Introduce yourself and what it is you do.
My name is Lilia and I am the owner of Luberated.
Tell us a little about your business?
Luberated is an aloe vera based intimate gel. It is made in New Zealand from natural ingredients.
What inspired you to start Luberated?
It all started over 2.5 years ago when I was looking for a perfect lubricant for myself, and I went down a rabbit hole learning about different ingredients that most common lubricants contain. It was a bit shocking to find out some of the side effects that you can get by simply using a lube.
My research caused me to look at the product and options that are available overseas and I came to a conclusion that I would like to work together with a New Zealand based lab to create my own product. I knew what kind of product I was looking for, but market research was crucial. After surveying over 400 kiwis and learning about their use of lubricants, it led me to learn about dryness that women can experience during menopause or after child birth and look into designing a product that could address these issues.
At the same time I couldn't understand why so many of the lubrants in the market were packaged in bright coloured plastic bottles, I wanted my product to look sophisticated so that it can proudly stand in any bathroom or on a night stand.
It wasn't an easy road, but after 18 month I was able to launch Luberated to market.
It is everything I wanted the product to be, It is light and non-greasy, made with natural ingredients and packaged in elegant glass bottles.
How do you keep inspired and motivated?
Talking to women who find that my product made a difference in their life. Whether it is someone who is using it daily to relieve discomfort or someone applying it during or after intimate play to enhance their experience or soothe their skin, all these stories are what drives me.
Do you have any tips to keep a work/life balance and your mental wellbeing in check?
I find having a schedule and finding time to exercise are the two main things for me.
What's the best piece of advice you've been given?
"If you don't plan, you plan to fail". Life is very busy and planning helps me to ensure that I make small progress every day in different areas of my life.
Do you have a beauty tip you can share with our customers?
When using face moisturiser and skin care products in the morning, always follow with at least SPF 15+.
What are your must-have products in your daily beauty regime?
Having a good night cream that suits your skin is a must. And I never leave the house without a lip balm.
