BACKCHAT

ELIANA & VASSILLI from Africology with 7 min

What inspired the passion for sustainable beauty? It began with the awareness of what chemical ingredients can do and their impact on the body and environment. Africology is deeply committed to empowering consumers and helping them make conscious choices, while honouring the universe, nature and its intelligence. Based on years of research, we have gained an in-depth knowledge about the chemicals usedin cosmetics andthe effecttheyhave on the human body. Thus, Africology’s authenticity is expressed within our manufacturing ethos.

Eliana Droganis-Haniff and her brother, Vassilli Droganis are both directors at one of South Africa’s leading natural beauty and skincare brands, Africology. The brand was started by their mother, Renchia Droganis in early 2000 and now distributes to over 350 five-star spas countrywide. We sat down with this sibling duo to find out more.

Tell us about the inception of the brand. The brand has humble beginnings in our family kitchen where our mother and the brand’s CEO, Renchia Droganis would make homemade products for her reiki treatments. She would mix her own bespoke skincare products usingessentialoils, whichprovedtobe verybeneficialtoherclientsand soon enough the word spread to a spa. We were very involved in the development of the brand doing things like giving up bedrooms to ensure that there was enough space for stock boxes, cutting labels by hand, mixing andfillingbottlesand, ofcourse, ourlunchboxeswouldalwayssmellof essential oils! It wasn’t just Renchia’s passion anymore – it became ours too.

Hello Joburg • February 2020 • www.hellojoburg.co.za 64 What makes Africology unique? We are committed to blending pure, natural ingredients with love and divine intention as well as to harm no one by being conscious of our planet and all who inhabit it. Our formulations are enhanced with nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are bio-identical to your biology. Africology is cruelty free and does not test on any animals whatsoever. What are some of the challenges that come with sustainable beauty brands? To actively project an overall consciousness within the beauty industry is tough. For instance, it’s been a struggle over the years to actually educate and guide suppliers as well as consumers into understanding the importance of a more sustainable and greener outlook in cosmetics. Surprisingly, there are a lot of people who are unaware, and it’s our mission to empower consumers and help them make conscious choices.

What are your most popular products? That’s a tough one as we have quite popular list, but to narrow it down toafew: TheSkinConditioningMarulaOil, BodyButter, OudDiffuser, Vitamin Skin Boosting Serum and Absolute Rose Serum. Are there any exciting launches planned for 2020? Absolutely!Wehaveanewfragrance,candleanddiffuserplannedtolaunch in the upcoming months. Our latest product release is our Magnesium, Charcoal and Shimmer Bath Bombs, which we are very excited about.

What are some must-try Africology treatments? Our Oxygen Facial Therapy and Shamans Healing Journey, as all beauty starts from within. Our ethically sourced combination of homeopathy and plant essences are blended with the science of biotechnology to bring visible change and every ingredient used in our treatments has been chosen carefully with your safety and health placed above all else.

Any favourite products for the summer? DefinitelyourSPF30 –amineral-basedsunscreen that’s recommended for sensitive skin. It’s lightweight and chemical-free and is formulated with active ingredients that nurture and nourish the skin. The beauty of a mineral-based sunscreen is that the minerals simply sit on top of the skin’s surface, effectively reflectingharmful UV rays away. It’s non-irritating and naturally fragranced with calming herbal active ingredients. More benefits of ourSPFare thatit’s vegan-friendlyandis backedby dermatological testing.

K www.africologyspa.com E @africologyskincare D @africologyspa Q @africology_spa

CELEBRATE THE MONTH OF LOVE! The Africology Devotion Journey is a stunning treatment to gift to your other half this Valentine’s Day, according to Eliana and Vasilli. Plus, when you purchase this treatment, you’ll get a complimentary Devotion Body Oil as a gift. The Africology Heart Chakra Candle is another romantic spoil that you can’t go wrong with.

E S T. 1 9 9 9

A cut above the rest

NERO HAIR SANDTON | Shop L16 Lower Level | Tel: 011 883 5008 | nerohairsalon_sandton

Join us this Valentine’s Day for a resplendent 4-course dining experience created to keep the love alive! Complimentary glass of bubbly upon arrival. Complimentary glass of bubbly upon arrival.

Friday, 14 February 2020 18h00, Lacuna Bistro

R450 pp

Bookings are essential. To book or find out more, email: lacuna.bistro@suninternational.com or call 010 226 4815.

Corner Grayston Drive & Rivonia Road, Sandton, 2146 suninternational.com/maslow