Meet the Founder: Tata Harper, Tata Harper Skincare

Tata Harper founded her eponymous beauty brand with purity, sustainability, transparency, and quality in mind, which are all evident in the product development process. A native of Colombia, Harper now lives on a farm in Vermont where most of her company’s products are formulated, manufactured, and packaged.

The only exceptions have ingredients unable to be cultivated on-site. Those are obtained from locations around the world, but Harper works closely with trusted suppliers to ensure these, too, are authentic and ethically sourced.

“Sustainability remains at the heart of everything we do. As we scale, we continuously seek out new ways to minimize our environmental impact,” Harper says. “This includes using eco-friendly packaging, implementing energy-efficient practices in our facilities, and sourcing ingredients responsibly.”

Tata Harper Skincare, which was recently acquired by Amorepacific, holds Ecocert certification. “This certification provides our customers with the confidence that they are using products that are both safe for their skin and sustainable for the planet,” Harper explains.

Harper spoke with Hispanic Executive about her formulation process, harmonizing nature with scientific innovation, and how she remains true to the brand’s original ethos. She also shares her vision for the future of the beauty industry and what other entrepreneurs can do to scale their own business without compromising their mission.

What was your mission when originally founding Tata Harper, and how has—or hasn’t—it evolved?

When I founded Tata Harper, my mission was clear: to create a beauty line that was truly natural, free from synthetic chemicals, and as luxurious and effective as any conventional product. I wanted to revolutionize the beauty industry by proving that natural ingredients could deliver powerful, transformative results without compromising on quality or safety.

Over the years, my mission hasn’t changed, but it has deepened. As the beauty industry has evolved and consumers have become more educated and discerning, I’ve become even more committed to transparency and sustainability. We’ve expanded our product line, incorporating new ingredients and technologies that enhance the efficacy of our products while remaining true to our natural roots. We’ve also placed a greater emphasis on sustainability, from our packaging to our manufacturing practices, to minimize our environmental impact.

Ultimately, the heart of Tata Harper remains the same: creating luxurious, high-performance skin care that you can feel good about using every day.

How do you conduct your research to identify the best places to source ingredients—specifically, the ones you can’t cultivate at your farm in Vermont?

We start by identifying the specific properties and benefits we want in an ingredient. Then, we look for regions around the world where these ingredients thrive naturally and can be harvested sustainably. We work closely with local farmers and cooperatives, often traveling to these regions to see firsthand how the ingredients are grown, harvested, and processed. This not only ensures the highest quality but also allows us to support and empower local communities.

Additionally, we rely on scientific research and collaboration with experts in botany, agriculture, and chemistry to understand the full potential of each ingredient. We also stay connected with industry innovations and advancements in natural product research, which helps us continually refine our formulations and sourcing practices.

How do you balance innovation with tradition in your product development process, especially when integrating new scientific advancements with your natural, clean beauty philosophy?

We start with a deep respect for traditional botanical knowledge and the time-tested benefits of natural ingredients. We invest heavily in research and development, working closely with chemists, biologists, and skin care experts to explore the latest scientific advancements. This includes using cutting-edge green technology to extract and preserve the most potent components of natural ingredients, ensuring they deliver maximum benefits to the skin.

Our team constantly evaluates new ingredients and technologies, rigorously testing them to ensure they meet our high standards for safety, efficacy, and sustainability. We are particularly excited about advancements in biotechnology that allow us to create plant-based alternatives to traditional synthetic ingredients, further enhancing the purity and performance of our products.

The key to balancing innovation with tradition is maintaining our unwavering commitment to transparency and integrity. Every new ingredient or technology we integrate is thoroughly vetted to ensure it aligns with our clean beauty standards and supports our mission of providing luxurious, effective, and truly natural skin care.

What aspects or values of Amorepacific particularly resonated with you when you decided to move forward with its acquisition?

Amorepacific’s commitment to quality and innovation was a major factor. Their dedication to research and development and their focus on creating high-quality, effective products mirrored our own approach at Tata Harper.

I also deeply respect Amorepacific’s connection to nature. Their extensive use of botanicals and commitment to sustainable sourcing practices resonated with our principles of purity and sustainability. Knowing that they value the same things that are the foundation of Tata Harper gave me confidence in this partnership.

Additionally, Amorepacific’s rich cultural heritage and tradition were inspiring to me. Their ability to blend traditional wisdom with modern science is something we strive for at Tata Harper. This shared appreciation for the fusion of tradition and innovation created a strong point of connection between our brands.

Lastly, Amorepacific’s extensive global reach and expertise in the beauty industry offered a valuable opportunity for Tata Harper to grow and expand our mission of clean beauty on a larger scale. Their experience and resources would help us reach more people with our message of natural, effective skin care, without compromising our core values.

It’s tempting to chase rapid growth and wealth in a consumer-driven world, especially for a smaller (and more vulnerable) business. What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs who are looking to grow their businesses without sacrificing the original ethos of their brand?

Firstly, staying true to your mission is essential. Your mission and values are the foundation of your brand, and it’s important to keep them at the forefront of your decision-making process. Every new product, partnership, or marketing strategy should align with these core principles. Staying true to your mission helps build trust and loyalty among your customers.

Transparency is key in building and maintaining trust with your customers. Be open about your sourcing practices, manufacturing processes, and any challenges you face. Honesty goes a long way in maintaining credibility and customer loyalty.

Prioritizing sustainability is another important aspect. Integrate sustainable practices into every aspect of your business. This not only helps the environment but also resonates with today’s conscious consumers.

Engaging with your community is also vital. Build a strong relationship with your customers and community. Listen to their feedback and involve them in your journey.

Finally, strive to create something unique that isn’t already on the market, something that genuinely improves people’s lives.

At Tata Harper, we’ve always aimed to develop products that not only offer exceptional results but also contribute to the well-being and confidence of our customers.

How do you see the future of clean beauty evolving, and what role do you envision Tata Harper playing in that future?

As consumers become more informed and conscious about what they put on their skin, the demand for clean, transparent, and effective beauty products will continue to grow. Consumers are no longer satisfied with vague claims; they want to know exactly what ingredients are in their products, where they come from, and how they are sourced. This shift will drive brands to be more open and honest, fostering a deeper level of trust with their customers.

The industry will continue to adopt practices that minimize environmental impact, from sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly packaging to reducing carbon footprints in manufacturing processes. This holistic approach to sustainability will become the norm rather than the exception.

At Tata Harper, we envision playing a pivotal role in shaping this future. We’ve always been pioneers in the clean beauty space, and we will continue to lead by example. Our commitment to transparency, sustainability, and innovation will drive us to push boundaries and set new standards in the industry.

We will continue to invest in research and development to create groundbreaking products that deliver unparalleled results while staying true to our natural roots. Our farm-to-face approach will remain central to our brand, ensuring that we maintain control over every aspect of production and uphold the highest standards of quality and purity.

Ultimately, our goal is to inspire and empower consumers to make informed choices about their beauty products, fostering a movement towards a more conscious and responsible industry.

This interview has been edited for length.