Community Highlights: Meet Ani Smith of Le Feu Skin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ani Smith.

Hi Ani, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Two weeks after my wedding, I was in an off-road vehicle accident. The vehicle I was in had a fuel leak into the engine and engulfed in flames while I was caught inside, leaving me with 2nd and 3rd-degree burns over 15% of my upper body – Mainly my arms and shoulders. I was rushed to a local ER where they dressed my wounds and sent me on my way… Out of fear of infection, we drove straight to Irvine Burn Unit where they admitted me immediately and kept me in the ICU for 5 days. 5 days of excruciating “burn bath” scrubs, dressing, and wound care. I left the hospital after a new experimental procedure with a “pig skin” graft. Basically working as an artificial scab until the wounds healed underneath. It was definitely a conversation starter let me tell you…

After the initial wounds healed, I was given simple instructions of “non scented lotion”, fatty foods to rebuild skin elasticity and all that jazz. But I wasn’t sold. Being a clean, organic eater and using a natural skincare regimen to begin with, I started researching natural ways to heal the skin. My mom and I came up with this lotion that included WHOLE, NATURAL, 100% ORGANIC and simple ingredients that WORK! We did some trial and error and came up with something that I truly swear by.

I mean it when I say this is ALL I have used topically on my skin since my burns. Obviously, I stayed out of the sun for almost a year, used a natural 70 spf every day, and drank a shit ton of collagen (wasn’t sold on the fatty foods idea). But the natural, healing, ultra-hydrating ingredients in my lotion work. I’ve done the research. I’ve spent the time perfecting the product and it’s continually getting better.

Le Feu means fire – because I wanted a name that meant something to me and would resonate with the product. It all started with fire, and now I believe this product is fire – because it works.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve had my share of peaks and pits. I started making this lotion after my burn accident but didn’t start selling it online until covid hit in 2020 and we were all stuck at home. Once I launched the website, it sold great! Consistently selling and shipping which was wonderful but I also make it in my kitchen and I’m a full-time mom, and full-time flight attendant. So while demand is great, having to juggle this new business with mom life and flying was tough. Then add another kid to the mix everything gets even crazier. Also dealing with 100% organic ingredients means no fillers or additives to prevent melting – which when shipping during the summer or a heatwave – can happen. So I’ve had to build confidence through the emails of people telling me they are unhappy with a melted product over and over again. (I assure you it’s safe and effective to use melted, I also ship with cooler packs and insulation :))

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I make lotion and other self-care products meant to heal and hydrate your skin. I created the lotion after I was burned in an accident and left with 2nd and 3rd-degree burns on my upper body. I’m very into natural and organic remedies so through trial and error, lots of research, and actual usage on myself and others created this ultra-healing lotion that completely healed my burns. It is made with 100% organic ingredients that work. They are proven to heal burn wounds, scars, stretch marks, and many other skin ailments. I’m extremely proud in the fact that I have stayed true to using high-quality, effective ingredients that are 100% safe to use head to toe. While the lotion is meant to heal, it can be used for everyday hydration as well. Since launching the brand in 2020, I have expanded to make a body scrub, baby balm, and face oil.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe in the statement of “high-risk high reward”… I think my biggest risk was starting this brand. My husband had encouraged me to do so since we noticed the lotion healing my skin – but I was strongly against it. Mainly because I didn’t want to retell my story over and over again. It was a traumatic experience and I did not want to relive it. Once I got past that mental block and understood that my story can help others and that I make a product that actually HELPS others too, I had to take that risk and offer this product to others. The absolute biggest reward from starting this company is the emails and messages I get about the lotion helping someone else whether it be a scar someone had been self-conscience of, someone’s daughter who burned her leg with hot water or soothing a radiation burn from chemotherapy – every single success story brings me to tears and reaffirms why I got past my own demons and took the risk and started this company.

Pricing:

• 4oz jar of lotion is $35
• 8oz jar of lotion is $68
• 4oz jar of scrub is $37
• 4oz jar of baby balm is $34
• 1oz dropper of face oil is $74

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lefeuskin.com
• Instagram: @lefeuskin