Cool Girls Japan: Cheryl, first tell us a little something about SYNSES.

Cheryl Rogers: I have always believed that the best care for your body, skin and hair comes from the inside out. A good, balanced diet with plenty of water, rest and exercise is all one really needs. Unfortunately, due to certain imbalances that affect both the inside and outside of our bodies (we don't get enough rest, exercise, sleep or healthy food), we sometimes need a little extra help. That's why the SYNSES product line was created. Our products soothe, comfort and care for the body, soul and spirit.

CGJ: What makes your products different from other body, skin and hair care products on the market?

CR: First, we extensively research each component of our blends. More importantly, our products are hand-blended and made in small batches to keep each batch as fresh as possible. Doing this also ensures the highest possible quality.

CGJ: Can skincare products truly be that fresh?

CR: Yes, there are things that a company can do to ensure that consumers get the freshest products possible - even for body, skin and hair care products. For example, we use as few preservatives as safety allows. We also package our products in glass whenever possible. Glass is less reactive with our essential oil blends and is easy to recycle - which helps care for our planet - and, hey, glass just looks so doggone good.

CGJ: We love the fact that your products are that fresh. Tell us, do customers have to store the products in any particular way - like refrigeration or something else?

CR: No, not at all. While we do recommend using the products within six months of purchasing them, no special care - such as refrigeration - is needed.

CGJ: You mentioned essential oil blends, which are very popular with consumers now. How are your blends produced?

CR: Our blends are produced using only natural essential oils; we never use synthetic fragrances or flavors in any of our products.

CGJ: You also mentioned that your packaging helps with recycling. Is that important to you?

CR: Most definitely. Our philosophy at SYNSES is a global one.

CGJ: Tell us a bit more about the company's philosophy.

CR: We call our company's philosophy COMMON SENSE. COMMON SENSE was created to make our business, our products and our customers better global citizens. We at SYNSES believe that it is our responsibility to support people around the world whose cultures and communities have given us so much. Our goal is to not only manufacture the highest quality products, but to also work together with others of like mind who have made a commitment to make our world a safer, cleaner, more productive world for all its citizens.

CGJ: That is a very admirable - if not complicated goal for any company to have. How is SYNSES accomplishing this?

CR: First, we use ingredients that come from all round the globe. Many of our raw materials are sourced from suppliers that either are socially conscience or that are direct-support communities themselves. Case in point, our Shea Butter Soap is made by two women's fair trade cooperatives in West Africa. Another example is that our pandan leaf gift boxes are made for us by a village cooperative in Indonesia that supports education and economic growth for its artisans and their families. Lastly, to help support not-for-profit initiatives, every quarter we offer a new "common sense" soap. 5% of all profits from these products support initiatives, which care for the people and environment of our planet. We invite our customers to take part in this support by making a quarterly "common sense" purchase, which is highlighted in our newsletter.

CGJ: Tell is a bit about the newsletter.

CR: The newsletter is called GOOD SENSE. It features everything from new product information to interviews with environmental specialists. Customers can sign up for it on our website at www.synses.com.

CGJ: Cheryl, thanks for taking the time from your busy schedule to talk to our readers and us. We look forward to all the good things that SYNSES will be bringing to the market.

CR: Thank you.

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