While experiencing regular travel, I began to experience breakouts and oily skin due to the climatic change and a change in diet. With this deterioration in my skin, I consulted dermatologists who prescribed harsh creams and advised me to dry my skin as much as possible. Rather than improving my skin, this approach only worsened my condition, disrupting my skin’s natural oil-to-water ratio by stripping away my skin’s natural oils. Due to this, my skin produced more oil to counteract the dryness which in turn caused breakouts. This led me to question the advice I was receiving as chemical-based prescriptions simply made my condition worse.

However, losing my mother to breast cancer was the most significant trigger to launching FYSHA. I began to consider the impact of regular, lab-produced and chemical-filled consumer products such as deodorants on not only our skin but our entire physical health. This made me question how many consumers use personal care products without questioning the ingredients.

Having relocated from London to Athens in August 2017, I experienced a deterioration in my skin condition and so I tried using surfactant-based cleansers to dry my skin. However, this approach only worsened my condition, disrupting my skin’s natural oil-to-water ratio by stripping away my skin’s natural oils. I soon identified a need within the beauty industry for all-natural, chemical-free skincare tools to elevate skincare routines with meditative cleansing rituals.

While undertaking a two year period of research and tutorials on the ancient art of soap making, I began to consider the impact of regular, lab-produced and chemical-filled consumer products such as deodorants on not only our skin but our entire physical health. This made me question how many consumers use personal care products without questioning the ingredients.

A study has shown that we touch 515 chemicals everyday, which equates to 187,975 chemicals a year, and that using fewer toxins in everyday products reduces the user’s risk of developing skin conditions, hormonal imbalances and serious illnesses. Having explored this further, I soon identified a need within the skincare sector for all-natural, chemical-free skincare tools to elevate skincare routines with meditative cleansing rituals.

By working in partnership with nature’s larder of superfood ingredients, including Greek extra virgin olive oil, I have created a nourishing and moisturising range of palm-oil free soaps to cleanse the face, body and hands. Remaining true to my personal values, the FYSHA brand embodies a profound respect for ancient cultural practices and is proud to support Greek family producers in preserving artisanal techniques.

Today, our all-natural, versatile skincare solutions allow clients to replace multiple harsh makeup removers and facial cleansers with just one FYSHA soap, removing unnecessary plastics from their skincare routine and facilitating considered and sustainable consumption.

Amina Khan Papadopoulos is a graduate of the London School of Economics, with a background in corporate banking. A creative at heart, she has used her passion for holistic wellbeing to develop a sustainable, luxury lifestyle brand.