Lara is the founder and owner of organic skin care heaven green lane in Zurich. She has an incredible knowledge of natural skin care and does hands down the best facials in town! With green lane she has created a unique oasis of natural skin care where you can find all products that makes any clean beauty addict excited. Tata Harper, Organic Pharmacy, Vintner’s Daughter, you name it, Lara has it. Green lane also has an amazing online shop where all products available at the store can conveniently be shipped to your doorstep. In our interview, she shares more about her personal skin care routine, the challenges of running her own business as well as her favorite things.
Tell me about yourself.
There is not much to tell but I would say that I am the kind of person that reads between the lines and I am very passionate about everything I do.
What inspired you to get into clean beauty and start green lane?
The idea of selling natural cosmetic products was born in 2015 while I lived in Italy, where it is quite normal that natural cosmetics are sold in supermarkets. In Switzerland, many products were only available in organic food stores or not at all and had a somewhat dusty image. Besides the natural ingredients, I also value textures, fragrances, packaging and design. I was convinced that I could excite many customers in Switzerland with a store for high-quality and aesthetic natural cosmetics.
What was your journey into entrepreneurship?
Standing up after falling, learning from mistakes and the everyday learning process.
What have been the biggest challenges throughout your journey so far?
Learning to be patient.
Where do you see yourself in five years from now?
Through my business I have learned to live from one day to the next. I would like to keep up with the pulse of time and look forward to the growth of natural cosmetics and green lane.
Where do you find inspiration?
By reading, talking to different people, traveling and everyday life.
What does self-care mean to you?
To live consciously, take time for myself and to treasure myself.
What does your morning routine look like?
The morning skin care routine is just as important as the evening one, as your body regenerates and detoxifies itself during the night. My routine changes seasonally but these are the staples I use every day at the moment: I start with Vintner’s Daughter Active Treatment Essence, then I follow up with Stabilised Vitamin C Serum by The Organic Pharmacy as well as Kypris Antioxidant Dew Serum. For the eye area I use Seed to Skin Light Eye Cream and for the face the Tata Harper Illuminating Moisturizer. And of course sunscreen is never missing, my favorite is Kypris Zinc Sunscreen SPF 30.
What is your evening routine?
My evening skin care ritual marks the end of my day where I take time for myself to unwind. It is so important to cleanse the skin from the sweat and dirt that accumulated during the day.
I start by cleansing the face with Kypris Cleanser Concentrate. Then I use two serums: Vintner’s Daughter Active Treatment Essence and The Organic Pharmacy Hyaluronic Serum. This is the base for Tata Harper Hyaluronic Gel that moisturizes the skin for the night. For the eyes I use Tata Harper Restorative Eye Crème as well as Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum.
What kind of exercise do you do?
I like to exercise my body as well as my mind by meditating, doing Pilates and Yoga.
What is your approach to nutrition?
A balanced diet is very important to live a balanced life. However, there should also be room to treat yourself to something from time to time. As a skincare expert, I can say that the skin reflects the inside so it’s not only important what you put on your body but what you put in it.
What product is your clean beauty non-negotiable?
At the moment for sure the Vintners Daughter Active Treatment Essence as it has beneficial probiotics which are very helpful in reducing blemishes but it also has hydrates with micro and mini hyaluronic acid.
How do you bring mindfulness into your day?
I try to take time for myself every day. With my morning & evening skincare routine for example, a walk in the forest, a meditation or simply by enjoying a cup of coffee.
What are you grateful for
I’m grateful for so many things in my life, but especially for my health, my family, nature and my job.
What brings you joy?
Everything that makes me smile.
What little things do you do in your life in order to make a difference in the world in terms of sustainability?
By founding a sustainable business with green lane and being aware of nature, in my opinion it is the little things that matter.
What was the last book you have read?
The Winners Laws by Bodo Schäfer
Favorite podcast to listen to?
There’re many good podcasts, but at the moment I’m enjoying the ones by Anthony Williams (also known as the Medical Medium).
Favorite app?
What’s App – to stay connected with my loved ones.
Favorite clean beauty product?
Vintners Daughter Active Treatment Essence
Favorite dish to cook?
Pasta
Favorite indulgence?
Coffee
