FOUNDER SPOTLIGHT: MEET MARY FUTHER OF KAIA NATURALS

This week we're talking to the queen of detox herself, Mary Futher of Kaia Naturals. With over 140 five-star reviews, Kaia boasts one of our fan-favorite deodorants: The Takesumi Detox Deodorant. Grab your favorite cup of tea and join us as we chat with Mary about how she created Kaia, the difference between antiperspirant and deodorant, and why natural deodorant is so important. 

Petit Vour: Hello and welcome! We're such big fans of all things Kaia, and are so excited to talk about natural detoxification. Tell us how you came to create Kaia Naturals.

Mary Futher: As a busy executive and product developer in the beauty industry, I would always reach for a wet wipe at the end of a long work day to remove my makeup and cleanse my face. However, I noticed that I was dealing with routine eye and skin irritations. I decided to take a closer look at the products I was using and soon realized that they contained several harsh ingredients. This is when a light bulb went off and Kaia Naturals was born. I wanted to create a line of healthy beauty products that were cleaner, greener and free of any harsh chemicals. All of Kaia Naturals products are natural, cruelty-free and free of parabens, synthetic fragrances, sulfates and alcohol.

PV: What is the difference between antiperspirant and natural deodorant?

MF: Antiperspirants, which contain toxic ingredients, use aluminum to block your pores and prevent your body from sweating. This also traps toxins within the body.

With natural deodorant, your underarms are free to breathe. They are formulated without aluminum and help to neutralize odor-causing bacteria. Allowing your body to sweat is very important, as it is your body’s natural way to detox and expel toxins.

PV: What happens to your body when you first make the switch to natural deodorant?

MF: When you first make the switch to natural deodorant, your body may go through a detox process, as it needs time to adjust. We like to call it the “30 day challenge”, as your body typically takes four weeks to fully transition.

During the first week, you may find that the deodorant is working great and you are getting no breakthrough odor. All of a sudden during your second week, you start experiencing some breakthrough odor. Many people think the deodorant has stopped working but this is actually normal and a sign that your body is going through a detox. Your sweat glands are trying to purge built-up toxins and bacteria. Simply cleanse your underarms with the deodorant booster bar prior to applying your deodorant, and this will eliminate any odor-causing bacteria on your skin, and help your natural deodorant work better.

During week three, the odor will fade and you may experience more sweating. This is another normal process and a sign that your underarms are still going through the detox. By week four, you will start to feel normal again, which is a sign that you have gone through the detox and your body has transitioned to the natural deodorant.

According to your body chemistry, experiences during the stages of detox may vary.

PV: What are the benefits of using activated charcoal in natural deodorant?

MF: Activated charcoal is an ideal ingredient for natural deodorant because of its amazing deodorizing and detoxifying abilities. It works like a magnet to draw out toxins and chemicals from your body so you can detox daily. It’s also powerful in odor protection and works to fight odor-causing bacteria found under your arms so you always smell fresh.

PV: Is charcoal detox deodorant something that can be continuously used or would you ever need a break from it? When does detoxing end and prevention begin, or is there another way we should be training our brains to think about this type of deodorant?

MF: The Takesumi Detox Charcoal Deodorant is a daily deodorant, not just for detox. It helps to eliminate odor but the activated charcoal will also help detox your pores from toxins and bacteria on a daily basis as well. This is an all-in-one deodorizer + detox for your body, designed for everyday use.

PV: What does the word “Kaia” mean?

MF: “Kaia” is a derivation of Gaia, which is Greek for "earth". Since we use only natural and plant-based ingredients in our products, I thought it was the perfect name to use.

PV: Why do you think Kaia Naturals products are meant for busy women that have a (seemingly) endless to-do-list?

MF: Whether you’re jet-setting to your next destination or heading to a spin class, Kaia Naturals products are great companions for your busy life. Our products are designed for easy use and are convenient for those who are always on-the-go.

PV: What is one thing you’d like the Petit Vour audience to know about Kaia Naturals that may not be immediately apparent upon visiting your website or social channels?

MF: That we are huge animal lovers! At Kaia Naturals, we are advocates for animal rescue and have two of our own rescue cats in the office, MaoMao and Emi! Our love for animals is also why our products are always 100% cruelty free.

For more on how to use Kaia Naturals throughout the day, check out our Petit Vour Rituals series here.