Every so often I come across a new brand that I LOVE and can’t wait to share with all of you!

Mona Moon Naturals was created by Mona Samaan-Ockenden and inspired by her sister’s cancer diagnosis. Mona’s family made a choice to eliminate many products from her home and began using safer, more natural and chemical-free products, including deodorant.

So let’s get down to it, here are her amazing products!

The Basic Deodorant Paste is made of coconut oil, baking soda, arrowroot powder, beeswax and lavender and lemon essential oils (if scented). That’s it! Just apply a small amount of paste under your arms to keep you feeling fresh as a daisy all day long.  When making the switch to natural deodorant, it may take a few weeks to get used to it.  Price: $12 

Note: Both the Basic and Sensitive Deodorant Pastes do contain some baking soda which can be abrasive, and some sensitive users do develop a rash. When you sweat, the arrowroot powder and baking soda may leave a chalky white residue on your clothing that should wash right out. Please note that this is a deodorant and it will not stop you from sweating (it is important to sweat and eliminate toxins from your body).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Lip Balm is a yummy combo of oils, butters, beeswax and essential oils that create a wonderfully hydrating product that will keep your lips moist and repair damage every time you apply. Did I mention that ALL of Mona Moon’s product are handmade? Well, they sure are!  Price: $5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have two words for you….Body Whip! OMG this is an amazing combination of shea butter, mango butter, coconut oil and sweet almond oil which hydrates and nourishes your skin. It’s best to apply after a warm bath or shower when your skin is still moist.  A little goes a long way. You will see the whip melt as it comes into contact with your skin so allow the oils to absorb into your skin. Many have had wonderful results applying on their face. It helps to repair skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, hydrate and add elasticity.  It is lightly scented with rose and geranium essential oils. Available in 2oz, 40z and 90z.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now I’d love to introduce you to Mona. Check out the fun interview I had with her this week!

What inspired you to create Mona Moon Naturals?

In late 2015, my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer and as we began to learn more about “how and why”, we learned about all of the chemicals that are used in our skin products, cleaning products, plastic containers, etc. that may cause illnesses such as cancers. We began swapping products and I was having a really hard time finding a deodorant that worked for my body.  A mom at my son’s school had shared some product and a her recipe that worked so I began to make and modify it for my use.  Within a year there were about 10 family members and friends using the deodorant. It was great because I would get feedback on each recipe and perfect it from there.

What kind of work did you do prior to Mona Moon Naturals?

I have two technical degrees – AAS in Architecture and Construction and a BS in Civil Engineering Technology. I spent 19 years at an engineering firm and 5 years at a boutique firm focused on telecommunications and utilizes.  The majority of my career was spent in business development and operations.

You make all of your products yourself. Explain the process, how it works and how you decided which ingredient to use.

My husband built a separate production kitchen and space for MMN.  With regards to ingredients, it has always started with a variety of recipes and then a group of testers. Based on the feedback – how does it make you feel, how are the scents, does it leave residue, how often are you applying, are you having any skin reactions, please share pics, etc, I will modify and send another test batch out.  Depending on the feedback, I select different ingredients or modify amounts.

What advice can you give to other entrepreneurs out there who have an idea, but are afraid to go for it?

If it brings you joy, just do it.  Life is too short.  If you have a product, first prove that it works and that it will sell. Know your worth; do your research and know what similar products are sold for. Know what it costs for you to make it, and if you’re planning to sell retail, be sure to understand what the retailers will be willing to pay. Have your tribe of mentors who will guide you, cheer for you and remind you why you started your journey when days are tough!

When did you first launch?

March 2019 we launched our website and I was in 2 local boutiques.

Describe your products and how/when to use each of them

Deodorant Paste – Use it daily as needed.  Using the guitar pic included in the container, scrape off about a pea size of deodorant and place it on your fingers, then rub under your arms.  If you have anything left on your fingers, rub it anywhere on your body – it’s all natural and good for your skin. Our hashtag is #pastewithpurpose. As you are applying under your arms, check for any lumps or bumps.  Also take some time to check your breasts.

Lip Balm –The combination of the oils, butters, beeswax and essential oils creates a wonderfully hydrating product that will keep your lips moist and repair damage every time you apply.

Body Whip –  An amazing combination of shea butter, mango butter, coconut oil and sweet almond oil hydrates and nourishes your skin. It’s best to apply after a warm bath or shower when your skin is still moist.  A little goes a long way.  You will see the whip melt as it comes into contact with your skin so allow the oils to absorb into your skin.  Many have had wonderful results applying on their face. It helps to repair your skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines, hydrates and adds elasticity

What separates your products from others currently in the market?

Our products are handmade in small batches with all natural ingredients. That being said, they have a shelf life with an expiration date. I want our customers to be able to read all of our ingredients and not have to wonder what it is and if they are safe.   With regards to our deodorant paste, I believe our message #pastewithpurpose is why this journey began.  Take time to know and check your body. It’s so important to be your own advocate.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love to be outdoors exploring– walking, hiking, running. Experimenting in the kitchen and spending time with my family.

Where are you from? Anything you’d like to share about your home town?

Rochester NY. Where Kodak was founded and home of the famous Garbage Plate.

Favorite ice cream flavor

Any kind of sorbet.

Favorite NetFlix show and why?

So I have two.  When I want to laugh, Grace & Frankie. I love seeing 2 women living their best lives and nothing stopping them. When I want to learn, The Crown. After various events portrayed on the series, I find myself online researching and learning more, I really enjoy it.

Your favorite book and why?

Yes you can all laugh at me.  I am a Harry Potter junkie. I can’t tell you how many times have watched, read and listened to the series. And every time I learn something new!

Anything else you’d like to share about yourself? 

I love challenges and solving problems.

Thank you Mona for sharing all of these fun facts about yourself, as well as Mona Moon Naturals! We can’t wait to see what you’ll do next….