We’d like to take a moment to reflect on our journey since the pandemic and share all the exciting developments that have shaped who we are today.
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In 2019, we concluded our last pop-up market in the vibrant city of Abu Dhabi, which never failed to support local businesses. However, we felt the bittersweet pangs of change in the air for the natural beauty segment in the pop-up market scene. While we celebrated continued growth and built a loyal community of customers who thrived on our conversations and personal care products, deep down, we understood that evolution was essential to sustain our success. Little did we know, the world was about to experience an unprecedented shift. |
| Just two months after the festive cheer of Christmas 2019, we found ourselves navigating the quiet onset of 2020 as the pandemic swept through while the segment of the natural beauty industry watched silently. It altered our way of life and how we operated as a business and interacted as individuals. Many of our customers departed Dubai, and with new hygiene standards came many hair and skin challenges. Our supply chains faced disruptions, many suppliers for plant based ingredients or natural and organic ingredients and essential oils folded, and our customers began to communicate a very different narrative about their financial realities and needs from a personal care brand. | 
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The pandemic expedited the evolution of generations—Generation X, Millennials, Gen Z, and even the newly minted Generation Alpha quickly adapted to a changing world, while the “Covid babies” brought an entirely new perspective on lifestyle and preferences. Clearly, if we wanted to continue thriving, we needed to evolve alongside our community. Who was now to choose products with ingredients that were safe and certified cruelty free and came with eco friendly packaging or use recyclable materials, reducing plastic waste while complimenting their haircare and skincare routine sustainably.
While our core principles remained intact, the demand for sustainable products had shifted dramatically. We recognised the importance of establishing new connections with customers, suppliers, and vendors, both locally and internationally. It was time for Pavanito to graduate from its mom-n-pop show format and become retail-ready.
| Between 2021 and 2023, we worked diligently on the frontline, continuing to create and sell our beloved products while creatively recalibrating behind the scenes. This period was marked by several significant milestones: we embarked on a creative journey of rebranding to refresh our aesthetic, forged a partnership to lease GMP-qualified space, and certified all our products with the relevant authorities to ensure we could operate legally, locally and internationally. Our focus was always to keep it lean and efficient. |
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During this transformative phase, we were fortunate to witness growth alongside our only stockist, The Makers Guild, at Times Square Center in Dubai. From a window space at Eggs n’ Soldiers, they blossomed into an independent store, granting us a dedicated kiosk that allowed our offerings to shine. Simultaneously, we enhanced our online presence by revamping our website. |
| Our previous online store had served us well, helping display various products and services and allowing us to sell products, but our customers deserved a better shopping experience. We put tremendous care into developing a platform where you could use your credit cards or debit cards safely and enjoy the ease of online shopping. | 
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In 2021, we ventured into the hospitality segment, expanding our business to business ( B2B ) offerings for businesses of all sizes. We supplied a range of bespoke amenities to a well-loved café in Abu Dhabi, including hand soaps, lotions, sanitisers, candles, and air fresheners, each crafted with the utmost care and quality.
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Our journey of evolution is ongoing. We are establishing more retail partnerships, thoughtfully discontinuing some customer favourites that may have lost their relevance. At the same time, we introduce innovative new products tailored to your ever-changing hair, skin, and lifestyle needs. And, of course, we’re gearing up for a White Christmas in 2024! Since the pandemic, our team has also expanded, and we look forward to increasing our brand’s product offerings, enhancing your choices, and improving the overall consumer experience—both in-store and digitally. |
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On a personal note, I continue to fly as a flight purser and remain deeply involved in the hair and make-up industry, consulting with and dressing brides and grooms. Many of our products are still handcrafted by me, as I stay true to my ethos around lean chemistry and innovative formulation. |
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As we reintroduce Pavanito to you, we are excited about the road ahead. Your love and support have fuelled our passion, and we can’t wait to share more of our journey with you. Here’s to the adventures ahead and a healthier, more vibrant future together!
With warmest regards,
The Pavanito Team