Maya products, natural and sustainable

Maya products is the union of Marie Jelonek and Yannick Hauptmann: a young couple from Alsace who arrived in Quebec in 2006. It only took a few minutes of our discussion for me to discover two entrepreneurs endowed with a larger-than-life community spirit. Every day and in their own way, they reinvent business, putting collaboration and respect for our beautiful planet first.

Simplicity above all

When their son was born a few years ago, Marie and Yannick set out to find the most natural products possible for their child. That's when they discovered oleo-calcareous liniment. The latter makes it possible to clean the baby's bottom without water, but it can also be used by the whole family. By doing some research, you quickly realize that the possibilities of use are almost endless. New parents are then charmed by the simple and safe ingredients that compose it. On the other hand, at that time the product was mainly found in France.

In 2015, they therefore decided to create and market their own version in order to benefit Quebecers. The Montreal couple make a point of using basic ingredients: “We want people to be able to read the names of the ingredients and understand them. Our products are certified vegan and our ingredients are all certified organic”. It is also very important for them to source raw materials from Canadian retailers and fair trade ingredients.

natural body products

In addition to oil-limestone liniment, the company now markets several products for young and old alike. Over time, a whipped body butter, a bar soap, a full-on protection cream, an "In the woods" spray (bug hunter), two dry shampoos and two massage bars were added to the four liniments offered. All products are also available in bulk for those who wish.

Let's join forces

Marie and Yannick are passionate about their products, but also about all the new people they have met since the beginning of their entrepreneurial adventure. The many collaborations with other local companies are what makes them the most proud. “We are enriched by the sharing that is done with them. Creating a community that has the same values ​​as us is an opportunity. Although the competition is real, they are not intimidated. “The most important thing for us is to stay true to our values ​​and our line of thinking and to continue to move forward in this direction,” Marie told me proudly.

two is better

Maya's products are the perfect example of work-family balance. Of course, this requires making concessions, but for them, children will always be a priority. Marie works from home with her daughter while Yannick takes care of making the products. They join forces so that the company can grow while respecting their family values. “Yannick is my rock. He is not discouraged and he has an entrepreneurial spirit. I am the one who takes care of all that is marketing. It's also me who checks the quality of the products”, explains Marie, admiringly.

They form a truly inspiring team: even if you want to start a business, it is possible to adapt your job to your family situation. Thanks to their efforts to reconcile everything, they manage to expand and increase their offer. Their body products are now found in more than 90 stores across Canada.

A growing sense of community

Where do they draw their inspiration from? Once again, in their encounters over the days. Their eco-friendly friends, the owners of the shops where their products are found and their customers are those who inspire them and give them the desire to go further. “We have a love for all these people. This is also why we cannot make an online purchase on our website. We want people to move around and meet all these enthusiasts who run the shops. »

To learn more about the company, visit its Signé Local membership page .

Revisited by Ariane Lessard in February 2021

Cover: Maya Products