eautiful shiny hair from a tree? I know it sounds silly, but it's possible.
It all began about five years ago when Silvana Simioni's grandmother from Honduras, sent her a Gerber baby food jar filled with a brown paste she told to put on her hair. While she may have been skeptical, Silvana eventually used the product and the results were fantastic.
Her husband also saw the changes in her hair as well. At the time, he was helping to launch some major hair care brands through the advertising agency he worked for and saw it as a great and rare opportunity for the two of them to explore.
The idea of using Ojon came directly from the Tawira, a group of Indians along the coast of Honduras.
Interestingly enough, Tawira translates into "the people of beautiful hair," and it fits. Not only does Ojon produce beautiful hair, they are also able to help those less fortunate by giving back to the Miskitia people to help them preserve the rainforests and their lives.
HILARY Magazine sat down with Silvana to find out just how the idea of using the Ojon tree came into play and how the business is doing now.
HILARY Magazine: How did you discover the Ojon tree and the Miskitia village in Central America?
Silvana: About five years ago my grandmother, who is from Honduras, sent me a Gerber baby food jar filled with this brown paste and she told me to use it on my hair. Of course I was skeptical about putting something that looked the way it did in my hair because I was so used to using mainstream brand name products with pretty packaging and pleasant appearances, so this was quite a surprise.
Being an esthetician, like most women I have a fascination with beauty products, so after I let it sit in my bathroom drawer for about two years, I decided to try it. After using the treatment, I saw immediate results and my husband Denis noticed as well. At the time, Denis was helping to launch some major hair care brands through his advertising agency and saw a unique opportunity for us to explore.
We did some research and found that a group of Indians really exist along the coast of Honduras in the Mosquitia region and they are know as the "Tawira" in their native language. Tawira actually translates to "the people of beautiful hair."
HILARY Magazine: Where did the idea of Ojon come from? How did you come up with this idea for a restorative hair crème?
Silvana: The idea of using Ojon comes directly from the Tawira. The natives have been using it as a cosmetic and dietary staple for more than 500 years, but we are actually the first and only people to bring the product to market outside of the region.
HILARY Magazine: Since the Ojon tree is used originally by the Miskitia Indians, are they consulted on the proper way to make the hair products that have made their hair shiny and smooth for over 500 years?
Silvana: They are consulted on every aspect, from packaging design to photography and product development. We have created a partnership with the Tawira to help them maintain their way of life, so they are with us every step of the way. They are still harvesting and extracting the Ojon oil the same way they have for the past 500 years. We didn't want to change anything.
HILARY Magazine: How is the potency of the oil preserved so it stays fantastic on the shelves?
Silvana: The Ojon palm nut oil remarkably stays in tact for many years, but we did add natural antioxidants that are good for the hair as an added measure to preserve the oil, like vitamins A and E.
HILARY Magazine: Are you planning any future products, like ones that are color specific, hair masks, etc.?
Silvana: We are currently working on further extending our line of diverse styling products. All of the Ojon products are extremely nourishing, because of the Ojon Palm Nut Oil and the additional plant-based active ingredients. Since they are so nourishing and conditioning they repair hair, closing open cuticles on the hair strands and leading to longer-lasting, more vibrant color. Eventually we hope to bring the line to where we can address specific hair types and needs, but keeping it simple to use and understand. But really any hair type can use the Ojon products and see great benefits.
HILARY Magazine: I understand that part of the profits of Ojon hair products, is given back to the Miskitia people to help them preserve the rainforests in their area and their way of life, what made you decide to set that up?
Silvana: We set up a partnership with the Mosquito Indians and formed a great relationship with them, as I mentioned before. When we saw the poverty they were stricken with, it was heart breaking but at the same time they would give you the shirt off their back or the food off their plate. The tribes were so giving and welcoming and we wanted to give back to them, without changing them and the lifestyle they live. The last thing we want to do is modernize them, so we helped them by rebuilding some of their churches and schools, providing them with cattle and organizing them in a way that allows them to function as a working corporation. It has been extremely beneficial for both parties.
HILARY Magazine: Have you always been in the beauty industry or did you start out in another business first?
Silvana: Before working to develop Ojon, I was an esthetician with a salon called Ignition Tanning and Esthetics, in Toronto. I had two children and had to take some time off from work. Just when I was ready to get back to work, my husband and I started researching and developing Ojon.
HILARY Magazine: What makes you an inspirational and successful female?
Silvana: The fact that I have a beautiful family, wonderful children, a great home and have been successful my work and personal partnerships. I am also fortunate enough to travel quite often for work, and with the help of a good family support system in place, I have found a peace and balance that is unsurpassable.
HILARY Magazine: What makes the business so successful?
Silvana: In my opinion, the pride and integrity that goes into everything we do, from our packaging to product ingredients and performance is what makes Ojon so successful. Nothing is compromised and it shows in the end.
HILARY Magazine: Do you have any advice for people who want to follow their dreams and eventually become successful?
Silvana: If you have and believe in an idea, no matter how silly it may sound to others, always follow your heart and see it through to the end.
HILARY Magazine: Do you think you've found the balance between becoming a successful female and helping out others?
Silvana: Yes, because through the success of Ojon we are able to employ and help many unfortunate individuals. Children and adults alike that may not have been so fortunate if it were not for our partnership, can now receive a quality education and sustain a better quality of living as well.
Beautiful shiny hair from a tree? I know it sounds silly, but it's possible.
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