Clean Beauty: Yany Ferrer Of Balvive Beauty and Wellness On 5 Things You Need To Create a Successful Clean Beauty Brand
An Interview With Wanda Malhotra
EXPERTISE: Stay knowledgeable and know your ingredients, focusing on high-quality natural and non-toxic options. Continuously educate yourself through courses, newsletters, and research to stay up to date with ingredient trends.
The clean beauty movement is transforming the beauty industry by emphasizing the importance of safe, non-toxic ingredients. Consumers are increasingly concerned about what they put on their skin, leading to a demand for transparency and high standards in beauty products. As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Yany Ferrer.
Yanelys (Yany) Ferrer comes from the heart of Florida, with roots that reach back to Cuba. A Transformational Leader armed with a Doctorate in Education, Yanelys embarked on a journey that would last over two decades, eventually becoming a school principal. Armed with extensive knowledge, Yanelys’ transformative journey of self-care, mindful skincare practices, armed with an unyielding drive, brought BALVIVE Skincare and Wellness to life in October of 2022.
Thank you so much for joining us! Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’?
I come from South Florida, with roots that reach back to Cuba. Driven by dreams of a better future my family sacrificed everything, fleeing our home country for a chance at the American dream. Growing up, I witnessed my parents’ perseverance and resilience, etching deep lessons into my heart. “I watched my parents work tirelessly, juggling multiple jobs to provide for me and my sister. My father’s entrepreneurial spirit, in particular, left an indelible mark on me. Despite facing numerous challenges, he managed to open his own engineering practice. This blueprint of hard work and risk-taking became the driving force behind my ambitions. My parents’ dedication set me on a path of continuous self-improvement and limitless dreams. They taught me that success comes from hard work, not excuses, and that each setback is a lesson, not a defeat. Their resolve inspired me to continuously pursue my own dreams while also teaching me the value of empathy and supportiveness.” I am married and have two remarkable boys who are my daily inspiration for staying fit and healthy both physically and mentally.
I embarked on a journey in education that would last over two decades, eventually becoming a school principal. Education remained vital throughout my life, and propelled me to obtain a master’s degree, a Specialist degree, and ultimately a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. “Guiding countless students and educators, I honed a transformational leadership style, leading by example, fostering innovation, and leveraging diverse perspectives. I believed in the power of different perspectives, supporting my colleagues and students to bring their unique ideas to the table. These principles seamlessly transitioned into my role at BALVIVE. Here, I empower my team to think creatively, embrace innovation, and remain committed to excellence. Transformational leadership is about inspiring and being inspired, a cycle I encourage daily.”
Despite a fulfilling career, I felt a new calling, a desire to create something that combined my passions for wellness, health, and skincare. Originally ignited in my late twenties, I realized the toll that my busy lifestyle and its effects on both my physical and emotional wellbeing. I noticed that my skin looked dull, dry, patchy, and often broke out; all signs that my body was not properly nourished or cared for. “I embarked on a transformative journey of self-care, integrating yoga, exercise, and mindful skincare practices into my routine. These new habits brought about not only glowing skin but also a newfound balance in my life.” This passion led me to become a Licensed Esthetician, a Certified Nutrition Coach, and a Certified Skincare Formulator. After having the opportunity to collaborate with cosmetic formulators and chemists, I decided to create my own brand and launched Balvive in 2022. Armed with extensive knowledge and an unyielding drive, Balvive symbolizes a balanced life and was born out of a personal quest for holistic health.
Balvive is a South Florida-based company dedicated to creating cruelty-free and FDA approved products that are made in the USA. Dedicated to improving skin health and overall wellness, each product is formulated with natural botanicals and clinically active ingredients. Balvive is not merely a skincare line, but a narrative of continuous improvement and a testament to the interrelatedness of inner and outer health. “Balvive stands for balanced life, an ideology that is evident in every product and practice. Our commitment to sustainability, cruelty-free practices, and the use of organic ingredients demonstrates our dedication to holistic wellness. From collagen and probiotics to greens, we address wellness from within, as a healthy microbiome is crucial for radiant skin. Our products are minimalist yet potent, ensuring effectiveness and sustainability. We educate our consumers about their skin, offering tailored solutions that adapt to changing skin conditions. We leverage the power of both medical-grade and natural ingredients, ensuring visible and sustainable results. Our products protect, correct, and maintain healthy skin, emphasizing the intricate balance between inner health and outer beauty.” As Balvive approaches their second anniversary, I am filled with immense gratitude and pride. Reflecting on my journey from an educator to the founder of a thriving skincare brand, I recognize the culmination of unwavering dedication, lifelong learning, and the influence of my family’s legacy. I remain steadfast and, on a mission, to bridge the gap between inner and outer wellness, delivering balanced beauty that withstands the test of time. “At Balvive, we stand firm in our commitment to improving, maintaining, and uplifting both the mind and the skin through clinically active ingredients. Our promise is to continue formulating products that unleash the full potential of your skin, bolstered by research and sustainability. The foundation of our brand is built on the belief that health truly is wealth, and our journey reflects the relentless pursuit of creating beauty from within.”
Can you share with us the most interesting story from your career? Can you tell us what lessons or ‘takeaways’ you learned from that?
I embarked on a journey in education that would last over two decades, eventually becoming a school principal. Education remained vital throughout my life, and propelled me to obtain a master’s degree, a Specialist degree, and ultimately a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. “Guiding countless students and educators, I honed a transformational leadership style, leading by example, fostering innovation, and leveraging diverse perspectives. I believed in the power of different perspectives, supporting my colleagues and students to bring their unique ideas to the table. These principles seamlessly transitioned into my role at BALVIVE.
Despite a fulfilling career, I felt a new calling, a desire to create something that combined my passions for wellness, health, and skincare. Originally ignited in my late twenties, I realized the toll that my busy lifestyle and its effects on both my physical and emotional wellbeing. I noticed that my skin looked dull, dry, patchy, and often broke out; all signs that my body was not properly nourished or cared for. “I embarked on a transformative journey of self-care, integrating yoga, exercise, and mindful skincare practices into my routine. These new habits brought about not only glowing skin but also a newfound balance in my life.” This passion led me to become a Licensed Esthetician, a Certified Nutrition Coach, and a Certified Skincare Formulator. After having the opportunity to collaborate with cosmetic formulators and chemists, I decided to create my own brand and launched Balvive in 2022. Armed with extensive knowledge and an unyielding drive, Balvive symbolizes a balanced life and was born out of a personal quest for holistic health.
You are a successful individual. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Discipline- I am a very disciplined individual. If I say I am going to do something, I do it and I stick to it. Quitting is not an option. Throughout my career as an educator and entrepreneur, discipline has been the determining factor in my success. Regardless of the situation or task presented to me, I was focused and determined to get the job done in a highly effective and efficient manner.
“Discipline is the biggest gift that you can give yourself. You will receive the biggest satisfaction and return on your investment in yourself from discipline.”
“On the days that life knocks you down, get up and show up the hardest for yourself, because that is when you need it the most.” And this is where discipline comes in once again. Motivation may get you started but discipline will keep you going.
Resourcefulness- Lifelong learning is something that no one can ever take away from you. I lead with the premise of if I do not know something… I need to be resourceful and figure it out. Research more, call a colleague, take a course, etc. but somehow, I will find the answer.
Compassion- Compassion has allowed me not only to lead by example but to always put myself in other peoples’ place in order to make the best decision possible for the situation that I may be dealing with. I have utilized and put this mindset in play many times throughout my leadership career and this is what drives me now as the Founder and CEO of BALVIVE. Compassion for the concerns of my customers and my duty and responsibility to be transparent and to provide a product that does what I claim that it does.
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that might help people?
Yes, definitely, I am always working on something new. The world of skincare is ever changing with new trends and new ingredients, so that keeps me on my toes with a laser focus innovation lens always zooming in on what is new and better. What I am most excited about now is bringing a completely natural and organic line to BALVIVE Skincare and Wellness which currently consists of “clean beauty” consisting of natural botanicals and active ingredients that are non-toxic, cruelty free, and always free from harmful ingredients. I am working on a brand that is 100% organic. There has been a tremendous shift in the way consumers interact with products and today’s consumer is much more informed and savvier and they know exactly what they want and what they do not want. BALVIVE Organics will provide customers focused on using products that contain only organic ingredients a better option in clean beauty that targets skin concerns effectively and safely.
Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s shift to the main focus of our interview. What inspired your brand to focus on clean beauty, and how do you define ‘clean’ in the context of your products?
My inspiration for clean beauty stems from my own beliefs to minimize harmful effects to my body brought on by outside factors that I can control. My belief is that I will never introduce products to my Balvive line that I would not put on my skin. In fact, I utilize each and every product on my line at the current time. I lead by example, and I develop and bring out products that I feel will correct skin concerns that women and men alike experience with their skin health. We are only introducing products that are considered clean because I have encountered many natural ingredients combined with active ingredients that bring about phenomenal changes in the skin without any harmful effects. Although our brand has numerous products that contain both active ingredients backed by science combined with botanicals, they are non-toxic and not harmful for your skin and/or body and that is how I describe “clean” in the context of our products.
How do you ensure the ingredients in your products meet clean beauty standards, and what criteria do you use to select them?
At Balvive, we make sure that all the products formulated for us meet certain standards to classify them as “CLEAN.” Starting with our labs; we look for certifications in Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Leaping Bunny, and Non-GMO to mention a few. The ingredients sourced are also sustainably and ethically sourced and we always avoid ingredients like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances, which can be harmful to the skin and may cause allergies, skin irritation, or even cancer. We ensure that we are using products made with natural and organic ingredients and safe synthetic active ingredients that are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Our labeling is transparent and contains all the ingredients in the product.
What steps do you take to educate consumers about the importance of clean ingredients and how they can make informed choices when purchasing beauty products?
I utilize different practices via the information that I speak about to my customers via publications, social media, my website, blogs, live events, and every interaction that I get to experience and can talk about clean beauty and the many benefits. I develop educational materials that talk about ingredients… what they do, what they contain, and how clean they are. My goal is to educate consumers to make informed decisions about what they are putting on their skin as for me sustainability and longevity is the goal.
What innovative or unconventional ingredients are you most excited about in the clean beauty space, and why?
I am extremely excited about continuing to develop products with formulations containing algae, squalane, meadowfoam seed oil, niacinamide, sea buckthorn oil, fruit peels and extracts, and marine ingredients. These ingredients are demonstrating fantastic results in improving aging skin concerns such as dark spots, lines and wrinkles, inflammation and so much more.
Can you share a story where switching to clean beauty ingredients led to a significant and unexpected benefit for your customers?
One of my loyal Balvive Tribe customers was having a challenging time getting pregnant and truly felt that harmful and toxic ingredients that she was utilizing on her skin and also household products were contributing to her infertility. She took a stand and decided to swap out all products containing harsh and toxic ingredients for clean products. The result led to not only a better home environment for her family and for her body but less than four months later also a baby on the way. This is another testament that “clean beauty” is the way to go.
Based on your research or experience, can you please share your “5 Things You Need To Create a Successful Clean Beauty Brand”?
EXPERTISE: Stay knowledgeable and know your ingredients, focusing on high-quality natural and non-toxic options. Continuously educate yourself through courses, newsletters, and research to stay up to date with ingredient trends.
INNOVATION: Lead the market with unique formulations that address specific skin needs and anticipate consumer preferences.
TRANSPARENCY IN MARKETING: Clearly communicate ingredient sourcing and processes on labels and in marketing materials to build trust with consumers. Effective messaging that clearly communications the benefits of the products.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICAL SOURCING: Prioritize eco-friendly packaging solutions and ethically sourced ingredients to reduce environmental impact and support sustainable practices.
CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT: Maintain an open and constant flow of communication with consumers through educational materials and feedback to ensure product satisfaction and adaptability to market trends. Creating a community that supports and empowers customers on their clean beauty journey.
How do you foresee the clean beauty movement evolving in the next decade, and what role do you see your brand playing in that future?
As a beauty founder and esthetician, I foresee the beauty movement continuing to grow in the next decade and evolve significantly as it is truly a breath of fresh air. Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of the ingredients that is in their skincare and the magnitude of impact that this could potentially have on their health. In the coming years, I see clean beauty becoming the standard in the beauty industry with greater focus on transparency, ethical practices, sustainable practices.
As for Balvive’s role in the future, I see us as a key player in driving the clean beauty movement forward as we continue to educate and support our consumers’ needs, innovate, prioritize high-quality ingredients, and deliver honest and transparent marketing. The clean beauty movement is part of our journey for Balvive and will continue to be our duty and mission as we strive to become a trusted source for safe, effective, and sustainable beauty that stands the test of time.
What is the best way for our readers to continue to follow your work online?
Readers can follow my page on Instagram for information on our products and on me as the founder and on the website Balvive.com where I publish monthly blogs on important topics for consumers.
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com.
