SKINCARE DERIVED FROM NATURE
Kanchalika created Malako in 2017 after working in the marketing sector for many years.
KANCHALIKA, FOUNDER OF MALAKO
MALAKO
SKIN TO SOUL
MALAKO
MEET THE MAKER
Equipped with the drive to bring the benefits of natural ingredients to our skin, Kanchalika has created a collection of organic and natural skincare products that have both a positive impact on our skin and in the local community of where it is derived.
ETHICALLY SOURCED
Malako pride themselves on building strong, long lasting relationships with their suppliers, working hard to maintain the highest ethical standards across every aspect of their business.
Being originally from Thailand, Kanchalika is passionate about giving back to the Thai local community.
Malako's ingredients are lovingly harvested by local farmers in Thailand and the UK. By cutting out the middle man and purchasing directly from the farmers, this allows us to know the full history of the product, from seed to bottle
WHEN DID YOU REALISE THAT YOU WANTED TO PURSUE A CAR
EER IN SKINCARE?
It all started when I moved to the UK almost 20 years ago. I started feeling a bit stressed at work and in life and my skin suffered the consequences. I developed an ezcema and my skin became very sensitive and inflamed, and I was also diagnosed with keratosis pilaris, a condition where the skin becomes rough and bumpy.
To treat them both, I had to rely on steroid creams, which was not ideal. So I decided to research natural alternatives to manage my skin conditions.
This journey not only made me understand and appreciate the huge benefits that natural ingredients have for the skin, but it also made me fall in love with the story of the people behind these ingredients – the growers and farmers. Their stories inspired me to create MALAKO skincare the way it is now, with natural products that aren’t just skin deep but also have a positive impact on the community and our planet.
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD BE DOING TODAY IF YOU HAD NOT STARTED MALAKO?
I would be probably working in a plantation or on a farm somewhere. Nature has always fascinated me and it would be a dream to grow natural resources and plants for a living.
ORGANIC SKINCARE
MALAKO
FULLY CHARGED BODY LOTION
MALAKO
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE CHALLENGES FACED BY SKINCARE BRANDS NOWADAYS?
I wouldn’t consider being in the skincare market challenging in general. I would say that the challenge is to be a self-funded entrepreneur in these times. 2020 has been extremely challenging for everyone and it keeps pushing us to react and to think outside the box without losing your identity.
WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY IN THE STUDIO LOOK LIKE?
My routine starts with a long shower, a tea and a BIG breakfast with my husband.
Then I like to do a bit of gardening. Getting connected to nature before starting my workday gets me in the right frame of mind for the day. As I work from home, I can finish my gardening and plant watering and still be at my desk by 9!
Then, I make my to do list and go through each task.
As I work by myself, it is extremely important for me not to forget to use any extra time to connect with my family & friends.
COULD YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS WHEN IT COMES TO MAKING A NEW PRODUCT?
My creative process might sound a bit more chaotic than other peoples. I do not follow the same method every time. I watch, look, touch, smell, listen and always read as much as I can.
I always check new trends and read about scientific data about the properties of certain ingredients.
A SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE IS IMPORTANT TO US AND TO OUR CUSTOMERS. COULD YOU TELL US HOW YOU PRACTISE SUSTAINABILITY AS AN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS?
Our values from day one has been to have a meaningful, purposeful and sustainable product, to not only make a positive impact to your well-being but also to our community and to the planet.
For us, sustainability is not only about the environment. It also means the ability for us, and our community, to live dignified, equal and fulfilling lives in harmony with nature in the most sustainable way.
Our approach in helping our community is to ensure that our materials and services are bought, produced and delivered in an ethical way. This includes purchasing from community projects or directly from producers. We ensure we give back to the local community and give local producers a fair deal, which allows them to then invest back into their business and livelihood.
We’re also working on improving our carbon footprint and the impact on the environment in as many ways as we can. Almost all of MALAKO product comes in glass packaging, making it infinitely recyclable. PET bottles, one of the most commonly and widely recycled materials in the world, are only used in the packaging of two of our products. We also create refill options to help our customer reduce single-use packaging too.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS FOR THE NEAR FUTURE TO INCREASE YOUR SUSTAINABILITY EVEN FURTHER?
Although we’re a small business, we are always on the look-out for newer and better packaging solutions with the least amount of environmental impact.
IF YOU COULD CHOSE ONE OF YOUR PRODUCTS TO KEEP WITH YOU FOREVER, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE?
It will be the Fully Charged All-Over Wash, our 3-in-1 face, hair & body wash. It’s the only wash I use since MALAKO was launched.
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