. 

What were your original expectations for Lani cosmetics and how does this compare with its current reach?

It’s incredible, really. I had one vision in mind when I started Lani which is that I wanted to create simple, affordable, vegan and cruelty-free products that both smell and feel amazing and really work. I launched the brand with Hair Treatment and due to its success, I quickly decided to expand the range. I have since won two awards and Lani has been shortlisted as a Green Beauty Brand Winner. The brand is now stocked in stores worldwide. I truly love what I do and I hope it shows.  

Your brand regularly donates to animal charities are animal rights a major personal concern of yours?

Yes, most definitely. I often feel helpless when I think of the horrendous suffering animals are subjected to every second of every day. I love supporting charities as they do incredible work for those without a voice. I choose a new charity to support every month, making sure to focus on the smaller ones since they don’t get as much publicity or as many donations

Viola Radomsky, Viola Radomsky interview

Your products come in glass bottles.  What was the reason behind this decision as opposed to the more frequently used plastic bottles?

Of course, most of us are aware of the environmental impact that single-use plastic has on our planet so I think that it’s really important to use recyclable packaging when it comes to water bottles, food containers and the like. Not only is glass better for Mother Earth but it’s also much better for your skin than plastic as certain types of plastic can actually leach into the product. Glass also acts as a protective barrier for light and oxygen-sensitive ingredients such as antioxidants so it naturally gives the product a longer shelf-life. 

Do you have any more goals in terms of minimising waste within the company?

Yes, I’m trying to cut down on single-use plastic as much a possible at Lani and I’ve already managed to make some huge improvements. Orders are now all completely plastic-free, I’ve removed the plastic inner lids from jars and customers will soon have the option to choose an aluminium lid when re-ordering their favourite serum. 

What was your inspiration for the packaging design?

I wanted the range to look bright and colourful to reflect the tropical ingredients within. The bottles and jars not only look pretty on the bathroom shelf but many customers reuse them long after they’ve finished with the product. 

Did you create the products to address particular skincare issues or with a more general skin type in mind? 

I wanted to create a simple range than can be used by anyone and I’ve received great feedback from customers saying that Lani has helped alleviate everything from skin complaints to acne sufferers and it has even cured dry flaky skin. All the products are very gentle and made with 100% natural ingredients which means that they’re suitable for most skin types.  

Viola Radomsky, Viola Radomsky interview

What is your favourite item by Lani and why?

I truly love every product we have but I’m going to go with Hair Treatment because it’s not only the product I launched the brand with but it’s also a truly miraculous product that transforms the hair in just 20 minutes. 

What are 3 of your top beauty tips?

1. Less is more. I hardly wear any makeup and there are nights when I skip moisturisers and serums altogether. Allowing the skin to breathe from time to time can do it the world of good. 

2. Nourish your hair and skin from the inside out. The best foods that come to mind are nuts and seeds, avocado and leafy greens. They all contain a multitude of skin-loving nutrients such as vitamin E, omega 3s and Zinc among others. 

3. Stay hydrated. You’ve heard it a million times but staying hydrated is the key to a glowing a healthy complexion and healthy and strong hair. I like to mix it up with water and fruit slices, a cup of invigorating tea and some warming soup. If you want to take your hydration to the next level, invest in a juicer and make yourself a mineral-rich celery and cucumber juice every day.