I’m Nana, the cofounder of Lunalis Cosmetics. My sister Laila and I created our own brand of natural, radiance-boosting skin care—one that is both run and powered by the female spirit—after navigating a personal hardship: losing our mother.
When we first learned that our Mom had been diagnosed with malignant brain cancer, it was a total shock to us. We wanted to do everything possible to save her. Through her journey, we learned a lot about cancer and the cancerous products we’re exposed to on a daily basis, as well as a more holistic approach to health.
The loss of our Mom took quite a toll on us, and shortly after we felt the need to go back to our native Morocco to reconnect with our roots. We took a trip during the summertime when conditions are especially dry and harsh, visiting the rural, mountainous areas of our home country. During our trip, we encountered the many women who make their living by working in these mountains, many times for just pennies for importers from abroad. Even in the most treacherous and dry environments, they possessed the most radiant hair and glowing skin. But how?
These women then shared with us their secret to healthy skin and hair that had been passed along for generations: the Opuntia Prickly Pear plant. Considered a “miracle crop” since ancient times, the Prickly Pear’s ability to grow abundantly in warm, dry climates without any irrigation has earned it a reputation for being strong and resilient, a sentiment that greatly resonated with me on a personal level. At that moment, I suddenly felt deeply connected to this plant-strong, adaptable, and impenetrable on the outside, protecting its soft, rich, and precious inside. Thriving in even the most seemingly impossible conditions, this cactus persisted. And for me? Even after experiencing a devastating and heartbreaking loss, I, too, persisted. This plant was a symbol of my own determination, conviction, and fortitude.
I knew I wanted to create my own line of skin care with it, a line that was safe and toxin-free but still delivered potent, powerful results. At the same time, I also wanted to help these women by sourcing this wonder plant from them while paying them a livable wage. From there, the idea for Lunalis was born—a symbol of hope and metamorphosis, with Prickly Pear Seed Oil as the hero ingredient of all of its products.
We went to work, and after rigorously testing and perfecting the products over the course of two years, Lunalis embodies everything Laila and I have ever dreamed of.
Through a special cold-press process, the Prickly Pear’s precious oil is extracted from its seeds to produce a product that’s extremely high in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (60% concentration), vitamins E and K, Omega 6 fatty acids, and numerous minerals. Regular users will vouch that its powerful effects are guaranteed as it noticeably illuminates the skin from the inside out while tightening the pores, reducing dark circles, smoothing fine lines and countering redness and rosacea. It also transforms the skin’s texture, leaving behind a complexion that’s soft, supple, and hydrated.
Collaborating with others of the same ilk, we’re working to transform the lives of the women, families, and villages of Morocco—and soon, all over the world. We hope you’ll try our clean, natural products, so that you, too, can witness a total transformation of your skin.
-“Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.” — Winston Churchill
One major challenge businesses encounter is negotiating competitive commercial offers. Rising inflation has made it difficult for consumers to make purchases.
Merchants need access to cost-effective solutions to navigate current economic conditions.
Market uncertainties also hinder e-commerce growth as new businesses struggle to establish themselves and manage costs associated with payment options.
Different countries require various payment methods, necessitating flexibility in payment systems to accommodate diverse consumer preferences.
The concern over low margins and high acquisition costs arises when businesses expand into new markets. Establishing local companies can help reduce these costs, as companies focusing on Europe face higher fees.
International payments can increase profits by allowing businesses to target global markets beyond the UK.
Exactly.com is a rapidly growing payment solutions provider in the UK, regulated by the FCA. They offer a range of payment options including Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, as well as alternative methods tailored to specific countries.
For more information, visit exactly.com or follow them on all social media platforms.
Dining, travel, and entertainment converge, reshaping experiences and prioritising personal connections in a post-COVID world.
In Short:
Dining and tourism are merging to create unique experiences that foster personal connections, as people seek meaningful interactions and memorable outings. Despite rising costs and challenges for owners, initiatives like Menu Club aim to craft engaging culinary adventures that tell cultural stories, catering to consumers’ desire for intimacy and immersion.
Dining, travel, and entertainment are merging to enhance food and tourism experiences.
Melissa Pepers from Menu Club discussed these trends, highlighting a growing desire for personal connections within dining and travel.
People are choosing intimate, off-the-beaten-path experiences and seeking meaningful interactions with chefs and venue owners.
While the pandemic didn’t create new trends, it accelerated changes, emphasising the importance of memorable outings, especially amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Many consumers are now less inclined to dine out regularly, choosing to stay home unless dining experiences justify the expense.
Owners face challenges such as rising costs and staff shortages, leading to menu homogenisation, making dining feel less unique.
The decrease in dining frequency points to a shift in consumer priorities rather than a lack of interest in dining out.
Menu Club aims to address these changes by creating engaging dining experiences that tell the stories of various cultures through food.
As diners seek deeper connections and more immersive experiences, Menu Club’s unique approach—akin to ‘Disneyfication’—offers intimate experiences that transport individuals to different worlds.
By weaving cultural stories into meals, the initiative encourages diners to connect with chefs and engage in meaningful culinary adventures.
In a landscape where consumers desire exciting and memorable dining options, creative and thematic meals can provide the escape they seek.
AI transforms brand communication, urging businesses to balance efficiency with authenticity to uphold credibility.
As AI transforms communication, businesses face the challenge of ensuring technology enhances rather than undermines their messaging authenticity.
Jasmin Hyde, founder of Hyde and Seek Communications, emphasised that while AI offers cost-effective and efficient content creation, an over-reliance can harm brand credibility.
AI-generated content may lack uniqueness, leading to a perception of sameness across posts, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn. This “press release déjà vu” effect can erode audience trust, making it crucial for brands to maintain their distinct voices.
Businesses should leverage AI to polish, not replace, their messaging. Hyde suggests that brands treat AI tools like a junior team member, providing context and direction to ensure outputs reflect their authentic perspectives.
While some may hesitate to adopt AI tools, Hyde urges companies to stay informed and engaged with these advancements. Understanding AI’s role in the industry is critical to avoid falling behind competitors who are already utilising it effectively.
For those looking to explore AI in communications further, Hyde invites interest through her agency’s website or her LinkedIn profile to continue the conversation on this important topic in modern business communication.
