Behind the Brand: Panier des Sens
What inspired you to start your business/brand?
Panier des Sens came to life in 2001, in the South of France, in the heart of Provence. Born in Marseille, Jerome Lambruschini drew inspiration from the Provencal way of life he was raised in. From a very young age, his grandfather instilled in him a passion for trees, flowers, gardening, and nature, while his mother, a beauty enthusiast, shared her love for their land and the many fragrances that are local to the South of France. Here you will find wild Jasmin, many citruses, beautiful roses, delicious honey and the emblematic lavender fields. It is this dual maternal and Mediterranean inspiration that can be found in Panier des Sens products.
After studies in finance, he and his mother decided to launch a soap company in Marseille, where local soap is an ancient trade. Panier des Sens was born and has since evolved in to a beautiful and authentic natural cosmetics brand. It's a true family story!
What are your brand’s values?
Actively committed, responsible natural beauty. Since 2001, Panier des Sens has been writing its history deep in the heart of Provence and draws its inspiration from Mediterranean ingredients and know-how. Our ranges of lotions, soaps and perfumes magnify the beauty of Provence through elegant face and body care products with subtle textures and delicate fragrances. Our natural formulas from 95% to 100% ingredients of natural origin benefit all skin types, and abide by a strict formulation charter, always giving precedent to vegetal and organic natural ingredients.
What is your biggest motivation?
At Panier des Sens, our greatest motivation is the profound desire to bring the essence of the South of France to the farthest corners of the world. It's an unspoken passion rooted in the unparalleled beauty of our land, preserving the traditions of our ancestors, and crafting something genuinely authentic in a world that, at times, seems to lose sight of its values. It’s about crafting an extraordinary journey where each product we create tells a story of our vibrant culture and rich heritage. It's about unveiling the secrets of our local trades, sharing the warmth of our Mediterranean sun, and encapsulating the fragrant breeze of our lavender fields. Our motivation doesn't stop there. It extends to crafting products that are also gentle to our planet. It's about nurturing a commitment to sustainability and ensuring that our creations do no harm to the environment or the individuals who use them. It’s also a journey towards making everyone feel as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. And in this journey, every step we take is guided by a profound love for our home, a commitment to authenticity, and a dedication to a more beautiful, sustainable world.
Where did the inspiration for your product(s) come from?
As mentioned above, the inspiration for our first products was woven from the threads of cherished childhood memories with the sweetest scents and most vivid images. It's a journey back to the days when our CEO wandered through the South of France's enchanting countryside, the air filled with the captivating fragrance of wild lavender and verbena. Going beyond the memories; it's a profound love for Marseille and its surrounding regions that has been the well of our creativity. This beautiful corner of France is a treasure trove of ancient craftsmanship, particularly in the art of soap making. It's a place where traditions have been passed down through generations, and we felt compelled to honor this heritage. Additionally, the closeness of exquisite perfumery, renowned worldwide, motivated us. Soap and perfume were not just products but an integral part of the DNA of our brand. In essence, our products are a love letter to the South of France, a tribute to its rich history, and a celebration of its timeless allure. Each collection is crafted with the care and dedication that can only come from a deep-rooted connection to this captivating place.
What has been a highlight whilst creating and building your brand?
The greatest highlight, undoubtedly, has been witnessing the remarkable transformation of our brand over the years. It all began as a humble entrepreneurial idea, some passionate souls driven by a vision. Today, it has blossomed into a thriving business that employs numerous individuals, a brand that has spread its wings to nearly 40 countries around the world. The real highlight is the profound realization that a simple thought, a dream nurtured with dedication and love, has metamorphosed into a magnificent reality. It's witnessing the positive impact we've had on people's lives, the beauty we've introduced into their daily routines, and the happiness we've contributed to special occasions. It's a humbling and immensely rewarding journey that continually inspires us to reach even greater heights, knowing that the best is yet to come.
What advice would you give to business owners, creators, designers and brand owners just starting out?
To those embarking on the journey of creating a business, our key tips would be:
- Believe wholeheartedly in your project and be prepared to invest time, energy, and heart into its growth. Trust in your vision, for if you don't, it's challenging to inspire confidence in others.
- Before diving in, ensure your venture addresses a real need in the market. Discover what people truly desire and develop your project to fulfill those needs.
- Surround yourself with individuals who share your passion and vision. Your team plays a pivotal role in turning your dream into reality. Collaboration and synergy are key.
- Brace yourself for sleepless nights and moments when it feels like everything will backfire. These challenges are part of the journey. In those moments, remember why you started this journey in the first place. Perseverance can often turn the tide in your favor.
- Be ready to adapt and innovate. Stay attuned to market shifts, changing customer preferences, and emerging trends. Flexibility is a valuable asset.
- Failure is not the end; it's a steppingstone to success. Each setback carries a lesson. Analyze your failures, learn from them, and use that knowledge to propel yourself forward.
- Amidst the challenges, don't forget to celebrate your victories, no matter how small. It can rekindle your motivation and keep your journey fulfilling.
A business, especially nowadays is a whole adventure, filled with twists and turns!
At the Autumn/Winter edition of Top Drawer, will you be launching any new collections and if so, can you give us a sneak peek?
Yes, we have two STAR launches! We are launching our very first anti-wrinkle collection called Saffron Youth. A unique mix of handpicked saffron petals from Provence, hyaluronic acid, pre and post biotics. The unique combination of these active ingredients with regenerating, protective and antioxidant properties combines effectiveness and natural ingredients to bring firmness, elasticity, and tone to all skin types. These vegan formulas are developed according to Panier des Sens formulation policy, without compromising on pleasure thanks to ultra-sensorial and delicately scented textures.
We’re also launching our long-awaited Fig Tree by the Sea home fragrance! Indulge in the intense scent of a sun-kissed fig. Its sweet, green and scrumptious notes will take you to the heart of a Mediterranean garden.
What is your personal favourite from your new collection?
My personal favorites are the Night cream from our anti-wrinkle collection, it is so soft and has a rich creamy texture which feels amazing on the face as well as creating visible results! I also love our Fig Tree room spray; it smells like summer! Both products will be available to test on our stand L46.
If applicable, how do you operate your brand sustainably?
Sustainability is one of our core and key values.
Naturality: Our formulas, enriched with raw materials of natural origin, respect a transparent formulation charter based on the effectiveness, sensorially and eco-design of our products. Our face and body cosmetics contain between 95% and 100% ingredients of natural origin.
Short circuits: All our perfumes are created by master perfumers in Grasse, the cradle of world perfumery, whose perfume-related know-how has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Designed around exceptional raw materials, they are exclusive to the brand.
All of our products are designed, manufactured and packaged in France.
SOLID COSMETICS : Our solid soaps, shampoos and conditioners are formulated without water and therefore more concentrated in active ingredients. Packaged without plastic, they are protected by paper or cardboard packaging.
Vegan : The ingredients and formulas are of vegetable or mineral origin and are not tested on animals, in accordance with European cosmetic regulations. All our ranges are vegan friendly except for the Honey range which contains ingredients from the hive. We are currently in the process of receiving our “CERTIFIED VEGAN” certification.
Eco-design : Recycled and Recyclable packaging on all of our products. In 2022, this representend 13.9 tons of virgin plastic saved and 83% of aluminum recycled ! We also offer refills and eco-refills for liquid soaps, diffusers, home fragrances and deodorants.
Our solid soaps, shampoos and conditioners are formulated without water and therefore more concentrated in active ingredients. Packaged without plastic, they are protected by paper or cardboard packaging.
We are part of the 1% for the planet association, France Nature Environnement & Conservatoire d’espaces naturels PACA.