Meet Viola Radomsky, founder of natural vegan beauty brand, Lani, which means ‘heavenly’ in Hawaii. A passionate advocate of a cruelty-free lifestyle, she shares her story + some of her favourite ways to stay balanced.
Tell us a little about your journey and the story of Lani.
My interest in setting up a vegan, cruelty free beauty brand started after I went vegan in 2013. I found that most of my products that I used daily, were neither vegan, cruelty-free or made with ingredient I could even pronounce. I wanted simple, affordable, cruelty-free products that smell and feel amazing, and really work so I set out to make my own. I have always loved the simplicity and efficacy of natural cold-pressed oils, and spent a year researching, playing, testing and trialing before I was happy with my first product: the Tropical Hair Treatment. It’s the product I launched the brand with in 2014 and has become a global bestseller.
- How do you find your daily source of golden balance?
I have a young daughter so balancing motherhood with running a business is super important. On the days when my daughter goes to her childminder, I work nonstop on Lani but on the days when she’s with me she gets my full attention. I’m usually able to sneak in a little time for myself too on the days she’s at childcare. I do a workout, have a long shower, make a fancy lunch and so on. I also always carry a notebook with me; all my to do’s get written down which helps me to stay on top of things.
- How important is self-care to you, and do you often implement it into your regular rituals?
It’s incredibly important to me. I try to sneak in some little rituals as and when I get the chance. Heading into nature is always a fave, drinking and eating wholesome food, and the odd pamper session with some of my favourite Lani products.
- What element of your work is most lighting you up at the moment?
There are two…
Being able to highlight that natural, vegan and cruelty-free beauty products really can deliver what they promiseand that they don’t have to cost the earth.
I am incredibly passionate about using my voice to campaign for animal rights and highlight the reality of animal exploitation, the impact it’s having on our planet and why every little change we make in the right directionreally can have a positive impact. I truly love using the business as a platform to inform and inspire people.
- Share with us a quote that gives you daily inspiration.
‘The mind is everything. What you think you become.’ Buddha
- How do you practice nourishment every day?
I listen to my body, eat healthily most of the time and make sure to get some movement in daily, even if it’s just a long walk with my daughter. I try to drink lots of water too, but to be honest, I usually fail miserably at that so that’s one thing I really want to get better at.
- What are some of your favourite ways to wind down?
Spending time in nature. Listening to podcasts. Watching my daughter immersed in her world of play. Spending time with friends and family. Reading a good book. Drinking tea in the evenings. And eating chocolate.
- Ingredients-wise, what are your three non-negotiables in the kitchen?
Bananas, broccoli and plant milks
- Now tell us, do you have a guilty pleasure?
Sweet things. Brownies, chocolate, cake, you name it, I love it all.
- What one quote do you try to live your life by?
‘The secret to having it all, is knowing that you already do.’