Knowing well the secrets of wine, Evangelia utilizes her knowledge by turning to personal care products! Let’s meet her …
Tell us a few words about yourself. How did you get started? How did you get the idea to deal with the subject?
I am an oenologist, with a master’s degree in marketing and industrial chemistry and a PhD candidate in the Department of Chemistry of the National Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA). I have worked as an oenologist, first in the field of production and then in the field of research and education.
Oinosporos was created from the idea of utilizing grapeseed oil came to me from my research at EKPA. Studying the many beneficial properties of grapeseed oil I wanted to use them by incorporating it into care products and I started with soaps with grapeseed oil as the main ingredient and then the rest of the treatment series was completed.
Tell us a few words about the brand. What does it stand for? For what purpose did you create it?
“Oinosporos” emerged from the driving force of the project which is the wine, the seed of the grape and its oil. The basic philosophy is the utilization of wine by-products that are not used for the production of wine, such as the seeds and their reuse, giving them new “life”.
The purpose of its creation is the holistic treatment and care of the skin with natural beauty products with the power of grapeseed oil and with a clear and ecological orientation.
How did you get started? What difficulties did you face?
During my journey, I encountered several difficulties, frustrations, and concerns that clearly challenged me to continue in the business arena. But the important thing is to not let yourself give up and get frustrated despite the difficulties you may face. Failures and mishaps are part of our success and part of our experience as through them we learn how we can become better and learn to overcome the obstacles that lie ahead.
Tell us about your products. What makes them different?
The treatment line includes soaps, moisturizers, exfoliating creams, care oils, lip care products and recently released the wine spa line that includes candles and space fragrances, with colors and aromas reminiscent of white and red wine.
What makes Oinosporos products different is the predominant oil, grapeseed oil, and seeds that are also used and generally the “grape-centered” approach that exists. Apart from the fact that they contain exclusively natural ingredients, human-friendly without toxic substances for the skin, they are based on the circular economy and respect the environment. The diversity of our products has been awarded to date with two awards of innovation and entrepreneurship, by the Laboratory of Investment Applications-EFEFA, of the National Kapodistrian University of Athens in June 2018 and the Gold award at the RISE-Retail Innovation for Sustainable Awards, which and organized by the Consumer Goods Research Research Institute in December 2019 and this creates a special joy and impetus for us to continue our course.
Tell us about the raw materials.
Our main raw material is grapeseed oil which has very beneficial properties for the skin. It is very light, easily absorbed by the skin, and doesn’t leave any residue unlike other types of oils. It has astringent properties, fighting free radicals, helping to tighten the skin and with strong antioxidant activity.
Are there any of your products that stand out?
It is difficult for me to single out any of the products, each one is different with always focusing on grapeseed oil. Our soaps have a special emotional value since they were the first products to be released on the market.
Give us some suggestions for your products (ways of use other than the classics, tips or recipes etc.)
As we pay attention to our diet, respectively we should pay attention to what we put on our skin. Let us turn to natural products, without chemical elements, and respect for the environment.
Can Greek producers make a difference in the crisis?
Despite the crisis and the terrible difficulties that exist, I believe that there is a lot of creativity in the field of business, Greek producers are struggling to succeed and create new products and fresh ideas. The crisis pushes us to be persistent, patient, to work harder and collectively and this can certainly make a difference in the crisis.
Why did you choose to participate and support the Wise Greece Movement?
Wise Greece promotes Greek products, contributes to the local economy, and at the same time helps changeable social groups and something like this is especially important today. Together we can promote the benefits of Greek products and become a warm embrace for all those in need.
