Today we’d like to introduce you to Jena Covello.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I created Agent Nateur because of a history with endometriosis and adenomyosis, two estrogen dominant diseases. Aluminum in antiperspirant is an endocrine disruptor and mimics estrogen so I began steering clear of that ingredient and was on the hunt for a natural deodorant. I couldn’t find any effective natural deodorant sticks so I began cooking my own in my kitchen. It took me nine months to formulate our first SKU, N3. I gave it to family and friends and it was a huge hit. I designed the logo and packaging and a simple website. A friend of a friend began selling Agent Nateur to wholesale accounts. That was three years ago. Since then, we expanded the one single deodorant SKU with three more deodorants, a face oil, body oil, vitamin c powder and an adaptogen.
I attended school in the south of France for natural cosmetics and today I split my time between LA and France because I buy most of my ingredients in Europe because the quality is superior and it’s hard to find non-GMO ingredients in the US. I formulate each creation mostly in Paris at Hotel Costes. I have a personal relationship with the farmers we work with so it’s really nice that I can assure my customers that I’m getting the best quality of natural ingredients that are pure and not diluted. Today we are sold in nearly 400 accounts worldwide including Net a Porter, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Goop.
Our mission is to educate our consumers on the importance of using healthy products, as Agent Nateur’s philosophy is creating products that are equally beautiful as they are effective and healthy. The skin absorbs up to 90% of what is applied to it so what you put on your body is just as important as what you eat We engage with our following on social media quite extensively and share the holistic health tips that we have learned from some of the best doctors, specialists, nutritionists and healers from around the world. We have our own production facility in DTLA and oversee the entire process from formulation, filling and shipping.
Today our team consists of 7 women and most of them have been with us since day 1. I collaborate with wonderful photographers and art direct all of the images, which is a huge part of our branding.
Has it been a smooth road?
I started Agent Nateur with $300 and just one SKU. The last company I owned taught me what not to do and prepared and strengthened me to handle Agent. We manage all of our own production in-house and at times this can become challenging as it’s a lot of hard work but overall it has been a smooth road. I attribute that to really trusting my intuition. I have an incredible team of women that works with me and I believe you have to trust your first instinct when you choose the people who will be working with you.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with AGENT NATEUR – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am the creatrix and CEO of Agent Nateur, a luxury natural skincare company that is formulated in France and handmade in DTLA. We are best known for our natural luxury deodorant. Aside from our beautiful packaging and imagery, I am most proud of my incredible team that pours so much love and passion into the company. I know that consumers can feel that.
I am also so proud of how transparent we are regarding sourcing and ingredients. I think this really sets us apart. We take our consumers behind the scenes when we source our non-GMO ingredients and educate our consumers on the importance of holistic health. We share all of our holistic tips with our following and personally engage with each person on our Instagram account.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
LA is a small community saturated with talent and we are the pioneers of holistic living and wellness. I love that it is so easy to eat healthy and truly live a healthy lifestyle. I learned an incredible amount of information from holistic doctors in LA which has helped me immensely with work. I love the palm trees and sunsets just like everyone else. I don’t like the traffic, the extreme hot weather and I don’t love the group think mentality.
LA can be very cliquey and at times it feels like high school with mean girls. I share a lot of information about Monsanto and GMO food on social media because I think it is the most important issue affecting us today.
Autoimmune disease is on the rise and many people are sick and I believe Monsanto is at the root cause of this because of their herbicide glysophate which is being sprayed on almost all of our crops in America. I follow the money trail with Monsanto and post about it and I think that sets some people off in LA and bursts their bubble when they see the people who are tied to Monsanto.
Contact Info:
- Website: AGENTNATEUR.COM
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: INSTAGRAM.COM/AGENTNATEUR
- Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/AGENTNATEUR
- Twitter: TWITTER.COM/AGENTNATEUR
Image Credit:
Ayla Elmoussa, Amanda Charchian, Carlos Galvan
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
