Jessica Baretty
Case Western Reserve University - Weatherhead School of Management
David Cooperrider
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The skin is the largest organ of the human body. Everything that we put on it has a possibility of reaching our bloodstream and other organs. Women put about 168 chemicals on their body every day. Most cosmetics on the market are not regulated by FDA, so we don’t know what’s safe and what’s not.
If the chemicals are bad for our body, they are also bad for the environment. Recent studies show that “the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, found in sunscreens can decrease coral reefs’ defense against bleaching . These chemicals turn UV rays into harmless heat on the human body, but it seems it causes the reverse action in corals.” One study showed that even a dose as small as a drop can start causing damage to corals. The state of Hawaii has already passed a law to ban the sale and distribution of products with these two chemicals. However, not wearing sunscreen is not a healthy option. Sunscreen reduces the probability of developing skin cancer, premature aging, maintains even skin tone among other benefits.
Mother Flower’s solution is to develop eco-friendly, 100% natural sunscreen, insect repellent and beauty products at an accessible price.
Nadya Diaz, founder of Mother Flower recalls the inception of the idea: “ I used to work at a garden store so I was naturally inclined to the idea of plants as sources of healing. I studied permaculture and was lucky to have had guidance by experts such as Maria Benedetti, author of several plant healing books. “A few years later, my son, age 2 was diagnosed with a condition that made him extremely sensitive to UV rays. I looked around for options but found they were very expensive or not truly natural. I integrated everything I had learned and developed my own formula. I casually shared it with some friends and family, who loved it and requested I made them some.”
Nadya, who has always been conscious of the benefits of natural healing and minimizing environmental footprint, has made it a mission of getting this product to as many families as possible. It’s a gift from mother nature , so we must give back to it. Nadya recently won a contest where 12 organizations were chosen to receive entrepreneurial support and kickoff financing. Her vision is to develop, along with Mother Flower, an online shop where other women can display and sell their products. “ We have to help and work with Mother nature and each other”.
• Provides Health Benefits of natural ingredients on skin, eliminating hazards of chemicals
• Prevents skin conditions due to UV ray exposure
• Prevents environmental contaminants in oceans
• Eco friendly packaging provides for recycling
• Provide economic growth for small women led enterprises
The Sunblock is the Business' key product.
Provides health benefits of natural ingredients on skin, eliminating hazards of chemicals:
• Prevents skin conditions due to UV ray exposure
• Prevents environmental contaminants in oceans
• Eco friendly packaging provides for recycling
• Provide economic growth for small women led enterprises
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Nadya Diaz, Owner
Mother Flower develops natural sunblock and other beauty products in an eco-friendly manner.