During her trip to Sri Lanka, Beauty Boss, Jacinta Kanakaratnam learned the roots of Ayurveda and how it was changing modern medicine and even solution-based skincare. In North America, she saw a vacancy in the market for a product that spoke to men’s care with authenticity and that was non-toxic. The Veddas was created as a solution to offer natural, affordable skin and hair nourishment to serve the appearance and utility of diverse comrades. Read on more to find out about Jacinta and her brand:
Can you tell me a bit about yourself and why you started The Veddas?
I was born and raised in Toronto. I have often traveled back to Sri Lanka and immersed myself in the teachings of Ayurveda. My great grandfather was a leading Ayurvedic Physician and spearheaded the foundation and establishment of the College and Hospital of Indigenous Medicine in Sri Lanka. Learning ancestral triumphs by way of Ayurveda was life-changing and changed the way I look at modern medicine and even solution-based skincare.
In North America, I saw a vacancy in the market for a product and brand that spoke to men’s care with authenticity and that was non-toxic, cruelty-free, affordable, used ethical marketing, and spoke to men of color.
We started The Veddas for those reasons and to decolonize wellness by raising awareness about the cultures and countries in which most wellness practices originated from.
What are your products formulated with?
A blend of coconut, grapeseed, argan oil & Rosmarinus officinalis extract. This specifically means –
Powerful antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that work together to combat skin issues. Our blend is non-comedogenic. It contains anti-inflammatory properties which help to tame chaffing itch and chapping, reduce redness caused by drying, ease the effects of eczema and rosacea, and keep skin calm and comfortable. The Vitamin E and B-complex vitamins help skin repair and damage control. The blend promotes cell production. It will keep one’s beard hair (or scalp and hair – I use this twice a week on my scalp!) shiny, healthy and nourished.
Picture Courtesy: The Veddas
What are your tips for men’s grooming? Why should men focus on self care just as much?
For Men’s grooming, similar to women’s grooming I believe it should always be about simplicity, hygiene, and products that have quality ingredients. A good face wash to balance your P.H, a light moisturizer, and sunscreen is a must.
Men should not be left out of the self-care movement. We want to inspire men to start thinking about how to take care of themselves, physically and mentally. It could start with something as simple as daily moisturizing and a weekly scrub in terms of grooming. This routine can lead to further advantageous routines like meditating, exercising, and self-reflection. Looking good and feeling good go hand in hand with building confidence.
What are the challenges you have faced as a #beautyboss?
I would not consider myself a beauty boss as yet, but there have been so many challenges in this space but there have been so many amazing triumphs. The challenges typically consist of similar products coming out with similar branding, and similar promotional content. We always try to set ourselves apart while staying authentic to our roots in Ayurveda. It is a pity so many use the word Ayurveda as a trend and buzzword without properly researching it. There is a fair bit of appropriation of our ancestral ingredients. We want to see a space inclusive of giving back to the communities that cultivate these ingredients. We want to ensure our products are accessible and affordable which is another challenge because that requires complex costing models and supply chain practices.
