Out From The Crater Of A Thundering Volcano Comes A Gem

No, we’re not talking about a typical gemstone, but rather a local gem in the form of a Vanuatu manufacturer who is on the fast track to becoming a name brand worldwide in the area of natural skin care products. Volcanic Earth has managed to harness the normally destructive power of volcanic ash to produce an exotic range of natural skin care products, with over 54 % of its sales in 2007 coming through an ever-growing list of resellers around the world. Volcanic Earth is headed up by Linda Trenkner and Pam Ryan. They are both strong advocates of all natural, organically grown products and share in the belief that we are all connected to the Earth’s energy and that the stronger the connection, the stronger and healthier we  become. This local manufacturer has incorporated the use of real volcanic ash into its flagship all natural "Elementals" skin care range.  The ash is used in their foot scrubs and body scrubs due to the cleaning, purification and exfoliating qualities of the ash.  “Apart from its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-yeast and overall disinfectant qualities, volcanic ash is high in Sulphur, an active Mineral ingredient which not only helps the body to resist bacteria but actually destroy it. Sulphur is also known to slow down the aging process because of its ability to protect against the toxic effects of pollution and radiation.” said Linda.   Volcanic Earth’s “Elementals” range is comprised of well over 50 different body care  products. The range is split up into the following sub-categories: Unpredictable (a  Frangipani-based line of natural products for women); Eruptable (Sandalwood-based for men); CocoVan (Vanuatu virgin coconut oil, lime& vanilla suitable for everyone) and their Tropical First Aid (incorporating Vanuatu’s famed Tamanu Oil). They even have a range of Bath, Hair and Facial products. “In our Facial Care line, our most popular product is our Honey & Pumice Exfoliant. The combination of micro-fine volcanic pumice powder and honey is extremely effective in the treatment of acne breakouts, skin blemishes and razor bumps.” Linda said. When the business first started out some years ago, it produced a range of “Ash Clothing” that incorporated the use of volcanic ash. Whilst their “Authentic Ash Shirt” and other clothing items are still produced to this day, the skin care side of the business has really taken off in a big way with over 60 new reseller signups since October 2007. Many of these resellers are located in various parts of the United States (including Alaska) with some others in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and even Ireland. On top of all this, Volcanic Earth products are also sold and or used by Iririki Resort &  Spa, the Le Meridien Resort (Port Vila), Moorings Hotel, Goodies, Events Vanuatu, Whitegrass Ocean Resort, Lotus Health & Beauty and our own Vanuatu Tourism Office.  In addition, Volcanic Earth has its own retail outlet in The Adventure Centre in Port Vila. Pictured left are two of Volcanic Earth’s Retail Shop Managers who were selected to undergo an informative but fun 5-day Workshop with a number of the Body Shop's top Shop Managers as part of the Young Entrepreneurs Business and Retail Workshop was held in Port Vila in 2007. Volcanic Earth's retail shop in Port Vila was used as a "model" business for practical work, with participants and a Body Shop Manager visiting the store to reinforce the lessons participants learnt over the course of the workshop. Volcanic Earth products are devoid of any chemicals, artificial preservatives or colourings. These also extend to products such as their Headache Stopper, After Sun Spray and Insect Stopper and are just as effective as their chemical-based counterparts. No products are tested on animals and most of their products can readily be purchased online through their  website at www.volcanicearth.com