LA DOLCE VITA

The Good Life

Our inheritance is our connection with nature…Hi, we are Kamakshi and Jaydev and our home is in Vita, in the Sangli district of Maharashtra. We own a very beautiful farm, where we cultivate certified organic produce, which is required for the manufacturing of other certified organic farming inputs. Our farm has been certified organic since the last 32 years.We are passionate about nature, our farm and the animals on the farm, and the people who work with us who fortunately, share our passion for farming. We value our connection with nature and all things natural – Vita is our little paradise!We also run a non-profit organization for farmers, where we educate them about organic farming, its benefits on a personal level and on a wider scale. We have now grown as an association of farmers with 150 acres of certified organic farmland.Our take on organic farming is that with the use of high-quality fertilizer one can increase the yield, however, this is just one aspect. Instead, if one focuses on enhancing the quality of the land itself, the yield can be boosted by up to 90%. For over a decade, we have been experimenting with the development of organic fertilizers that are derived through composting.

The Birth of Barva Skin Therapie

It all started in 2006, when we traveled to Germany for BioFach, the world’s leading exhibition for organic products. This is where we realized the extent to which organic products are being appreciated as well as increasingly adopted around the world, as people are slowly moving away from chemically derived products. Also, the usage of organic products resonates with our family’s belief system, as we strongly believe in the quality and purity of organic produce and its importance for the sustainability of the health of human beings, animals, and the environment at large.Thus, the products offered by Barva Skin Therapie are a replication of this belief system. They are made from the best natural as well as organic products such as cow’s ghee, aloe vera, mango butter, pomegranate, turmeric, etc. Every individual, whether man, woman, or child, aspires to choose the best skin and hair care products that are trustworthy, reputed, and safe, and Barva Skin Therapie provides just that!Even the color cosmetics offered by Barva Skin Therapie contain organic ghee as the main ingredient and food-grade colors. Owing to the presence of natural ingredients and their ability to offer nourishment, the lipsticks in particular have become the preferred choice of mothers and even grandmothers as a gift to their teenage daughters/granddaughters who are stepping into adulthood. The foundation and BB cream are known to impart a natural glow to the face as well as sun protection (SPF), without the “artificial” or “made up” effect. Needless to say, the kajal made from pure ghee and castor oil is easy to apply, lasts throughout the day, and can also be used on the upper eyelid as an eyeliner. Over the years, these products have gained a reputation wherein they practically sell by themselves!

Where we are headed

We strongly believe that our customers are our brand ambassadors. From 2012 till date, Barva Skin Therapie products are being sold by beauty salons that are impressed with the quality of these products as well as by highly satisfied customers who are willing to sell them to their friends and family for a small profit. In this way, the brand has also created an opportunity for new mothers as well as housewives to work from home and make money. Online sales started following the launch of the company’s website in 2015. In addition, we have collaborated with organic stores across the state of Maharashtra, which stock its product line. The story of Barva Skin Therapie is indeed a true reflection of how dreams and passions, whether ours or anyone else’s, when coupled with tons of belief, dedication, and a sense of social responsibility, can be turned into reality beyond our imagination!

Ayurveda is an ancient wisdom that has been in practice in India since over 3,000 years. Loosely translated, Ayurveda means “the science of life” (ayur=life, veda=science).

We, the Barva family, own an ancestral farm in Vita, a beautiful village in Satara district. Our farm has been certified organic since the past 32 years. We have a deep understanding not only about the techniques of organic farming, but also its importance for the betterment of the environment at large, which comprises all other living creatures, such as the bacteria & worms in the soil, birds, animals, and aquatic animals.

Our farm, as well as the people working for us, are an integral part of our lives. They are a reflection of our lifestyle, which is firmly rooted in the philosophies of the Ayurveda. Here are three principles of the Ayurveda, which we strongly believe in:

1) We consume only fresh & organic produce
For over two decades, our family, which includes our children Shantanu and Prithvi, and their grandfather, consume only organically grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and pulses. Our food is free from any chemical additives and growth hormones.

2) We wake up very early every day
We have always been very early risers. This has enabled us to allocate enough time for all the people as well as all the things that matter to us the most, which include our household, our kids, our family, our farm, and our business. We spend long hours at the farm supervising all the day-to-day activities. We love our farm dearly and organic farming is our passion. At the same time, we are able to spend quality time with our children, our father, and ensure a home environment that is full of love & harmony.

3) We practice yoga & meditation
One of the most crucial advantages of being early risers is that we practice yoga and meditation not very regularly, but whenever we are not travelling. It keeps us calm, gives us clarity of thought, and has greatly improved our focus & concentration. We intend to inculcate the same values in our children.

4) We love nature and all things natural
Our organic farming practices originate from our love for nature and all things natural. Organic farming ensures the safety of the produce & the people consuming it as well as that of all the animals & microorganisms that exist in the soil. It also ensures that the environment as well as the ecosystem of animals, birds, bacteria, worms, etc. play their respective roles in the entire process of farming. This leads to the creation of a farming environment that does not require any artificial support or shortcuts in the form of additives and growth hormones to ensure a healthy produce. We can proudly say that we, our farm, and our lives are completely free from chemicals and anything artificial.

5) We offer to others only what we believe in using ourselves
As mentioned above, the goodness of nature is deeply embedded into our daily lives. It is reflected in all the products that we offer to our customers. They are free from parabens, sulphates, silicons, phthalates, and other harmful substances. Ayurveda may not provide instant results, however, with consistent usage, it will provide timeless beauty and satisfaction. This is the same philosophy behind the formulation of our products. After all, beauty is a matter of regularity and patience!

6) We believe that prevention is better than cure
Another philosophy behind the formulations of our products is that prevention is the key. Following the correct skin care routine with products that contain various natural ingredients keeps the skin free from problems such as pimples, acne, spots, discoloration, etc., and maintains its health and beauty. Ayurveda lays special emphasis on the fact that prevention is better than cure.

These are some of the ways in which Ayurveda has inspired our lives as well as those of the people around us. We are indeed blessed!