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What does it truly take to turn a childhood love for beauty rituals into a purposeful brand that honours the planet and empowers people?

If you’re interested in skincare that’s good for you, listen to my Brave New Girls guest this week, Zahra Lachgar, founder of Maison Z, as she invites you to step into the world of luxury body care that pays homage to the classic beauty traditions cherished by Moroccan women.

Passed down through generations, these timeless rituals celebrate the fearless Amazigh tribes, innovative Phoenicians, conquering Romans, and proud Arabs. Zahra shares how she founded Maison Z, creating a body care brand deeply rooted in Morocco’s beauty traditions, with a mission to share the richness of these practices while prioritizing eco-conscious ingredients and sustainable practices. Her journey shows us that beauty, tradition, and sustainability can work hand in hand to carve out a better future.

Lessons from Zahra's Journey

Zahra’s story is one of inspiration and cultural pride. Growing up, she watched her mother and aunts prepare for their weekly trips to the hammam, a communal spa-like ritual central to Moroccan culture. The hammam isn’t just about cleansing the body—it’s a sanctuary for the soul, a celebration of community, and an intergenerational tradition that reinforces self-care and connection. Inspired by these cherished memories, Zahra sought to bring the hammam experience to a global audience, blending ancient rituals with modern needs.

When Zahra moved to Europe, she missed the rituals of her upbringing and began to recognize a gap in the market for authentic, natural body care products. Despite having no formal background in beauty, her passion for these traditions drove her to create Maison Z. She reimagined the traditional hammam experience, distilling its steps into an accessible four-step routine: cleansing, exfoliating, treating, and hydrating—all using sustainably sourced Moroccan ingredients like argan oil and rhassoul clay.

Maison Z reflects Zahra’s values: sustainability, cultural authenticity, and empowerment. By sourcing argan oil from women-led cooperatives in Morocco, Zahra supports local communities while ensuring the highest quality for her products. Her commitment to clean, natural ingredients sets her brand apart in an industry often dominated by harmful chemicals.

10 Actionable Steps for a better future.

1. Embrace Cultural Heritage: Find inspiration in your roots and weave it into your passion projects.

2. Simplify Processes: Adapt traditional practices to fit modern lifestyles without losing their essence.

3. Prioritize Sustainability: Choose eco-friendly, locally sourced ingredients to reduce environmental impact.

4. Build Community: Collaborate with and support local artisans and producers.

5. Stay True to Your Values: Maintain integrity in your brand by avoiding shortcuts, such as synthetic ingredients.

6. Create Accessibility: Design products or services that simplify self-care for diverse customers.

7. Educate Your Audience: Share the story behind your brand to build trust and connection with your customers.

8. Focus on Quality: Invest in high-quality, natural ingredients for better results and customer satisfaction.

9. Foster Empowerment: Create opportunities for others, especially women, to thrive through your work.

10. Commit to Growth: Recognize that building a brand is a journey and embrace the challenges along the way.

    Zahra Lachgar’s Maison Z reminds us that beauty can be both a deeply personal and universally empowering journey. Through honouring tradition, embracing sustainability, and sharing her culture, Zahra proves that conscious, meaningful brands can make a positive impact on people and the planet.

PS. Listen HERE to ZAHRA’S journey on BRAVE NEW GIRLS podcast to hear how she helps us create well beings on a well planet.