There’s a new kid on the teeth whitening block, but the company mission isn’t just about making people smiles brighter.
Twenty-five-year old former school teacher, Urissa Chinia, has created Australia’s first vegan, non-toxic and peroxide free, DIY at-home, completely biodegradable teeth whitening kit. LoveSmiles contains 100 percent coconut shell charoal powder and a sustainable bamboo toothbrush. Yet, it’s her mission to save the environment, one toothbrush at a time, that is really driving the beauty entrepreneur, who donates a portion of the kit’s sales to help pay for planting of native eucalyptus trees and to feed the injured animals at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.
“Thirty million tooth brushes end up in Australian landfill each year,” Urissa says. “When I learned this statistic, I set about creating a solution for avoidable waste and soon after, LoveSmiles was born.”
I caught up with Urissa to find out more…
Why LoveSmiles?
I wanted to develop something that was good for my health and positively impacted the environment. I am now in a position to share that with the world. In fact, anyone who loves to smile will love this product. LoveSmiles is for the health conscious citizens of the world who are concerned about the environment. I have had the product tested and certified extensively and it has been approved in Australia and internationally.
Many 25 year olds aren’t necessarily thinking about developing beauty or health products. What made you want to do this?
To be honest I suffer from chronic pain and when your life hits rock bottom the only thing you can do is control your ability to smile and be happy. All I wanted was a brighter smile because that was one thing I could control. Being told by medical professionals to be aware of inadequate teeth whitening kits, pushed me to find an alternative natural solution, so that I could regain my confidence and be happy with myself by allowing my inner being to shine from the inside out.
I made it my mission to develop a teeth-whitening product that reflected my values and morals. I wanted to help others showcase their true natural smile and shine. Affordability and sustainability was an absolute essential—and my conscious efforts to give back to Mother Nature and to society is what drove me.
That is why LoveSmiles kits proudly uses 100 percent natural activated carbon charcoal, which is made from 100 percent coconut shells. Along with our environmentally friendly MOSO bamboo infused charcoal iron toothbrush. Our bamboo isn’t aiding deforestation nor is it affecting our cuddly panda bears because they don’t eat MOSO bamboo. MOSO bamboo is actually a type of grass, which grows rapidly. A lot of thought love and care has been put into constructing LoveSmiles teeth whitening kit and packaging.
We aren’t about making money and look forward to showing the world our true intent, which is to provide a natural option to those that seek one and give back to Mother Nature.
We aren’t about making money and look forward to showing the world our true intent, which is to provide a natural option to those that seek one and give back to Mother Nature. We support planting gum tress in Australia and help support injured wildlife.
Have you always been entrepreneurial?
No I used to be a teacher and educate students about environmental sciences.
How does the product work?
The activated coconut powder and charcoal ion bristles work together to naturally whiten, lift and remove dental plaque on the surface of the teeth. When applying the powder with the bush, the ultra-fine staggered ends of the bamboo charcoal enhanced bristles push the natural coconut shell powder deep into the gaps between the teeth.
What benefits can people expect?
After a deep clean, the teeth are naturally whitened with most people experiencing results at around two weeks and the kits are designed for two users and last around three to six months, depending on the individual’s lifestyle.
Why would you recommend charcoal over laser teeth whitening?
LovesSmiles is Australian owned, cruelty-free, gluten-free, toxic-free and peroxide free with no added chemicals. Our kits are the only biodegradable and recyclable kit on the market. The product has been tested and certified extensively and it has been approved in Australia and internationally. Our products meet Australian and international consumer standards and are now Australian Certified, Food Grade Certified and tested and certified by NSF International against NSF/ANSI.
While we have great respect for our competitors, we are about combating real-life environmental challenges and giving power to our consumers to make one small change to make a long-lasting difference. In this case, I’m talking about changing the way we choose to whiten our teeth which I hope will start an ongoing ripple effect because let’s face it, the hundreds of choices we make each day impact ourselves and the environment.
How long is the shelf life your product?
Our product does not have a shelf life date. Because there are absolutely no added chemicals, toxins or preservatives in our products.
Is it daunting to start your own brand?
When businesses are started most people find it daunting. Because they measure their business by how much money it makes. I am completely different. I am not daunted nor worried about my company. My goal for LoveSmiles is simple. I want people to measure my company on its positive impact in society and the environment. In order to achieve this, simply being the change and sharing it with everyone around you.
The key to my company is that it started about something that was personal. I wanted to develop something that was good for me and good for the environment too. I am now in a position to share that will the world. In fact, anyone who loves to smile will love this product. It is for the health conscious and those who are concerned about the environment.
Can you tell me about your work with the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and how LoveSmiles fits into that?
Not only helping the environment but the animals that live in it, LoveSmiles have created a partnership with Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, home to one of the largest collections of Australian native species in the world. A portion of profits from each kit sold is donated to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital on the Gold Coast as well as planting Australian gum trees for Koala’s to call home.
What’s next for the brand?
LoveSmiles is all about combating real-life environmental challenges and giving power to you, as a consumer to make one small change in order to make a long-lasting difference for yourself and our environment. In this case, I’m talking about changing the way you choose to whiten your teeth. One person, making one small change will start an ongoing ripple effect.
Because let’s face it, the hundreds of choices we make each day impacts ourselves and the environment. We want you to love your smile and enhance the whiteness and brightness of your teeth by adding a simple change into your daily routine. Whilst saving our planet at the same time!
Where can people buy LoveSmiles?
LoveSmiles is available at lovesmilesteeth.com
