At Ma Cherie we always love to talk to the people behind our brands to discover the unique story, values and passion that fueled their inspiration. 

We had the chance to chat with Francisco Costa, founder of Costa Brazil, our new #skincare and #bodywellness arrival. 

Through this truly inspiring interview, Francisco shared with us his philoshophy and values that led to the creation of one of the most successful and impactful brands worldwide in the beauty and wellness industry - enjoy!

- By sourcing materials that speak to your heart, Costa Brazil comes into the industry with a fresh approach. Share with us the story behind this approach and passion.

It may be a fresh approach for some, but for us it’s simple really. We believe that the spirit of nature is in direct connection with the health of the planet. That passion comes across in everything we do at the brand, from harvesting with the help of conservationists and indigenous farmers, to our packaging, which we make as sustainably as possible. 

- Trips to the Amazon….sounds appealing and very exciting. But what is really the truth that one can discover in such a trip? Is Costa Brazil a way to transport ourselves to the exotic Amazon? How can it benefit the skin?

I can’t talk to other people’s experiences in the Amazon, but my trip gave me clarity, perspective, and an overwhelming sense of calm. It also gave me a very unique ingredient called Breu, which is a raw resin from the Almacega tree that has been burned in ceremonial rituals for centuries. It’s incredibly soothing for the skin, and relaxing to the mind, with an aroma that smells like the bed of the jungle. It even repels mosquitoes. It’s part of our exclusive Jungle Complex, which is another example of the possibilities you can create using only the best things that come from the earth. So, yes, you could say that through our products we are trying to transport our customers into the Amazon!

- You have previously stated that your mother had a strong work ethic and core values. In Greece, the spirit of family is extremely highlighted. Do these values guide you in everything that you do and if so, how did it benefit Costa Brazil so far?

My mother is the foundation of my journey. Her work ethic, being a seamstress in Minas Gerais, was really all about building community and supporting women to become professionals. And it didn’t stop there. By creating and teaching a woman how to sew and embroider, she created an environment of respect, which breeds independence. That then escalated into another issue she thought was very important: to support the families and the children, she created a safe home for the children to go to while the mother was working. She was always connecting dots, even from a very early stage in her career. And I never thought that was anything but natural. I never thought there was any other way to approach a venture but holistically, and circularly. I remember she would donate whatever fabric was leftover to rural communities. I did a version of that at Calvin, with our upcycled yarn collections. So this spirit of community and respect and sustainability, I inherited that. And I’m forever grateful for it.

- Given your 13 years of experience as the Global Creative Director for Calvin Klein’s womenswear, if you could pick a moment from those years, that became a huge lesson when it comes to running your brand, Costa Brazil, what would it be? Please describe it to us.

The legacy of Calvin Klein was always perfect in my vision. I always admired Calvin so much and thought that what he did was so perfect. I mean, he was one of the first designers to have the vision of community. He anticipated the whole influencer movement. And there was always an emotional aspect to his products and vision. He really brought emotion back, right? So, I think my legacy at Calvin was really to complement and tap into what he had already done so well. Given my life in design and love for textiles, I chose to focus on garment making because, of course, it was no longer the '90s, and I felt that the clothes could have a lot more. For Costa, I go back to that sense of community I built upon at Calvin. And today, I’m happy to say that the community of people I dressed at Calvin -- Naomi Watts, Liv Tyler, Anne Hathaway, Zoe Kravitz -- are still close to me. Because it’s not just about a singular product. It’s about the people around it and where it fits into your life. I learned that at Calvin.

- It seems like sustainability is a very hot topic lately or at least it is now talked about more than ever. What is Costa Brazil’s approach on that?

Sustainability has been a priority since day one. And yet, I will be the first to admit that we still have work to do. That’s why we work with global organizations such as Conservation International, Brazil Foundation and UNESCO to better educate with us on what can be done. I know this is a cliche, but it’s true: actions are more important than words. That’s why we’re constantly asking our customers to become a part of the community.

- Scents and aromas of the Amazon are at the heart of Costa Brazil. If you could think of a scenery that describes the Kaya Jungle Firming Body oil…Please describe it to us…Take us there.

I always have this same vision for the fragrance of Costa Brazil: a large cat running through the forest looking for water. The noise of this animal leaping over the foliage and drinking the water… it’s very vivid in my mind. It’s all about the elements: earth, water, the sound of dripping water, and the fire being lit in rituals in the forest in the afternoon or late evening. It’s a very emotional and physical experience, being one with the forest and the community.

- We came across you saying you are a ‘reductionist’ – What led you to such a decision and how does it feel having less and ending up with the necessary? What is the take-away in such a journey?

I’ve learned, over the years, that accumulation is  not something that I want in my life. I don't want stuff.  I want to be as free as possible. I want to feel as mobile as possible. I want space to think and see things in a different light. And while I have appreciation for all that’s in the world, me, you, great food, fine things, I think the true spirit of today is about sharing.

- If you could put a Greek island or a Greek mythology figure behind the Kaya Anti-aging face oil, which one would it be?

Aphrodite, the goddess of love and desire. Kaya, which is wildly harvested exclusively for us and makes up one third of our Jungle Complex, is alluring and sensual and because it’s filled with only great ingredients, you can indulge freely in it. Aphrodite would have understood Kaya.

Browse Costa Brazil selection here

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