La Bella Figura: est. 2010

Creator: Victoria Fantauzzi

What's your company philosophy?
"We consider ourselves alchemists of innovative all-natural beauty. It's our mission to discover ingredients in nature that can become a part of our extremely effective skin-care line. You will find us in little corners of the world, meeting interesting producers, growers, and scientists conducting research on wild ingredients."

What's the most challenging aspect of running your own business?
"It's a good thing I had no idea what it took to run a business or I may have run away from the idea. Every day is a challenge to stay on top of all the little things. I've learned that the little things are the details no one sees and knows about, but can make or break a company. Ask anyone who runs a business, and they will tell you that wearing many hats is a challenge."

What's one product we should try right now?
"We just introduced Daily Elements Defense Face Oil to our line. As the weather warms up and we're exposed to outdoor activities, it really is a must-have product to boost the antioxidant intake to your skin. The omegas and antioxidant levels in the product come in high doses and penetrates the skin quickly to effectively absorb all the way down to the dermis and that is where repair, health, and healing takes place. It's a truly fantastic product."

Anything new on the horizon?
"In the fall, we're introducing a Vitamin C+E face gel with ferulic acid. You may have already heard of such a product, but we're using premium wild ingredients in this product that are comparable to nothing on the market and certainly not in natural skin care. We're also adding a body oil, facial mist, and two new perfumes to our collection."

In your own words, describe the Chicago woman beauty consumer.
"Chicagoans are savvy consumers. Our experience has been that they become very loyal to products that work because we follow trends here in the Midwest — we're all about facts and using concentrated, high-performing, natural products that work."

La Bella Figura Daily Elements Defense Face Oil, $95, available at La Bella Figura.