With her brand NUI Cosmetics, Swantje van Uehm stands for vegan natural cosmetics like no other - and has now made it to France. In the interview, the founder tells us how she manages to balance her workload and what particularly shocks her about conventional beauty brands.

My everyday life has returned to normal. This means we are all working in the office again and can go to the laboratory to work on new vegan and natural product formulations. ☺️ This really brings a lot of joy to everyone and so, in addition to make-up and skincare, we have now also launched haircare. That's exactly what we're all about. To develop products for our customers that are better for them and the environment.

Especially now for the broadcast of the return visit and the pre-Christmas shopping, I spend far more than the classic 35/40 hour week in the office, but as a founder I decided to do that out of passion. We are now a big team. I have been able to expand the team with many smart people who support me in various areas and with whom I can exchange and implement all crazy ideas.  

Absolutely. Because we are only successful as a team.

Every time I am simply grateful and at the same time proud of what my team and I have been able to achieve together. In 2017 we set out to make vegan natural cosmetic make-up “socially acceptable” for you without compromise. Without compromises when it comes to colors, scents, textures and quality. And here we go 5 years later: As a natural and vegan brand, we stand alongside the biggest make-up brands on the market in various stores and now also in Paris. This shows me again how much a shared vision and passion (with and from the team) pays off and that with passion, courage and persistence you can change an entire industry. #teamworkmakesthedreamwork

Before I founded NUI, I worked for large beauty companies. I was shocked when I understood some of the harmful ingredients contained in the products. That was the reason why I only wanted to use natural cosmetics and in fact that was the biggest challenge for me: finding the right shampoo that nourishes, makes the hair look healthy and shiny and is completely natural and vegan. For this reason, it was my heart's desire to develop natural NUI Haircare that works and cares. Without any compromises. When I switched my entire care routine to natural cosmetics, the shampoo was the most complicated thing for me. That's why it was so important to me to develop a hair line that makes it easy for “newbies” to switch to natural cosmetics.

Definitely our Glow Wonder Face Oil, we developed Skincare because your make-up can only shine with the right care. Our Aloe Vera Liquid Foundation because it is based on aloe vera juice and offers the skin a lot of moisture without drying it out. And it's durable! And our cream blush for lips, eyes and cheeks for a 3-second make-up look.

I have a whole book full of product ideas and wishes. 🤫 This much can be revealed: It will be very exciting and we will expand and expand our product categories.