Source: taosnews.com
Kristel McKanna, from left, and Montserrat Oyanedel, co-owners
of Nabis Naturals, with their first skin product at Ennui Gallery.
Kristel McKanna and Montserrat Oyanedel — co-owners of the skincare company Nabis Naturals — came from the longest and narrowest country in the world: Chile.
“We studied in Valparaiso around the same time, but met here in Taos in 2010,” said Oyanedel. “And we immediately became friends … there aren’t too many Chileans around!”
McKanna’s background is in art; she studied photography, design and multimedia. She works at Taos Ski Valley and KTAOS.
Oyanedel has a degree in chemical engineering. She works at the UNM-Taos Adult Learning Center as the Spanish GED instructor. She is also the creator of the brand name Cha-Cha and makes jewelry, accessories and ceramic pieces sold at Ennui Gallery, which she co-owns.
“I like to keep active,” she said.
Reaping the benefits of a popular crop
Oyanedel and McKanna went into business together in January.
“I had been looking for a job in my field and couldn’t find any,” said Oyanedel. “That was very frustrating, but I didn’t want to move to a bigger city. I knew I had to start my own company if I wanted to stay in Taos.”
Oyanedel had been interested in moisturizers, creams and serums since she was a teenager. She researched products and ingredients and later shared the results with McKanna. After a long conversation, they decided to launch a skincare line.
“We chose a good, affordable moisturizing serum as our first product,” Oyanedel said. “Skin care is a very competitive market, but we knew we had a winner — we would use hemp seed oil as the main ingredient, not just because of the recent (and not-so-recent) popularity of hemp, but also due to the many beneficial effects that its seed oil has on the skin: it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and fights dryness as well.”
“That’s how Nabis Naturals was born,” said McKanna. “The name Nabis came from the scientific name of the plant cannabis. Of course, the serum is totally natural so it was a perfect fit.”
Oyanedel and McKanna also developed a day cream and a night cream.
“They all have the same active ingredient, hemp seed oil,” said Oyanedel. “We will continue adding new products. Our goal is to offer a complete skincare line.”
“The creams, just like the serum, are absorbed fast and can be used under make-up,” McKanna said. “They are good for all skin types.”
The two creams will be available by the end of December.
“Right on time to get them as a Christmas or a Dia de los Reyes present,” Oyanedel said.
The Taos influence
The two businesswomen say living in Taos nurtured their entrepreneurial spirits and influenced their decision to follow the organic path.
“Here people are very conscious about using natural products,” said Oyanedel. “They are very resourceful too!”
They also considered the effect of the region’s dry climate and the high UV radiation on the skin.
“We focused on developing a formula with active ingredients that offer as much protection as possible and that are also rich in antioxidants,” said McKanna. “Besides hemp seed oil, we use hyaluronic acid, Argan oil, vitamins E and B3, and rose hydrosol, among other natural components.”
“We chose rose hydrosol because it has a fresh fragrance,” said Oyanedel. “Many people have commented about the serum’s nice smell. It isn’t overpowering but you can definitely feel it. “
The most difficult task for any business that starts is getting the word out. Oyanedel and McKanna have been relying on word of mouth, but also do frequent promotions and raffles through the company’s Facebook page and website.
“We will have holiday discounts and New Year sales so people can offer their loved ones the gift of beauty,” Oyanedel said. “Keep tuned and visit our page often. We will have more details soon.”
Happy clients
Hillary McPartlon started using the serum last spring and says that her skin felt softer and less dry immediately.
“Even the color is much nicer,” she said. “I love Nabis Naturals and won’t ever stop using it.”
“I have been getting compliments about my skin since I first used the serum,” said Aida de Arteaga, a Puerto Rico native and now Taos resident. “It is easy to pack and I travel a lot, so that’s a plus. I have given it to many friends and they all were impressed. I use it twice a day and can honestly say that it has done wonders for me.”
Lisa Thompson began using the serum four months ago.
“It’s an incredible product,” she said. “After just two weeks, I noticed a difference—my skin was tighter and clearer. It has a lovely smell and feels just right. I highly recommend it.”
Where to find Nabis Naturals
The serum is available at Ennui Gallery (134 Bent St.), Taos Market (910 Paseo del Pueblo Norte), KTAOS (9 State Road 150), and Bumps (Village of Taos Ski Valley).
“We are looking for more stores interested in carrying our new inventory,” McKanna said.
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