The Lopo Botanicals story: Lauren Strever
From the forests of Limpopo, South Africa, handcrafted, small-batch oil- based lifestyle products for wellbeing.
I know that bringing products to life is both fun and challenging, where do you find your biggest source of inspiration is when it comes to thinking of new products for your range?
My inspiration comes from my journey. Each product has a story embedded in its name. Within the stories, is a message of hope or an affirmation. My intention is always to offer more than just a product to my customers; I want to offer people inspiration and an opportunity during everyday life, to take a moment of consideration, to set an intention, to reconnect to oneself, or to implement a sense of groundedness.
I’m always interested to know what peoples first jobs were, so what was yours?
My first proper job was as a therapist at the 12 Apostles Hotel in Camps Bay, Cape Town. I trained as a Beauty therapist and in Holistic therapies, specialising in Aromatherapy and Reflexology. I loved the power of plants from a young age, a passion which was nurtured by my mother. Discovering Aromatherapy was like opening a magical gift that I wanted to share.
I loved working at 12A. I discovered a lot about myself in short space of time, and at a young age. 12A helped to shape the course of my life.
What was your journey to becoming an entrepreneur/ maker? And how many years were there between the first outline of lopo and really feeling like you had brought it to life?
Because I run our family business, I have a fair amount of experience, but I was yearning to create something of my own and to touch people's lives, and… they say you should only start a business that people ask you to start. My husband and I were married 10 years ago, and, for our wedding favours, I made personalised room-sprays for our friends and family. Shortly after the wedding, I was asked by many peeps to remake their personal sprays. People were touched by how individualised they were and then I started to get orders and people wanted to pay me. I knew Aromatherapy was still in the stars for me. It was a sign.
From there, Lopo took about 8 years to launch. I was terrified of everything from choosing a name, to deciding on packaging. I was guided by some special people, but I didn’t ask the opinion of too many. I kept it under wraps and quietly pursued it, making ground slowly. I researched and deliberated endlessly, hoping that I would, one day, be able to turn Lopo into something marketable.
At the end of 2019, my life shifted dramatically. I made big lifestyle changes which ushered me down a new path. I experienced a deep inner transformation. I was catapulted out of the world of stagnation and into one where I knew, without doubt what my purpose is. I finally found the courage to launch Lopo. Looking back, on one hand, it saddens me to recognise how crippled by fear I was, but I am grateful for the journey. So grateful to be where I am now.
How does your location (Limpopo) influence your approach to running a business?
The “po” in Lopo is derived from the word Limpopo, so Lopo is fully rooted in our beautiful province. (Just a little FYI, the “Lo” comes from my nickname “Lol”.
I am super proud and lucky to live in here and to create from here. This environment that allows me tell stories through the beauty that surrounds me. We live in a lush forest, on the fringes of a mist belt, where moss and ferns are found popping up all over the place.
It is picturesque.
I draw a lot of comfort and inspiration from everything that our environment offers. There is an abundance of life in the trees and the rivers, and this keeps us humble. Life can be so complicated, and here, we are reminded to keep it simple.
There is an amazing #lovelocal energy in our area. We are surrounded by artisans and creators across all industries, who are making beautiful things, with a meaningful ethos - so we fit that niche market beautifully. There's a lot of support for small businesses and an important consciousness to source ethical and environmentally conscious materials. There is generally a drive to support local businesses, nationally and internationally and, with couriers operating in small towns and the outlying areas, small, individual orders can be catered to quickly and cost effectively all-over South Africa! I feel lucky to be able to make use of that service from here.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received in business and in life?
When you’re overwhelmed, don’t look too far ahead. Take one step. Then the next. Breathe. You’re doing it.
What is your intention for this year?
To choose things with love and to respond to life and people with love. Also, to be more badass.
