Latest news with #Sahajan
CTV News
12-08-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Little Luxuries Are Important, So Let Me Introduce You To A Few Of Our Favourite Body Oils From Canadian Brands
Take your skincare routine to the next level with body oils from Rocky, Sahajan, Everist, and more. If you're on the hunt for a new body oil, we're here to help. There's a good chance you already have a bottle or two in your bathroom, but finding one you really love can be tricky, especially if you have sensitive skin or don't like synthetic fragrances. Lucky for you, we've done the hard work and tracked down the best of the best in the world of Canadian body oils. They'll deeply moisturize and nourish your skin, and, in some cases, leave you smelling as good as your favourite perfume. From budget-friendly to bougie, we've covered all the bases, so you're bound to find something worth hitting 'Add to Cart' on. Here are a few of the best body oils from Canadian skincare brands for 2025: Here Are 13 Canadian Jewellery Brands That Should Be On Your Radar Here Are 17 Canadian Handbag Brands That Should Be On Your Radar Little Luxuries Are Important, So Let Me Introduce You To A Few Of Our Favourite Body Washes From Canadian Brands Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We'll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes.
Forbes
24-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Sahajan Founder Reflects On Being Ahead Of Her Time Over Last 10 Years
Rebranded packaging from Sahajan Ayurvedic skincare Photo courtesy of Sahajan A self-proclaimed 'overnight success,' Sahajan founder and CEO Lisa Mattam admits her road to a decade-long business didn't come without its doubts. As a pioneer in Ayurvedic skincare, who also helped lead the clean beauty movement, Mattan's niche wasn't initially taken seriously. At the time, 'Ayurvedic beauty'—comprised of powerful South Asian plants and herbs, including turmeric, neem, saffron and ashwagandha—was no more than a trivial buzz term. 'I would go to meetings, and people wouldn't respond to my phone calls,' the entrepreneur said during a one-on-one chat at Sahajan's 10-year anniversary brunch in June. 'They said to me, 'You have to understand, everybody goes on vacation and comes back saying they found a special mud and want to become a beauty founder.' The appetite for indie beauty wasn't there in the same way. Navigating formulation, production, labs and all of that was really unique. When we first started, it was really hard to get a lab that would work with me.' And when she did finally find a lab that would work with her, Mattam would unknowingly go on to learn her biggest lesson of the time. 'We had this awful moment when I finally found my first partner,' she recalled. 'We were getting ready to launch, and we were navigating through the formulas. Our bestseller right now is our Nourish Crème Riche, which is a very rich, thick cream, and they weren't getting it right. So I emailed them, and I asked if they could send me how to make it. Because maybe the issue was that it's been heated for too long or mixed for too long. And they wrote back and told me I don't own my formulas anymore. They said they were theirs and I don't get to see them.' It was then that Mattam realized running a business wasn't something she could do solo. 'I looked at my legal agreement, and it was very clear that I had my formulas,' she said, noting the power struggle that came from working independently versus her 17-year history under Johnson & Johnson. 'I sat with a lawyer, and they told me it was clear I was in the right. But they also said I wasn't realistically going to take them to court. They told me I'm not going to navigate this. So I basically had to recruit that power. I brought in someone from the J&J incubators to come to meetings with me to get my formulas back. It was a really, really difficult time. I went through a whole process to get that back, and I think the biggest lesson for me was recruiting advocates, recruiting supporters, recruiting an advisory board. All those things became fundamental in order for us to be in this game.' Despite some stressful steps, Mattam found a home at clean beauty haven Credo in 2015, when it debuted in San Francisco. Since then, the Ayurvedic beauty category has made mainstream waves. Luxury hair and skincare brand Ranavat launched on Sephora's website in February 2022, expanding to brick-and-mortar a year-and-a-half later. Meanwhile, minimalist Mango People was the first Ayurveda-inspired makeup brand to hit Sephora in August 2023. The category has also seen success with haircare's Fable & Mane and Shaz & Kiks (also both at Sephora). And Mattam herself, made moves in 2023, becoming the first Ayurvedic skincare brand to partner with Marriott Luxury, whose properties are The St. Regis, W Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton and J.W. Marriott. In March 2024, the Toronto native saw shelves stocked with Sahajan at Sephora Canada, making it the retail giant's first Ayurvedic brand. 'I needed other brands to come into the category, to really build it as a category through us,' Mattam said. 'So I think if I were to launch it today, it would be better recognized. Interestingly, however, some of the things I set up back then were among the first. We were one of, if not the first clean brand in Credo to have clinical research. I always came at it with a very scientific platform, and so I don't think any of that would change, because I'm still science-first. But I think the environment would be different.' The category evolution is how she believes she even ended up at her anniversary celebration destination. A full Ayurveda-inspired brunch, with accompanying hot beverages, was served at Calabra—a stunning restaurant at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel in Los Angeles. 'We were part of the education,' Mattam said. 'Even just sitting even here at this hotel, where they have an Ayurvedic salon and Ayurvedic menu that didn't exist before. It's a gorgeous location, but it has this beautiful connection to Ayurveda that makes it extra special. Those things didn't exist 10 years ago.' Investor Support From Unlikely Sources Since becoming seemingly accepted by mainstream beauty, Sahajan took things to the next level. For starters, in November 2023, Mattam closed her first round of equity funding, led by Ridgeline Ventures, which also included a handful of executives and other bold-faced names from various industries. Among them? An unsuspecting Yvonne Strahovski, the Emmy-nominated actress who played Serena Waterford on The Handsmaid's Tale . 'I'm not your typical product girl,' Strahovski said during a one-on-one chat. 'Usually, if I get handed a bag of stuff, I pass it on to the nearest person because I'm really particular and extremely minimal about what I put on my face.' Taken by the neutral packaging and overnight results of Sahajan's Radiance Face Serum, Strahovski was sold. 'I remember looking in the mirror the next morning, and wondered if it was just my imagination,' she recalled. 'I thought, do I actually look different? And then I used it consistently for a week, and I got a lot of compliments. And I thought, this is an insanely amazing product .' While Strahovski's appreciation for the product was instant, her decision to be involved with the brand wasn't rash. 'It was this was very strange, organic, intuitive process,' she said, estimating it was two years before making financial moves. 'I just kept thinking about the product. Finally I reached out to my representatives and asked if I can connect somehow with Lisa, and maybe we can partner together. We met on Zoom, and the idea of actually investing in the company came up. I'd never done anything like that before, and this is the only time that I have. I remember thinking, wow, this is such a great opportunity .' Embarking On A Decade In Business Sahajan Ayurvedic skincare new Eternal Glow Cream Photo courtesy of Sahajan Next? The rebrand. Just in time for the big 1-0, Mattam launched a saffron-infused Eternal Glow Cream, in conjunction with her biggest task of all—fresh packaging. 'This was something that had been on my mind actually for years,' she said, of the bolder, sleeker look. 'Having the investor support became critical to moving to that next step. The new look and feel still reflects our ethos, but the packaging for a clean indie brand 10 years ago is different. Because brands are pretty much clean as just the bar, every brand should have to take elegant packaging into consideration, too. Our new external packaging is more shelf-shoppable, whereas 10 years ago, brands were much more muted if you think of Clarins and the bigger brands.' Putting efforts into evolution made sense for the Mattam, especially after a banner year. According to data provided by the brand, Sahajan ended 2024 with 100% year-over-year growth, with direct-to-consumer sales increasing by 100%. Said sales account for 80% of Sahajan's business, with retail making up the balance. As for the future? It's anyone's guess. After all, Mattam didn't expect clean beauty and Ayurveda to take off the way it did. 'The landscape has changed,' she said, reflecting on her Ayurvedic skincare journey. 'We've built this incredible community. Ten years ago, nobody was talking about clean. And now it's table stakes. It's almost like what took us here is different than what's going to take us to the next 10 years.'
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
11 of the best Asian-Canadian fashion & beauty brands you need to know — Blume, Three Ships, Monos and more
May is Asian Heritage Month. If you're looking to support Canadian Asian beauty and fashion brands, we're here to help. Some of these brands are in the early stages, while others have already carved out a space in their industry. But what unites them all is their bold missions and dedication to sharing their stories with the world. Whether you're looking for a new beauty staple or chic workwear, each brand on our curated list offers something special. Not what you're looking for? Founded in 1999 by four women of South Asian descent, Vasanti Cosmetics was born from a shared struggle — finding products that looked good for their skin tones. They set out to create a beauty brand that embraces all skin colours and types, ensuring representation and inclusiveness for beauty lovers. Recommendation: The Sun's Up! Tinted Mineral Sunscreen is a new SPF launch that works as both a sunscreen and anti-dark spot cream to fade spots overtime. Co-founded by Connie Lo and Laura Burget in 2017, Three Ships is all about keeping things natural. Made with science-backed and sustainably-sourced ingredients, every product is a reflection of the founders' vision for clean, effective and affordable skincare. Plus, it's proudly made in Canada. Recommendation: The Radiance Ultra-Hydrating Cream is lightweight, non-greasy and offers all-day hydration. Sisters Bunny and Taran Ghatrora founded Blume in 2018 because of their personal journeys with acne-prone skin. Their goal? Gentle and effective products to make women young women feel comfortable in their own skin. Recommendation: Blume's most recent launch, the Toffee Tripeptide-1 Lip Tint, delivers all-day hydration with a dash of colour. Lisa Mattam launched Sahajan in 2015 after a moment of clarity: if she wouldn't use harsh ingredients on her daughter's skin, why would she use it on her own? Sahajan blends Ayurvedic beauty principles with modern science using clean, natural ingredients. Recommendation: The Ayurvedic Blend Nourish Crème Riche is a cream that targets dryness and fine lines. It works to nourish the skin while brightening it with triphala. Founded in 2010 by husband-wife duo Arjuna Thiagarajah and Min Kang, Oak + Fort is a minimal fashion brand created with the idea that style doesn't have to come with a steep price. You'll find high-quality, sustainable pieces that are chic and affordable. Recommendation: This timeless cardigan is a great piece for transitional weather. Launched in 2018 by a group of childhood friends who love to travel, Monos is a high-end luggage brand built with mindful travel in mind. They offer sleek, minimal designs that are made to last. Recommendation: The brand's latest addition is the Gesso tote bag made out of 100 per cent cotton canvas. It's spacious and works great as a carry-on travel bag. Two long-time friends came together to create Frank And Oak in 2012, with the goal of creating durable and quality pieces at a fair price point. Unfortunately, the brand recently announced they're closing their doors — but there are still some great deals to snag. Recommendation: The Amelia Balloon Pants are chic and effortless, making them a versatile option to take from meetings to post-work cocktails. When a group of friends from Vancouver found themselves always dealing with wet socks, they were compelled to create Vessi in 2018. The innovative brand features 100 per cent waterproof shoes made from a knit fabric that's soft, flexible and lightweight. Recommendation: The Market Flat is a sleek loafer-style shoe that is fashionable and functional. Silk & Snow, a premium sleep and bedding brand, was started in 2017 by two friends inspired by sustainability and comfort. Recommendation: The Muslin Blankets and Bedding products are gentle and lightweight, making them a great bedding option for summer. This trending beauty brand was founded in 2024 by Matthew Celestial to challenge the busy and burnt out mindset with a moment of self recovery through skincare — all while championing representation for all skin tones and types. Recommendation: The Quantum Mud Mask purifies, exfoliates and moisturizes the skin, leaving you with a glowing complexion. Ghlee was created in 2018 when brother and sister duo Varun and Arati Sharma realized how ghee could combat harsh Canadian winters. It's the first ghee-based beauty brand that blends traditional South Asian remedies with a modern approach. Recommendation: This popular lip mask is made from ghee, olive squalane and kahai oil to hydrate and sooth dry, cracked lips.
New York Post
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘The Handmaid's Tale' star Yvonne Strahovski's Mother's Day wish list
On dystopian hit 'The Handmaid's Tale,' all Serena Waterford (played by Yvonne Strahovski) dreamed of was being a mom. 'If there was ever a shot at her redeeming herself slightly, this is it,' Strahovski tells Alexa of the sixth and final season of the Hulu show. 'Serena's heart has opened more, especially since becoming a mother. Her original narrow-mindedness has widened … she can not lie to herself as much as she used to.' Like her character, the 'Dexter' and 'Chuck' alum's life has grown infinitely since having her first child in 2018. Mother's Day is a big deal in the Emmy-nominated Aussie's house, with her actor-producer husband Tim Loden and their three young sons creating 'a party on the ceiling' — aka decorating with balloons and streamers. 'Their excitement, enthusiasm and warmth are literally the best thing ever — along with the handmade cards!' When Strahovski, 42, isn't walking the red carpet in Alberta Ferretti and Brandon Maxwell, the investor in Ayurvedic beauty brand Sahajan is decidedly more outdoorsy than high-fashion. Read on for the items that make up her laid-back list. FAVORITE SHADES: Celine Bold 3 Dots Sunglasses 13 Courtesy of Fashion Eyewear 'I am a sucker for a rose-blush colored pair of sunglasses that I can easily put on top of my head without snagging my hair. These are made for my fast-paced lifestyle while keeping me (occasionally) classy.' FAVORITE TREAT: Bellocq Tea Atelier The Earl Grey Tea 13 Courtesy of Garden Heir 'I use Earl Grey tea to kick-start my day but also to boost my afternoons. Nothing better than a friend over for a cuppa — as we say in Australian — and a debrief.' FAVORITE TOTE: Longchamp Le Roseau Bucket Bag 13 Courtesy of Longchamp 'It's structured yet relaxed, not too big, not too small, perfect for my 'mama on the go' duties. I can even fit a couple diapers in there.' FAVORITE FACE: Sahajan Radiance Face Serum 13 Courtesy of Sahajan 'This evens out my face's tone, reduces redness, refreshes it and makes my skin glow!' FAVORITE CUT-OFFS: Mother The Skipper Short N Long Fray Denim Shorts 13 Courtesy of Neiman Marcus 'I can wear these outdoors with my kids but also dress them up if I need to. I usually never take them off during the summer. I adore all their shorts but specifically the high-waisted ones with a little give, like these, so I can run, jump, climb and keep up with my three little boys.' 13 Courtesy of Sahajan 'This gloss makes my lips glowy without the stickiness. It also nourishes my lips while making them look fab. It's the easiest thing to carry in my handbag for an instant boost to my look.' 13 Courtesy of Maya Brenner 'I loveeeee gold jewelry. Maya Brenner is amazing for her initial necklaces. I have one with all three of my kids' initials on it.' FAVORITE PLAY KIT: Lovevery The Play Kits 13 Courtesy of Lovevery 'I have a lot of The Play Kits, but in particular my family enjoys the puppet house [Storyteller kit, pictured] that the kids can build and doubles as a fort, and a kit that includes mini tents and sleeping bags with a wooden camper van — I am obviously biased to anything campers and tents. There is sooo much to choose from!' FAVORITE BODY: Amore Soap Fragrance Free Body Butter 13 Courtesy of Amore Soap 'My husband's aunty, [a co-owner], makes it with love, great care and good ingredients. I put the body butter all over my face and I use it as a soothing cream on my babies. It agrees with my third kid's very sensitive skin, which is an added bonus!' 13 Courtesy of Target 'I listen to this when I cook or get a peaceful moment to sew.' 13 Courtesy of Amazon 'Keds are totally my summer shoes, specifically the navy blue. I use them for everything: hiking, water sports, walking and adventuring.' FAVORITE HAIR: Acure Dry Shampoo 13 Courtesy of Amazon 'I use this dry shampoo because it's paraben-free and vegan, so it's much cleaner than others.' 13 Courtesy of Smallable 'Smallable has the best cotton sheets and blankets in cute French floral prints.'
