It was in 2015 that Tessa Fauvrelle created Essentia Soap Bar, her own soap factory, in a local market that was still relatively uninvested in natural skincare products. Behind this beautiful story of entrepreneurship lies another, more important one: that of a return to her roots. Eugénie Sauzier-de Rosnay
Sometimes, the most essential initiatives begin with a single event. Ten years ago, when Tessa found herself suffering from alopecia, a veritable hunt for natural products began. In this quest, she quickly realized the lack of accessible and affordable products. “Chance led me to take a course in saponification so that I could create my own products to manage my condition,” she confides.
Initially confined to her own personal use, her soaps and shampoos soon spread to those around her. “I got very positive feedback, which motivated me to launch myself on a wider stage,” says Tessa. Ten years on, her catalog has grown. Produced using traditional methods for all skin and scalp types, she infuses her soaps and shampoos with natural fragrances… and intoxicating scents!
Lavender, clay, charcoal, oats and honey, herbs… She also gives pride of place to her island’s terroir with delicious touches of saffron, moringa, tea and neem. Sensitive to the need to protect the environment, she makes a creative contribution to this fight. One of her latest projects: recycling Nespresso coffee! “I recover their grounds and infuse them in the oils I use to create an exfoliating soap,” she explains.
Brimming with ideas and passion, she never rests on her laurels and never stops trying to outdo herself. Over the years, candles, bath salts, natural deodorants and face mists have been added to her list of products. Available from tourist outlets and markets alike, this is an original way to let the soul of your island speak for itself!
A Nature Break with Essentia Soap Bar
In 2015, Tessa Fauvrelle established Essentia Soap Bar, her own soap-making business, in a local market that had yet to embrace natural skincare products. Behind this wonderful entrepreneurial story lies another, more significant tale: one of going back to basics.
Sometimes the most meaningful ventures begin in the wake of adversity. Ten years ago, when Tessa was diagnosed with alopecia, she embarked on a determined search for natural products. During this quest, she quickly realized how few accessible and affordable options were available. ‘By chance, I ended up taking a soap-making course so I could create my own products and manage my condition,’ she explains.
Initially made purely for personal use, her soaps and shampoos soon found their way to friends and family. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, which encouraged me to expand into the wider market,’ says Tessa. A decade on, her product range has grown considerably. Crafted using traditional methods for all skin and scalp types, she infuses her soaps and shampoos with natural-and utterly captivating-fragrances!
Lavender, clay, charcoal, oats and honey, herbs… She also celebrates her island’s local produce with delightful touches of saffron, moringa, tea and neem. Committed to environmental protection, she brings creativity to this cause. One of her latest projects involves recycling Nespresso coffee grounds! I collect the used grounds and infuse them into the oils I use to create an exfoliating soap,’ she explains.
Brimming with ideas and passion, she never rests on her achievements and constantly strives to outdo herself. Candles, bath salts, natural deodorant and facial mists have all been added to her product line over the years. Available at tourist outlets and various markets, it’s a wonderfully unique way to showcase the soul of her island!
