Cocobaba by Emma Heming-Willis
Finding a great product for stretch marks is always a hassle for many moms or moms-to-be. It was the case for Emma Heming-Willis. After a recognized modeling career (Victoria Secret’s angel, Vogue covers, etc.), she has embarked on a brand new adventure with her husband and is now a happy mom-of-two.
From her first pregnancy, Emma Helming-Willis felt she needed a natural product for stretch marks. She naturally turned to coconut oil creating her own skincare line called Cocobaba. We had the great opportunity to ask her some questions about Cocobaba, motherhood and healthy lifestyle.
How was CocoBaba born? What was your inspiration?
During my pregnancy, I was looking for a body care line designed especially for moms-to-be that would care for my growing belly. I became acutely aware of what I was putting in and on my body so I needed my new beauty routine to be safe and natural as I was especially concerned with how it could affect my unborn child.
I realized that most products didn’t meet my needs anymore, so I decided to go back to the basics: coconut oil.
I talked to experts about the use, efficiency, and safety of coconut oil. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive as you could imagine. I decided to create my own skincare line whose ingredients I could oversee and make certain it met all my criteria. There needed to be a safe, natural and healing cosmetic line that moms-to-be could trust through those precious 9-months and beyond. This was the beginning of CocoBaba.
Tell us a bit about the name, what does it mean to you?
‘Coco’ obviously comes from the main ingredient in the line, coconut oil. And ‘Baba’ originates from pet names my husband Bruce and I gave each other years ago, which has trickled down to our kids. We are a bunch of Baba’s in the house!
Why was it important to you to create a natural vegan product? What does it mean to you?
I believe showing respect towards nature and its resources are extremely important. While I was pregnant with my first child, my world shifted and felt it important to have a conscious understanding and knowledge about what was healthy and what wasn’t. It’s an exciting time we are living in as there are so many natural options on the market from cosmetics lines to food on the shelves. So, adopting a healthy lifestyle isn’t as hard as it used to be.
Have you encountered obstacles producing a 100% vegan product?
I think because I wanted a natural product it made it easy to get the vegan beauty product I desired. Manufacturing CocoBaba in Germany was another plus as the standards are very high when it comes to producing cosmetics over here. So, I really didn’t encounter any obstacles producing a 100% vegan product.
What is one thing everyone can do to begin living a healthier life?
Commitment. First and foremost. I also think getting to the gym is a great way to jump-start a healthier lifestyle. When you exercise, you want to eat better, you drink more water and sleep better. It’s a positive domino effect.
What are your goals with CocoBaba?
My main focus right now is getting CocoBaba distributed and recognized as a natural skincare line – and not only for moms and moms-to-be. So, we’re working on extending the product range, experimenting with a few innovative ideas, and also gauging how best to introduce the line into new markets. But right now, I’m happy to see how CocoBaba is growing!
You are a mother of two and also a step-mom. What kind of mother are you?
I think I’m a fun mom for the most part. I like being adventurous with my kids and getting dirty with them. But I’m definitely not a pushover and for sure the disciplinarian in our household.
What was the biggest surprise about motherhood? Greatest challenge?
I think getting to know what unconditional love looks like and feels like was the biggest surprise. You hear about it a lot from other parents and you think you grasp it, but I realized after having my kids how magnificent that feeling of unconditional love is.
It tugs at my heartstrings when I have to be away from them, but I feel most empowered when I’m working. So, balance is my greatest challenge.
Value or lesson you most want to instill in your kids?
I hope that they find their passions and pursue them fiercely. That nothing is handed to you and how important grit, hard-work, and resilience is.
Your style as a kid?
I grew up in Southern California close to the beach. So, I think my style was and is still influenced by time in my life. I’m a jeans, t-shirt and converse girl. Comfort over anything still applies.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell myself not to care what other people have to say or think. Just go for it.
Do you have a mantra?
Speak freely, live fearlessly.
Where and when are you happiest?
I’m truly happy and at peace when I’m with my family. We could be anywhere because wherever we are feels like home.
Where do you think you will be after 25 years?
I would hope healthy and happy anywhere!
You might have been interviewed so many times- What's the one question you wished someone would have asked you, but never did?
I rarely get asked about my roots and upbringing.
Cocobaba oil scrub
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