Recently, our blog readers submitted questions to Olivier Baussan, Founder of L'OCCITANE. Here are his responses:
Q: I was wondering where L'Occitane gets the inspiration for its products' packaging. I am thinking in particular of the Shea Butter Hand Cream or the "boxes" some lotions come in. They are so unique (and great!) and I am curious to know if it is somehow linked to your French heritage.
Olivier: I try to make a poetic narrative before imagining the shape of each bottle or tube and the label of each product. Some of my favorites are the cherry blossoms that fly in the first winds of spring on the Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette, the immortal sun illuminating the blue sea for Immortelle skincare, the African light and the rawness of the materials for the Shea Butter products, a trip to Provence marked in a book of memories with a sprig of lavender on our Lavender range, and the old boxes of calissons traditional candy from Aix with the gold and green-gray color that inspired the Almond packaging. There is a different story for every range and that is why there is such diversity in it all.
Q: I know that you have a special love of Provence and Corsica, but besides these two places, what is your favorite spot in the world?
Olivier: I love Venice not only because it is romantic but because of the fatal gift of beauty!
Q: What are the L’Occitane products that you couldn’t live without on a day-to-day basis?
Olivier: I confess that the product I take everywhere is the Shea Butter Hand Cream. Then I like the Verbena Eau de Toilette for its freshness and almost pungent rusticity of the packaging.
Q: Besides being a huge fan of your products, I am even happier to support a company that has put its efforts into recognizing such wonderful humanitarian causes. I am wondering if there is a reason you chose to help the visually impaired. This cause is one I hold near to my heart as well, as it has touched those I love. I am also passionate about helping the environment and commend you for your efforts empowering less fortunate women in the world. With help from people and companies such as L'Occitane, I believe every goal is attainable and everything is possible.
Olivier: The approach of L'Occitane for 34 years has been the same: Be considerate of others, respect differences, allow that those who are left on the side of life can access what others often selfishly share - the beauty of the world. Braille labels on our products is a hand outstretched and generous to those who require it, but it is also addressed to those who never have time to open their eyes!
Q: From the humble roots of the Lavender bush to the global enterprise that L'Occitane has become, how do you keep your perspective on what is true in life?
Olivier: To forget my roots would betray my beliefs. I appreciate modesty because it still allows for true emotion.
