Oneka: products in harmony with the body and nature

I discovered Oneka products a few years ago when I was desperately looking for a shampoo that would soothe my irritated scalp. Cedar and sage shampoo quickly became my best friend. It works miracles and I particularly like its freshness. Founded in 2008 by Philippe Choinière and Stacey Lecuyer, a couple of entrepreneurs, Oneka offers a biological range for the body that respects aquatic ecosystems. The couple had the desire to build a business that, through permaculture and the elimination of chemical substances, respects the environment.

A company aware of its impact

Both raised by entrepreneurial parents, it was only natural for the lovers to start their own businesses. Having spent his childhood on a traditional apple farm, Philippe wanted to shake things up, especially when it came to waste and chemical inputs in agricultural processes: "In 2008, Stacey and I weren't impressed by the chemical processes of large companies. Our entourage asked us how we thought of doing things differently. We were challenged”, underlines Philippe.

The reflection brought about by those around them has motivated the entrepreneurs. At the time, there were few or no body care companies with environmentally friendly manufacturing methods. The entrepreneurs therefore decided to develop a range of natural shampoos. To eliminate the chemicals usually found in traditional agriculture, they decided to grow their own organic plants and thus offer a healthier solution for the environment.

Their skincare range initially consisted of two shampoos and two conditioners ( lavender and fragrance-free ). It grew slowly and now has several products such as face cream, bath salts , soaps as well asshowergels and body lotions .

Promote plants and permaculture

As the plants grow on their farm, Philippe and Stacey are certain that the extracts are organic and that they value the Quebec terroir. The couple surrounded themselves with specialists such as chemists, naturopaths and herbalists to learn about the properties of plants and derive all the benefits for consumers. “We learned a lot through trial and error and we were lucky to be surrounded by experienced people,” says Philippe.

According to the owner, “human beings allow themselves to impose a system on the environment with machinery to make profit”. The couple advocates permaculture as a business model since it is, according to them, “good common sense”. Philippe explains to me that it is important “to observe how nature works in order to be efficient and have the least possible impact”. He also mentions that we “should work in harmony with nature rather than siphoning it off, thus creating a model for regenerating resources”.

In addition to the use of natural and organic products, the founders advocate the reduction of plastic. They allow consumers to bring their reusable containers to fill their bulk products. This option is available in several stores. "The protection of aquatic ecosystems, the reduction of plastic and the promotion of organic farming are missions, commitments that we have", maintains Philippe.

A great success

Entrepreneurs are proud to see Oneka grow despite all the challenges. The company is very successful internationally, but Philippe is all the more proud of the impact in his community. Based in Frelighsburg, the team is now made up of eight employees, a great growth for the region.

What customers appreciate most about Oneka products is “the combination of gentleness and effectiveness”. They also like “that the product ingredient list has nothing to hide and that the prices are affordable”.

To learn more about Oneka organic products, visit their member page .

Reviewed By Melanie